How to Fire Your Boss – A Follow Up

When I wrote about how to fire your boss, I didn’t realize that it would become one of the most popular post on this blog. Obviously it is something a lot of people are interested in.

So I asked on Twitter and Facebook, “What is the number one concern you have that stops you from firing your boss?”

The number one answer was “How would I pay my bills?”

And I thought, how would you your bills if your boss fired you instead?

Most people, when faced with the situation of losing their job, will find a way to pay their bills one way or another, sooner or later. So why can’t they do the same when making the decision themselves, instead of being forced?

Because there is no pressure to fire your boss. You are on cruise control and there is no immediate threat. It is easier to go on. But when you are let go and are faced with the dilemma of how to pay the bills, you find a solution. Most likely, the solution will put you in a worst scenario than you were in before, but it might also light the fire under your butt to start that business you always wanted to, or pursue your passion. It will all depend on your financial situation.

If you are in a position where getting fired would not get you to scurry on to take the next job you can find and you can evaluate all your options, then you really don’t have anything to worry about. you can fire your boss and take your time evaluating your options, or better yet, evaluate all your options and decide on the best one before firing your boss.

But what if I am not in that position?

Well, then now would be a good time to evaluate your options, before it becomes a pressing issue.

Start with an honest assessment of your financial situation.

Do you have savings that you can rely on? If so, for how long?

I knew that I can survive for six months or so before I would have to go crawling to ask back for my job or before my wife kicked me out. That gave me sufficient comfort when I decided to fire my boss. That was three and half years ago.

Do you have any non-essential or discretionary expenses that you can eliminate from your life?

For me, that meant giving up on the junk food breakfast at the Mickey Dee every morning. That was a savings of almost $200 per month. Every little bit adds up. Be brutally honest.

Can you be a part time self bosser?

Is it possible for you to start something on the side that can generate additional income, or can you take a part time job to help with some of the bills and extend the comfort period while your business becomes profitable enough to replace or exceed your current income?

Is it even necessary for you to replace or exceed your current income? Some people have found that by re-evaluating their life priorities have made it possible for them to live with less income and be happier.

The Bottom Line

If you are not happy with your work situation, then get proactive. Determine what you want to do or get from your work experience, and take the steps that will move you in that direction.

One more thing. When I talk about firing your boss, I don’t necessarily mean to become self employed, if that’s not your cup of tea. You can always fire one boss and hire another better one. It is all in the perspective.