Getting Fired : What to Do if You're Fired, Downsized, Laid Off, Restructured, Discharged, Terminated, or Forced to Resign

Rating:
Summary: A helpful book at the right time for my career...
Review: As a successful college football coordinator, I realize that my job is always under public scrutiny. Regardless of the fact that I, and the team, am highly successful and that we make our yearly trip to the Holiday Bowl, there is always the outside chance that people are not satisfied with my performance. With my ability to scheme. With my ability to adjust during a game. With my ability to develop talent. With my ability to utilize talent. But I digress.

The previous review noted that the book was only good if you are planning to sue. I don't see this as a negative. In fact, the threat of a lawsuit is certainly a reasonable way to maintain one's position. Also, I've discovered that it's very important to have photographs of one's superior in, shall we say, a "compromising position". I got that idea from the movie "The Firm", and it's allowed me to maintain a career track that is highly enviable.

I appreciate the advice in this book in response to getting fired, in particular the section dealing with "how to protect your pension". Why, just last year I gave my good friend Bull some advice on this very subject which turned out to be a huge help for him. He's now sitting out on his bass boat, fishing while collecting an amazing pension.

The part of this book that I disagree with is entitled "the right way to resign your position". There is no right way and no right time to do this. First, make them fire you. Screw them if they can't see your brilliance. Second, make sure you have those compromising photographs! These ensure that your boss complements you publicly, like "Greg is doing the best job in the country".

In all, this book was very helpful to me, and I plan to use many of these strategies to ensure proper compensation if I am fired. Oh, and I'll publish those pictures too. Which should serve as a reminder - never fall asleep in a strip club in Mexico if your friend has a camera! Ah ha ha ha ha ha!


Rating:
Summary: Emotional strength during a tough job crisis
Review: During a restructuring phase at my company, i had the heavy feeling of not knowing if I was going to be next on the ax list. I stumbled across this book at a bookstore, not really looking for it. Reading the title, I said to myself that this is what I need right now. Very good solid stable advice from a seasoned pro in this field. Knowledge is power and this book gives you an extra kick of power.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Read!
Review: Nobody wants to need Stephen Mitchell Sack's new book, but everyone should. Anyone can be fired, anytime. Sack was sacked, unfairly, from his first job out of law school. It must have ticked him off, because he's become the adviser of the pink-slipped population. His book explains when to call a lawyer if you're fired and gives an overview of U.S. laws protecting employees from discrimination and unfair dismissal. Despite the necessary legal lingo, the author keeps it readable. He warns you to prepare for dismissal before it ever happens and shows that simple record keeping can boost your severance package. From sample letters to a list of relevant government agencies, this is one handy manual for the let-go, downsized, or dismissed. However, its utility is limited to those working under U.S. laws. We at getAbstract recommend this book to employers and employees, regardless of whether you think you need it. You do.

Rating:
Summary: Not my Bag, Baby
Review: Only useful if you're planning to sue. Very depressing if you're searching for emotional support/help only. Do not recommend it overall. Too negative.