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Thread: I got fired from my vanilla job!

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    Senior Member Heidi_M's Avatar
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    Default I got fired from my vanilla job!

    I am having a tough time transitioning from a cam girl into an office setting. I recently graduated with my bachelors in business administration-human resources. I took an hr assistant job at a medium sized company and got fired after four days. I received no training. I just got told to get familiar with the hr information system and to get started on a excel project for employee w2’s. I asked my boss a couple questions about excel and she told me to figure it out myself. I finished the project by watching YouTube videos. The next day I got terminated.


    What I have done: I found a excel class at my local library, I am also reading a business etiquette book and I’m considering going to a temp agency to get basic office experience.


    Have any of you gone through the same thing I’m going through? How did you adjust? Any suggestions for different career avenues? My work experience is being a cam girl and serving in restaurants. I’m trying to figure out which career I will be the happiest in and unfortunately hr is not what I thought it would be.Thanks in advance for any feedback!

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    i would definitely try a temp agency. it's their job to find one for you and they make assessments to determine where you may be lacking in skills. honestly? as long as you didn't bullshit, i think they made a poor choice hiring you if you did state you were fresh out of school. to learn excel, i volunteered for habitat for humanity and did some office work for them. i truly loved my time there and they were appreciative, even when i admitted i had never used excel. i picked it up quickly. you can also look into getting apache open office to practice on. it's very similar and free. i use it on my new computer.

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    Veteran Member Dominic.2's Avatar
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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    It's called baptism by fire. Almost no company trains new employees anymore because it's perceived to be too expensive. I don't agree with it.

    You might try the temp agencies, or very large companies (who sometimes, oddly, will still have older employees around who can mentor new recruits since it is still in the company culture -- old habits die hard).

    I'd try the temp agency angle. What you want is a company that has a HR Generalist who is overwhelmed with work, and is willing to hire a temp who can learn quickly. This person ideally may end up being your mentor and help you learn the ropes.

    You DO want to get Excel classes. The problem with Excel, is *lots* of people know how to use it *poorly*. So what you end up with is: you learn all of their bad habits and blend those with any other bad habits you've picked up along the way from other people. You want a good foundation in MS Excel (and assuming you have time - MS Access). Also take a typing class.
    Last edited by Dominic.2; 01-20-2016 at 07:27 PM.

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Why don't you look into Retail Management? I know it doesn't seem glamorous, but at the right company you can make 60k plus benefits especially since you have a bachelors degree; I know some companies even reimburse you for working on your degree if you wanted to get your masters. They will train you, because every company has their standard but the key is you will get experience and who knows maybe you'll work your way up to an corporate administration job. I know a lot of dancers who were able to transition from the club life to work life via the retail route, and they haven't looked back sense.

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Quote Originally Posted by Heidi_M View Post
    .... got fired after four days. I received no training....
    That's on them more so than on you if they never asked. Sorry that happened to you, some day when you're super successful, you'll laugh about your 4-day job!
    Originally Posted by
    I don't know what it is about me that says "wife me up." Everyone wants to choke me or date me. Or both. This job is weird.


    Originally Posted by Nocturnelle
    ... Kittens are assholes but they're just so darn cute.

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    I.T. skills are always good to have. If you're planning on working in HR, PeopleSoft is a good application to learn.

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Did they say anything on your exit interview?

    Did you get caught stealing sugar from the coffee room?

    This is not at all normal

    and in the HR department?

    Seriously?

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    You definitely want to learn the MS Office suite of software. You don't need to know how to write code for excel, but getting a basic idea of how to created simple tables and how to data mine from your existing data is going to be important.

    Also, get a good handle on what Word, Powerpoint, and Publisher can do and get some basic skills on those programs as well. Other software you should be familiar with for office settings is adobe acrobat, quickbooks and how to use scan/print/fax options on office machines and mobile devices. If you are familiar with CRM software like Outlook, most admin jobs require some experience with using CRM as well. This online learning center has been around forever (well, forever for the internet): Lynda.com

    Since you were a cam girl, look more into jobs that require social media expertise vs. administrative work. Tap into any skills you have with Tumblr, wordpress, Twitter, snapchat, Periscope and any other social media platforms you've been using to gain cam clients. Freelance sites like TaskRabbit and Elance would be a way to start doing social media work and getting experience. Also look at fiverr.com where you can offer to make testimonial videos or offer video editing services and social media services to small businesses.

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Thanks! I will get my revenge on glassdoor.lol.
    Quote Originally Posted by CFMNH44 View Post
    That's on them more so than on you if they never asked. Sorry that happened to you, some day when you're super successful, you'll laugh about your 4-day job!

