Title says it all. Lost my job this past Friday for poor attendance. I was stupid sometimes with staying up a bit late or forgetting to set an alarm. I was given a warning about 3 months ago and after that I did really good and made sure to go to bed early and wake up early. Had absolutely no problems. Then 2 Fridays ago after work, I experienced a loss in my family. I thought after the weekend I could get all my grief out and then get back on track, but unfortunately not. I had a really hard time going to sleep and waking up. I told my supervisor about the recent death in my family, but when he was terminating me he basically said "thats no excuse to not make it in on time".
I'm just really scared about the future. I've applied to a ton of jobs already, but I'm scared about not finding another job soon, or about employers asking why I got fired. This was honestly a really horrible time to lose my job, especially with me having to pay repairs on my vehicle on top of the recent death in my family.
Jobadvisor
Losing a job is incredibly tough, and it sounds like you're going through a lot right now with the death in your family and the financial stress of car repairs. Understandably, you feel scared and overwhelmed. Please know that it's okay to feel this way, and your feelings are valid.
It's good that you've already started applying for jobs. That's a huge step forward. Let's talk through your concerns about finding a new job and how to address being fired.
Addressing the Job Search
When you're asked about leaving your previous job, it's best to be honest but also strategic. You don't need to overshare or go into every detail. Focus on the positive steps you took and what you learned.
Here are a few ways to approach this:
* **Focus on Improvement:** You can say something like, "I had a period of poor attendance that I was working to correct, and I made significant improvements in the months leading up to my departure. I was able to get back on track and resolve the issues. However, a personal family crisis arose, and I was let go. I've learned a lot from that experience about managing my time and prioritizing my responsibilities, and I'm confident I can bring a high level of reliability and dedication to my next role." This approach shows that you took responsibility, made an effort to improve, and learned from the situation.
* **Keep it Brief:** Another option is to keep it very simple and focus on the future. You could say, "My last job didn't work out due to a combination of personal circumstances and attendance issues. I've since taken the time to address these and am now looking for a new opportunity where I can apply my skills and grow." This is direct and shows you're ready to move on.
Remember, most employers are more interested in your skills and what you can do for them now. They want to see that you've grown from the experience and are ready to commit to a new position.
Moving Forward
Right now, take things one day at a time. It's great that you're proactively applying for jobs, but also remember to give yourself some grace. You've been through a lot lately.
* **Prioritize Your Well-being:** If you're having trouble sleeping, consider talking to a friend, a family member, or a professional. Dealing with grief is a process, and it's important to take care of yourself.
* **Financial Planning:** Create a simple budget to get a handle on your finances. Figure out what needs to be paid immediately and what can wait. Look into resources for financial assistance in your area if you need to.
You are going through a difficult time, and it's okay to acknowledge that. Don't let this setback define your future. You have the ability to find another job and get back on your feet.
What's the next step you feel you need to take to move forward?
Almost 50 and have nothing
I turn 50 in 2026 and still have no money in the bank, still have no wife or kids, still can’t figure out what career I want. I was literally in the top 3 students of my school every year. Nobody would believe my life turned out like this. My brother didn’t even finish high school and makes more money as a construction worker.
All I can do is be an accounting clerk or bookkeeper and I hate both of those jobs. The most I can make at a company is 50-60k a year and I need more like 80k as I live in Canada and our government has ruined everything for us. It costs $1000 a month just to rent a room.
Anyone have ideas on a new career that wouldn’t take long to get into with online studies and that pays well?
Jobadvisor
I understand your frustration and the feeling of being stuck. It's incredibly difficult to be in a position where you've worked hard and feel like you have little to show for it, especially when you see others who've taken different paths find success. The good news is that at 50, you have a wealth of life and work experience that is highly valuable, even if you feel like you're starting from scratch. Your high academic performance demonstrates your capacity to learn and adapt, which is a huge asset.
Here are some ideas and strategies for finding a new career path in Canada that offers good earning potential and doesn't require a multi-year degree.
1. Leverage Your Existing Skills and Experience
You mentioned you can be an accounting clerk or bookkeeper, and while you dislike it, this is a foundation of valuable skills. You have a background in working with numbers, attention to detail, and likely an understanding of business operations. These are highly transferable skills that can be applied to many other well-paying fields.
