I Got Fired, Now What? The Part Nobody Talks About

Key Takeaways

• You don’t owe anyone shame

• Yes, you still deserve a good job

• You can, and should, negotiate your next contract

• Time off isn’t free. Be careful with long gaps

• You might need to pivot, even if it stings

• Getting fired doesn’t erase your skill

• Your story isn’t over. Don’t hand the pen to someone else.

What Just Happened to Me?

What do you say when someone asks why you left your last job?
You pause. You blink. Maybe you mumble something vague.

Getting fired hits weird. For physicians, it’s not just a job. It’s your name. It’s your training. It’s your whole damn identity. So what now?

Do you tell the truth in interviews? Do you sugarcoat it? Do you pretend it didn’t happen and hope they don’t call your old employer?

There’s no perfect script. But employers will ask. So you need your version of the story. One that’s honest. One that doesn’t wreck your chances. And one you can say out loud without flinching.

What If I Just Want To Crawl In A Hole?

That’s normal. Don’t. But it’s normal.

You feel embarrassed. You feel like you failed. You didn’t. Or maybe you did. Either way, failure isn’t fatal. Shame isn’t permanent.

Here’s what does matter:

• What you do now.

• How you explain it.

• What job you take next.

Do not rush into another job just to make the pain go away. That’s how people end up in another toxic contract that breaks them all over again.

We’ve talked about this before in what to do before you get your physician contract. That part doesn’t change just because you’re hurting.

Can I Take A Break First?

You can. But you probly shouldn’t take too long.

Time off sounds great in theory. But skills erode. Speed drops. And the longer you're out, the more hiring managers start to wonder.

• Did you lose your license?

• Were you involved in a lawsuit?

• Why didn’t anyone else hire you?

They don’t ask these questions out loud. But they’re thinking them. So plan your time off like it has an expiration date.

Even if you need to recalibrate your soul, keep the clock in your head ticking. Treat it like it matters. 

What If I Can’t Get My Ideal Job Anymore?

You might not. Not right away.

And that sucks. But pivoting doesn’t mean giving up. Maybe you take:

• A temp job

• A night shift

• A more generalist role if you’re subspecialized

• Something academic when you always wanted private

Swallowing pride tastes bad. But it can be survival. If you want to rebuild your career, you might need to do the less-pretty thing first.

Like we explained in how to find the right practice fit, the goal isn’t perfect, it’s sustainable.

You need income. You need a new reference. You need to feel like a doctor again. Any decent job can give you all three.

How Do I Explain Getting Fired?

Don't lie.
Don’t over-explain.
Don't go bitter.

Instead, use a short, honest answer that shows growth. Like:

“There was a mismatch in expectations and communication. I’ve reflected a lot on it, and I’m focused now on finding the right mutual fit where I can contribute long-term.”

Done. Next question.

Just like we covered in how to negotiate your physician contract without sounding pushy, the tone you use matters more than the words.

Don’t sound defensive. Don’t trash your old employer. You’re telling your story, so tell the version that helps you move forward.

What Should I Watch Out For This Time?

Everything. Seriously.

You’re not just signing a job offer. You’re rebuilding trust, in yourself, in a system that let you down, maybe in the profession as a whole.

So now’s the time to get picky. Re-read everything. Negotiate harder. Don’t assume “standard” terms are good terms.

Use this list:

• Ask about termination without cause rules

• Check the notice period

• Clarify performance metrics and what gets you fired

We break all of that down in 12 key terms in physician contracts if you need a refresher.

What If I’m Over 50?

Then you might have to fight harder. 

Age bias exists. People don’t say it out loud. But they wonder if you’ll “burn out” or “keep up.” And if you were fired recently, they’ll assume you’re washed up.

You’re not. You’re experienced. That’s worth something. But you might need to:

• Consider telemed

• Pick up part-time work first

• Look at out-of-state options

• Build new skills (MBA, MHA, etc.)

A few docs even get creative: consulting, chart review, med legal work. Options exist. But you might need to dig deeper to find them.

How Do I Protect Myself In The Next Job?

Easy. You don’t wing it.

Before you take the next offer, prep like hell. Learn the clauses. Know your risks. Bring strategy into the conversation, not just hope.

And take this next step seriously

The Smartest Thing You Can Do Next

You’re probably gonna hire a lawyer. Good. You should.
But most of us don’t know what to ask the lawyer.

That’s where The Real Contract Course changes the game.

It's built for physicians, especially ones who’ve been burned. It breaks down:

• How to spot red flags

• What non-competes really mean for your state

• How to prep for your next negotiation

• What your lawyer won’t have time to teach you

This course helps you protect your career before you sit down with your attorney. It makes that $600/hour legal review actually worth it.

If you've ever thought “I wish someone just explained this stuff to me without the BS,” this is it.