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    Senior Member Heidi_M's Avatar
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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Quote Originally Posted by PrincessAdella View Post
    Why don't you look into Retail Management? I know it doesn't seem glamorous, but at the right company you can make 60k plus benefits especially since you have a bachelors degree; I know some companies even reimburse you for working on your degree if you wanted to get your masters. They will train you, because every company has their standard but the key is you will get experience and who knows maybe you'll work your way up to an corporate administration job. I know a lot of dancers who were able to transition from the club life to work life via the retail route, and they haven't looked back sense.
    I was actually thinking about that. I was thinking about sephora or ulta.Thanks so much!

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    Senior Member Heidi_M's Avatar
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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Quote Originally Posted by Tourdefranzia View Post
    You definitely want to learn the MS Office suite of software. You don't need to know how to write code for excel, but getting a basic idea of how to created simple tables and how to data mine from your existing data is going to be important.

    Also, get a good handle on what Word, Powerpoint, and Publisher can do and get some basic skills on those programs as well. Other software you should be familiar with for office settings is adobe acrobat, quickbooks and how to use scan/print/fax options on office machines and mobile devices. If you are familiar with CRM software like Outlook, most admin jobs require some experience with using CRM as well. This online learning center has been around forever (well, forever for the internet): Lynda.com

    Since you were a cam girl, look more into jobs that require social media expertise vs. administrative work. Tap into any skills you have with Tumblr, wordpress, Twitter, snapchat, Periscope and any other social media platforms you've been using to gain cam clients. Freelance sites like TaskRabbit and Elance would be a way to start doing social media work and getting experience. Also look at fiverr.com where you can offer to make testimonial videos or offer video editing services and social media services to small businesses.
    Great advice!

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    There are definitely mid-size companies out there that offer classes in excel. You would just watch it on the computer (made in-house or by a third party vendor), but not class room taught. Typically these are better than what’s online.

    You might be able to use the cam girl and personality for an entry level sales position. At some places the people making the sales have an assistant that they bring along to talk up the client(s) and being attractive helps.

    Keep at it and you’ll find a place to land. Good luck!

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    I started in the non- profit sector. The pay is slightly lower but they compensate with better benefits, much nicer people and a willingness to train/work with you. Also never let them see you sweat, excel is pretty easy, once you get the hang of it, remember you can Google anything while your working. Don't let getting fired once discourage you, you may have been absolutely perfect and they realized they didn't budget properly or are going out of business. Maybe the manager didn' like your bangs, it could be something stupid. Blow it off, keep learning and go on with your bad self!

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Yes! I do this kind of thing with a small business I own and it's done to test resourcefulness / make sure I don't get someone who needs hand holding .
    Another place with a little more training may work out well for you! Don't give up just because of one company that isn't a good fit.
    Quote Originally Posted by Dominic.2 View Post
    It's called baptism by fire. Almost no company trains new employees anymore because it's perceived to be too expensive. I don't agree with it.

    You might try the temp agencies, or very large companies (who sometimes, oddly, will still have older employees around who can mentor new recruits since it is still in the company culture -- old habits die hard).

    I'd try the temp agency angle. What you want is a company that has a HR Generalist who is overwhelmed with work, and is willing to hire a temp who can learn quickly. This person ideally may end up being your mentor and help you learn the ropes.

    You DO want to get Excel classes. The problem with Excel, is *lots* of people know how to use it *poorly*. So what you end up with is: you learn all of their bad habits and blend those with any other bad habits you've picked up along the way from other people. You want a good foundation in MS Excel (and assuming you have time - MS Access). Also take a typing class.

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    God/dess carmen_b's Avatar
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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Just a small hint too.., you can Outsource your own training in a situation like this too ( you'll basically hire someone to show you anything you need ). Hiring someone just an hour or two a day and getting access to that person via calls / texts may be another solution.

    I don't really agree with *no* training either.

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    It sounds like the job wasn't a good fit for you right now. From your detail, I would guess that they figured the impression they got of you as a candidate was different once you started working. In the future, unless it's for clarification or specifics, google instead of asking your boss how to carry out any tasks, especially for easily searched topics. And if you have to ask, give your interpretation, to show you've put thought into it and to avoid giving the impression that you don't understand the high level task.

    As long as you learned something from your experience your job was worth it. Good luck~

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    I might be way off the mark but....it sounds like they hired you for the express purpose of getting that one project done, then got rid of you once you finished. Either way, that sucks, fuck them. There will be something better out there.

