You’re Fired, but Who Cares?

First the bad news.

Chances of an American worker being fired have increased by more than 30% over the last five years, meaning that one in three may be removed from their jobs during their work life.

The good news? Losing your job now carries less disgrace, an executive survey reported.

The study, based on a poll of 150 executives from the nation’s 1,000 largest companies, was conducted by Research Alliance Inc. of San Rafael, Calif., for the Accountemps organization.

Executives who were surveyed were asked: “What percent of all U.S. employees do you estimate will be fired some time in their career?” They estimated that 33% will lose their jobs, compared to 25% in a similar poll conducted five years ago.

Executives were also queried: “In your opinion, does getting fired hold as much stigma now as it did five years ago?” Seventy-nine percent said no, 20% said yes, and 1% said they did not know.