What to do when you get fired lessons from our political leaders

What to do when you get fired lessons from our political leaders What to do when you get fired lessons from our political leadersPosted September 18, 2013, by Marni Williams Politicians have notoriously low job security, so if anyone knows how to get fired and move on, it should be them, right? Well, not always. For better or worse, lets see what we can learn from our esteemed leaders of the past. Take a hint John Howard breezed from election to election in the early 2000s but in 2007 he not only lost the election in a landslide, he also lost his seat. Many say he should have known to step aside earlier. If the writing is on the wall then take notice and abflug to think about your next move having someone pry your fingers from the desk isnt a good look, but moving swiftly into another position that suits you better is. Dont burn bridges Im sure we all feel like writing a burning memoir or tweet, or email about our time in difficult jobs, but have you seen Mark Latham lately? Be come bitter and twisted and youre the only one who will come off badly. Play your cards right and lay the groundwork for an impressive comeback. Emerge quietly from the wreckage and you may just manage a Bob Carr and end up with a plum job with more travel expenses. Step out of the limelight for a moment Our personality-driven pop culture has a lot to answer for with the introduction of the political selfie. But the same goes for us nobodies ambiguous good riddance comments followed by status updates that say Look how good Im doing now smack of more attention-seeking than Kevin Rudd at his morning shave. And speaking of Rudd, hes got a few more lessons for the recently fired if things are awkward, maybe stay clear of industry functions for a while to give everyone some breathing space even if you claw back some allies, its likely to be as short-lived as the time it takes for them to realise they still work there and you dont. Take a break Whether youre a politician or a personal trainer, a job is such a large parte of who we are. Take some time to hurt and adjust to your new surroundings. Dont go straight into job hunting if youre fuming. Make like Julia Gillard make one dignified speech and then retreat entirely, taking solace in family and friends. Which brings me to my next point Stay classy She may not have garnered a mention from Rudd or Abbott on election night, but Julia Gillard broke her silence for the first time to congratulate her old colleagues and even the opposition leader. Take the high road the view is better from there. Take advantage of honesty When heads are on the chopping block a small window of honesty opens up. There cant have been a more honest moment this election than when The Chasers Julian Morrow asked Anthony Albanese whether his appearance on their show was an admission that Labor was going to lose and the MP said, without hesitation, yes. If you are being given the flick, it cant hurt to ask for some candour and revisit it later when you are in the mood for self-improvement. Know that its not always you If youve been caught in a downturn or change of leadership, then Steve Bracks knows how you feel. The former Labor premier was due to abflug his job as consul-general in New York this week and he is the first public servant to be caught in the collateral damage. You cant always change the situation around you, but you can fortify yourself for next time. If you get a redundancy then maybe think about investing in further study if you give yourself options then youre less likely to find yourself at the end of the dole queue. Dont be afraid to try new things Make like Bob Hawke and stay confident hes made tens of millions in business and horseracing, worked as a celebrity journalist and wrote his memoirs in 1994. Or maybe face up to the need for change former prime minister Gough Whitlam slowed the pace when he and his wife, Margaret, decided to leave public life to become European travel tour leaders. Keep a sense of humour Ok, he wasnt technically fired, but Jaymes Diaz made his best move yet when he went on The Chaser this week and said nothing at all. Theres nothing like laughing at your own shortcomings to put life in perspective and get you back on track. And if its too early to laugh, then at least you can be thankful that youre not a politician and no one is going to be writing about your failings tomorrow or in a few years time.Government ResourcesGovernment communications officer sample resumeGovernment communications officer sample cover letterCareer Insider StoriesNatasha Stott Despoja - Senator, South AustraliaInterested in becoming a?Management ConsultantHealth Information ManagerEnvironmental Health OfficerUrban PlannerRegional PlannerPopular Career Searcheshow to become an immigration officer in australiahow to become a Customs Officergovernment funded courses adelaidecertificate iv ranger in local governmentgovernment accredited courses in hypnotherapyGovernment CoursesBachelor of Cyber SecurityEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMaster of Cyber SecurityEnquire Online Enquire OnlineGraduate Certificate of Development and Humanitarian ActionEnquire Online Enquire OnlineDiploma of GovernmentEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMarni WilliamsRelated ArticlesBrowse moreRudd supports new employment initiative for Indigenous AustraliansThe federal government released information yesterday announcing its support for a new project to provide full-time employment for Indigenous Australians.CAREER ADVICEGovernment jobsNavy leadership program for womenIn an effort to improve opportunities for women in leadership roles in the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Government is expanding its Navy Womens Leadership Program in 2010.Government jobsThe public sector a world of opportunityPeople have this idea that working in the public sector is all about boring jobs but it isnt. 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