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Hm, well I'm not sure exactly what you're doing but have you tried being a virtual secretary or a site like Upwork where you freelance and work your own hours? Hope this helps :-)

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Quote Originally Posted by PrincessAdella View Post
    Why don't you look into Retail Management? I know it doesn't seem glamorous, but at the right company you can make 60k plus benefits especially since you have a bachelors degree; I know some companies even reimburse you for working on your degree if you wanted to get your masters. They will train you, because every company has their standard but the key is you will get experience and who knows maybe you'll work your way up to an corporate administration job. I know a lot of dancers who were able to transition from the club life to work life via the retail route, and they haven't looked back sense.
    Management positions are $$$$, so it seems like the best fit for you. $$$$ and autonomy

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Glad you're taking a class on it. If you want an office job, most of the time you're going to need to know Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), be skilled in written communication, and be a fast typist. I agree that you should NEVER let on that you don't know what you're doing (at least when it's something you were expected to know when they hired you). Google it, and if you must, ask for help in a way that shows your existing knowledge. Faking it til' you make it can take you a long way.

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Quote Originally Posted by seashell View Post
    Glad you're taking a class on it. If you want an office job, most of the time you're going to need to know Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), be skilled in written communication, and be a fast typist. I agree that you should NEVER let on that you don't know what you're doing (at least when it's something you were expected to know when they hired you). Google it, and if you must, ask for help in a way that shows your existing knowledge. Faking it til' you make it can take you a long way.
    Yes. We live in an economic climate that now assumes professional knowledge of things that were previously considered to be assets (fast typing, working knowledge of Office, fantastic communication / organization skills, etc.). It's so funny to talk to older folks about how they got their first jobs out of college, because things used to be so much easier (due to less competition, lower expectations for education, the inclusion of extensive paid training upon hiring, etc.).

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    Quote Originally Posted by seashell View Post
    Glad you're taking a class on it. If you want an office job, most of the time you're going to need to know Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), be skilled in written communication, and be a fast typist. I agree that you should NEVER let on that you don't know what you're doing (at least when it's something you were expected to know when they hired you). Google it, and if you must, ask for help in a way that shows your existing knowledge. Faking it til' you make it can take you a long way.
    All of this. Though I am also surprised that this was an issue. Most BBA programs include at least two Intro to Accounting classes as core requirements and you usually cannot get through these classes without having to complete a number of spreadsheet assignments. Heck, I was forced to learn basic spreadsheet functions in my Bachelor program and I received my degree over 20 years ago, lol. Now admittedly things like linked spreadsheets, which are more common in real world offices, can be a little more challenging, but even still they can usually be puzzled out by following the formulas.

    Anyway, a couple of people have been throwing a lot of program names out around here, but IMHO you should start by learning the fundamentals of Word and Excel. You simply cannot function in any office anywhere without these two. I also agree with seashell that PowerPoint and Outlook are important, but Outlook will likely be pretty intuitive once you know Word (it is basically just like any other email program with a Word based editor built in) and knowing Word and Excel will also make PowerPoint much easier to figure out.

    Programs like Access, Adobe Writer, etc., are also nice to have, but I'd place them at a distant second as many companies don't use them as heavily or only for specialized purposes. It is also more excusable if you need training for these types of programs, along with whatever other specialized software that companies use for CRM, inventory management, graphic design projects, etc.

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    Default Re: I got fired from my vanilla job!

    As I read through this thread, I realize I'm rather lucky to be hired for the company that I'm working for. The put me through a paid internship for over two months before I was put into my position nearly 3 months ago. They also give incentives to keep learning with their extended program.

    I originally followed this thread because I had a shit day at my new vanilla job. I'm a personal trainer that specializes in fixing the broken and give senior citizens hope. There is another female co-worker who took over for the very loved, full time trainer who had a nice roster of clients. Me? I took over for the cute news reporter who worked when she wanted (very part time) and only had two regular clients. I was left with only one. She started two weeks before me. In less than 3 months, I now have almost 10, while my co worker has almost 3 times that. She is starting to treat me like she is my boss. We started out having an amazing work chemistry, now she makes me want to shut down and not communicate. But somehow I still do.

    And even though, I'm in top athletic shape, really want to help these clients and have said nothing bad; some of these clients won't even let me sub for them. I'm a lot smaller than her and lower body fat. Most of our clientle is older and female. I have to admit , I swim in our uniforms. Even an extra small doesn't fit. Maybe the think because I'm small, that I won't be strong enough to help them if something bad were to happen. Maybe the feel more comfortable with a thicker female trainer? Who the hell knows?!

    I guess I'll stop bitching. I did land an $800 bonus the the other day, although I don't get it until 5/15. Welcome to the real world.

    I agree with the rest. Outlook is a pretty universal thing to learn.

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