How to deal with the words, 'you're fired'

Washington: Two words you don't want to hear at work - "you're fired". The phrase made famous by Donald Trump in The Apprentice is now ringing in the ears of hundreds of thousands of Americans being laid off in recent months. Patricia McKinney is one of them.

"To be laid off, it was not a good feeling, because it was unexpected and when it did happen, you think well, I'll find something, but it's just been all down hill everywhere you go," she says.

But there are ways to make a graceful exit when you get the let go. Career advisors say keep your anger and disappointment in check and instead position yourself for the future.

Careerbuilder.com's Rosemary Haefner says, "The worst thing for an individual to do is sort of get stuck in that emotional zone. To move on if you're looking ahead, if you're being practical, that gives you control back to your situation."

Leaving on the best terms possible could also get you a letter of recommendation to use for your job hunt and career advisors say now is time to bone up on new skills.

DC Department of Employment Services' Joe Walsh says, "A lot of folks find they have to change their industry, they have to look for something different and it may require more training to find a new job."

It's also helpful to seek out career centers in your neighborhood and even on-line networks to expand your search. Career advisors say the stigma that was once attached to being fired, is now pretty much non-existent.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)

#US financial crisis #stocks #lay offs #pink slips