Losing your job isn’t something most people plan for, but it happens more often than you think. Whether you’re running a small team or working within one, it pays to understand what can lead to you being fired from your job.

This way, you can avoid common missteps before they become career-ending mistakes.

Below are 20 reasons people get fired. If you’re an employer, this list might help you identify issues early. If you’re an employee, take this as a practical guide to staying secure in your role.

1. Poor performance

Let’s start with the obvious. Failing to meet the core expectations of your role is the most common reason for being let go. Whether it’s missing deadlines, making repeated mistakes, or not hitting targets, underperformance puts pressure on your team and manager.

2. Frequent lateness or absenteeism

Everyone runs late once in a while. But repeated lateness or taking unplanned days off can disrupt team productivity and signal a lack of reliability. Over time, this becomes a major concern for employers.

3. Dishonesty or theft

From taking cash out of the till to lying about hours worked, dishonesty erodes trust fast. Even minor misconduct can lead to termination if it breaches company policy or ethics.

4. Misusing company resources

Using work tools, company vehicles, or business accounts for personal benefit is often against policy. This includes things like printing your own business flyers or spending hours on personal phone calls while on the clock.

5. Breaking company policies

Every workplace has rules,usually for good reason. Whether it’s a code of conduct, confidentiality agreement, or dress code. Consistently ignoring these rules, especially after being warned, is a common reason people are let go.

6. Bullying or harassment

Modern workplaces take inappropriate behaviour seriously. Harassment, bullying, or any behaviour that creates a hostile environment is usually met with formal investigation. And often dismissal.

7. Breaching confidentiality

Sharing internal documents, leaking client details, or discussing sensitive matters outside of work can damage business relationships and reputation. In many industries, this is considered gross misconduct.

8. Substance use on the job

Turning up to work drunk or high, or using substances while on duty, can be dangerous and illegal. Especially if you drive machinery or are responsible for public safety.

9. Insubordination

Refusing to follow clear and reasonable instructions from your manager may be seen as defiance. While open communication is important, outright refusal or public disrespect often leads to disciplinary action.

10. Social media misuse

Posting offensive content, criticising your employer online, or disclosing private work matters on social media is risky. Many people have lost their jobs over what seemed like ‘harmless’ posts.

11. Conflict of interest

Running a side hustle that competes with your employer, or favouring one client over another for personal gain, can break your employment agreement and damage trust.

12. Ignoring safety rules

Workplace safety is non-negotiable. If you continually bypass procedures or put others at risk, especially in trades, healthcare, or transport, you’re likely to be shown the door.

13. Lying on your resume

If your qualifications, experience, or references turn out to be fabricated, your job offer (or position) can be withdrawn immediately. Honesty always lasts longer than a polished CV.

14. Sexual misconduct

Any form of unwanted contact, offensive jokes, or inappropriate messages is not just unethical, it can be unlawful. Employers have a duty of care to protect their staff, and this type of behaviour is taken seriously.

15. Being unfit for the role

Many roles require a pre employment medical before you start, to assess your fitness and suitability for a role, especially if it can be physically demanding. Lying about your fitness or getting a fake pre employment medical can get you fired from your job.

16. Poor cultural fit

Sometimes, being technically good at the job isn’t enough. If your attitude or communication style consistently clashes with your team or workplace culture, it may not be the right fit long-term.

17. Resisting change

Refusing to adapt to new processes, systems, or team structures can be seen as obstructive. In today’s fast-moving world, businesses value flexibility and learning over rigid thinking.

18. Gossiping or causing division

Talking behind people’s backs, spreading rumours, or stirring conflict can create a toxic environment. Even if you’re skilled at your role, no team thrives on tension.

19. Avoiding accountability

Blaming others, making excuses, or dodging responsibility doesn’t build trust. Accountability is one of the most respected workplace traits. If you constantly pass the buck,  your boss will notice, and eventually you’ll be asked to leave.

20. Business decisions (not your fault)

Sometimes, being fired has nothing to do with you. Economic downturns, restructures, automation, or mergers can result in job losses across entire departments. It’s frustrating, but unfortunately common.

Real-life examples of famous firings

Think getting fired is the end of the road? Think again. Some of the world’s most successful people were once let go…and came back stronger than ever.

Steve Jobs. Fired from Apple

In 1985, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was forced out of the very company he helped create. He went on to found NeXT (which was later acquired by Apple), and returned to lead Apple into one of the most successful periods in its history.

Oprah Winfrey. Fired from a news role

Oprah was once told she was ‘unfit for television’ after being removed from her evening news anchor role in Baltimore. She later built a media empire and became one of the most recognisable faces on the planet.

J.K. Rowling. Fired from Amnesty International

Before writing Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling worked as a researcher and bilingual secretary. She was let go due to daydreaming too much on the job. Those daydreams turned into a global publishing success.

Elon Musk. Ousted from PayPal

While Elon Musk is now known for leading Tesla and SpaceX, he was once fired as CEO of PayPal during a company trip. That didn’t stop him…he used his buyout money to fund his next ventures.

Anna Wintour. Fired from Harper’s Bazaar

Before becoming editor-in-chief of Vogue, Wintour was dismissed from Harper’s Bazaar for having a vision that didn’t align with the publication.

She later said, ‘Everyone should be sacked at least once. It forces you to look at yourself.’
What can we learn?

Getting fired is rarely enjoyable. But it isn’t always final. Many firings can be prevented with self-awareness, accountability, and communication.

And in some cases, being let go might be the push you need to pursue something even better.

Here’s a quick recap of how to stay on the front foot:

• Show up on time, prepared and reliable
• Communicate openly and respectfully
• Follow safety, privacy, and company policies
• Embrace change and be open to feedback
• Don’t gossip, stir drama, or point fingers
• Keep your online presence professional

Marshall Thurlow is Director and Founder of Orion Marketing Pty Ltd. He is a digital marketer with expertise in SEO, website design, content marketing, and project management.