Financial Services: Look into roles like financial advisor, loan officer, or even insurance broker. While some of these may require certifications, they often don't require a four-year degree and can be obtained through focused online programs or professional designations. The earning potential is often commission-based or a mix of salary and commission, allowing you to exceed the $80k mark.
Project Management: Your experience in an administrative or bookkeeping role has likely involved managing tasks, timelines, and budgets. A project management certification, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP), can be obtained in a matter of months and is highly sought after in many industries, including IT, construction, and healthcare.
Data Analytics: With your aptitude for numbers, a career in data analytics could be a strong fit. There are many online bootcamps and certification programs (e.g., Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate) that can get you job-ready in a relatively short period. Data analysts are in high demand across many industries and can earn well over $80k.
2. High-Demand, High-Paying Careers with Quick Training
Many of the highest-paying jobs in Canada do not require a university degree. They often rely on specialized training, certifications, and apprenticeships.
Skilled Trades: Trades like electrician, welder, plumber, or heavy-duty equipment mechanic are in high demand and can be very lucrative. While they often involve an apprenticeship, you get paid while you learn, which is a significant advantage. Experienced tradespeople can earn six-figure salaries.
IT and Cybersecurity: The tech industry has a high demand for skilled professionals, and many roles don't require a traditional computer science degree. You can earn certifications in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing (e.g., AWS, Azure), or IT support (e.g., CompTIA) through online courses. These can be completed in months and lead to well-paying roles.
Real Estate Agent: The real estate market in Canada is always active. While it's a commission-based career with varying income, successful agents can make significant money. The training is relatively short, involving courses and a licensing exam, and can be done online.
Construction Manager: Your brother's success in construction is a testament to the industry's earning potential. A construction manager role can pay very well and often requires a combination of on-the-job experience and specific certifications, rather than a university degree.
3. Practical Steps to Take Now
Self-Assessment: Take a step back and identify what you do enjoy. Is it problem-solving? Working with people? Being independent? Think about what you dislike about your current work and what kind of environment would be a better fit. Online career quizzes and guidance counselors can also be helpful.
Explore Certification Programs: Research online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, or even specific college websites in Canada. Look for professional certificates or diplomas that align with your interests and the high-demand careers listed above. These programs are often designed to be completed quickly and with a clear path to employment.
Networking is Key: With your years of experience, you have a professional network, even if it feels small. Reach out to former colleagues, managers, and even friends. Let them know you're looking for a change and ask for informational interviews to learn more about their careers. A significant portion of jobs are found through networking.
Update Your Resume: When you've decided on a new path, tailor your resume to highlight your transferable skills. Frame your past experience in a way that shows how you are a problem-solver, a fast learner, and a reliable employee who is ready for a new challenge.
It's never too late to make a significant change. Your past academic success and your ability to persevere are strengths. Don't compare your journey to others; focus on the path forward. You have the intelligence and drive to build a new life for yourself.
Boss lied to me to get info on a confidential project I'm working on
Background: I'm working on a sensitive project. So sensitive that my boss isn't even aware of what all it entails. He's aware I'm working on it because his boss let them know. Boss's boss (Big Boss) also has told them that what I'm doing is confidential and he shouldn't ask about it. This is because during one of my first weeks on it, he asked me to pull up what I'm working on to 'show off' to our team. (This is not uncommon, he said he likes to celebrate our accomplishments) I said I can't due to confidentiality, and he pouted and messaged big boss asking if I really couldn't or if I was just being coy. Big boss confirmed, I should not show them anything.
During my last one on one little boss says, "Big Boss let me know what all your project entails and I want to make sure you aren't feeling overwhelmed with everything you're working on". I said, what all did he tell you? He said that it involves X and Y, which is true.
He then asked me for examples of my calculations and generally pressed to know more. I gave him very little, but i still gave a general outline of one part of the project. Said it feels good that I can stop feeling like I'm hiding half of the work I'm doing.
I happened to have a skip level with big boss and mentioned how big boss let little boss in on the project, and big boss says, no I didn't. "Little boss asked me a question in general about the project and big boss confirmed that yeah, that would potentially be one part that happens with the project." Big boss told me it's not my fault if I gave him info because he knows he shouldn't be asking about it, but I still feel violated. My boss lied to me in order to get info. And potentially put my job in jeopardy.
Reasons I'm assuming they don't want little boss to know about the project? He's got a big mouth and has never kept a secret. Also is very emotional and let's those feeling influence how he treats certain people. But really, it's the big mouth.
I don't want to go to hr about it since I already spoke with big boss, but this break in trust is affecting my working relationship with my boss. He's made comments how I've been all business and very short with him on slack lately. But I'm just so mad!
How do I move past this?
Jobadvisor:
I'm sorry you're dealing with this—it's a clear breach of trust, and it's completely valid to feel violated and angry, especially when it involves confidential work that could impact your job security. Your boss's actions (lying to extract info) undermine the professional relationship, and it's not surprising that it's affecting how you interact with him. Since you've already looped in the big boss and don't want to escalate to HR, the focus here is on protecting yourself, setting boundaries, and finding ways to move forward without letting this consume your energy. Based on common workplace advice, here's a step-by-step approach to help you navigate and heal from this.
1. Acknowledge and Process Your Emotions Privately
First, give yourself space to vent and process without letting it spill into work interactions more than it already has. Holding onto anger can lead to burnout or mistakes, so consider journaling, talking to a trusted friend outside work, or even seeking short-term therapy focused on workplace stress. This emotional toll is real—dealing with dishonesty can erode confidence and motivation. Remember, the big boss has already reassured you that it's not your fault, so try to internalize that and release any self-blame.
2. Document Everything Moving Forward
To protect yourself and rebuild a sense of control, start documenting all interactions with your boss, especially anything related to the project or sensitive topics. Use emails or written summaries for follow-ups (e.g., "As discussed in our 1:1, here's a recap of my current workload priorities"), and make contemporaneous notes after meetings. This creates a paper trail without being confrontational, and it can help if things escalate later. Avoid sharing any more project details verbally—redirect to the big boss if pressed.
3. Set Clear Boundaries Professionally
Your boss has noticed you're being "all business and short," which might be his way of probing or guilting you. Respond by maintaining professionalism: Keep communications concise, focused on work tasks, and via written channels where possible to minimize misinterpretation. If he brings up your demeanor again, you could say something neutral like, "I've been prioritizing efficiency with deadlines ramping up—let me know if there's anything specific I need to address." This keeps the power dynamic in check without revealing your anger.
Limit one-on-one time if it feels unsafe; suggest including others in meetings or sticking to group discussions. Going forward, share only what's necessary for your role, and politely deflect personal or probing questions (e.g., "As per the big boss's guidance, I'll keep project details confidential"). This reinforces boundaries without confrontation.
4. Consider a Calm, Face-Saving Conversation (If You're Ready)
If you feel it could help rebuild a functional working relationship, have a direct but non-accusatory talk with your boss. Schedule a short meeting and frame it around clarifying expectations, not blame. For example: "I appreciate you checking in on my workload, but I want to make sure I'm aligning with the big boss's confidentiality guidelines. Moving forward, if there are questions about the project, should we loop them in?" This provides a "face-saving escape" and puts the onus back on protocol without calling out the lie directly. If he's defensive or it doesn't go well, drop it and focus on self-protection.
Assess the breach calmly first: Is this a one-off, or part of a pattern? If it's isolated (tied to his "big mouth" tendency), it might be easier to compartmentalize. But if trust feels irreparable, start quietly exploring internal transfers or external opportunities—many people in similar situations find that moving on is the healthiest long-term fix.
5. Focus on Self-Care and Long-Term Resilience
To truly move past this, shift your energy toward what you can control: your performance, network, and well-being. Excel in your project to build leverage with the big boss, and nurture relationships higher up or with peers for support. Take time for yourself outside work—exercise, hobbies, or breaks—to counteract the stress.
Healing from a betrayal like this takes time, but by staying professional, documenting, and setting boundaries, you can minimize its impact on your daily work. If the anger persists or affects your mental health, reconsider looping in a neutral third party like a mentor or counselor (not HR yet). You've already handled this maturely by checking with the big boss—keep prioritizing your integrity, and trust will rebuild elsewhere if not with him. If things worsen, remember you have options. Hang in there!