Worker Gets Told To Start A New Project Despite Being Fired, They Agree, Knowing They Won’t Do It

The loss of your job can feel like running out of air underwater. One day, you’re settled into your routine, paying your bills and sending your kid off to basketball camp, and the next, you have no clue when or where your paycheck will come from. People need time to process this, but after Reddit user YolaGod was laid off, they were immediately told to start—and finish—a new project before packing their things. Needless to say, the worker wasn’t very motivated to complete it. Instead, they decided to get back at the managers who had come up with the idea.

Layoffs suck and no amount of corporate jargon can make them hurt less

Worker in office packing belongings into a box, showing the moment of being fired and new project refusal.

Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

So, this worker decided to make their exit unforgettable

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Text excerpt about a worker told to start a new project despite being fired, agreeing without intending to do it.

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Text excerpt showing a worker agreeing to start a new project despite being fired, highlighting team player attitude.

Worker in office, looking stressed while sitting at a desk with multiple computer screens, project assignment ignored.

Image credits: unsplash (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt showing a worker describing creating a fake project folder with buzzwords while knowing they won’t do the new project.

Text excerpt about a worker scheduled to demo an imaginary AI project despite lacking resources and being fired.

Text excerpt showing a worker mentioning rehiring and continuing to develop despite being told to start a new project.

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work despite being fired.” width=”700″ height=”393″ />

Image credits: unsplash (not the actual photo)

Text update on a screen dated 15/05/2025 about a worker starting a new project despite being fired, agreeing without intent to do it.

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Text excerpt showing a worker being told to start a new project despite being fired, agreeing without intent to do it.

Group of workers in a meeting discussing a new project assignment despite recent firing news in a modern office.

Image credits: unsplash (not the actual photo)

Text showing a worker explaining the project is in ideation phase, hinting at starting a new project despite being fired.

Text on a white background showing a person’s thoughts about being oddly satisfied with no follow-up questions.

Text about a worker agreeing to start a new project despite being fired, knowing they won’t do it.

Image credits: YolaGod

As difficult as it is, we need to keep our composure in situations like this

The desire of these higher-ups to integrate AI into their day-to-day is nothing unusual. Reported use of AI increased in 2024, with 78 percent of workers claiming their organizations use AI in at least one business function, up from 55 percent a year earlier.

Currently, employees say the technology is mostly used in IT, marketing, and sales functions, followed by service operations.

But, as the author of the post pointed out, you can’t just kick your employee out and expect them to go above and beyond while simultaneously packing their things. However, the way you leave also matters.

“There can be significant risks to burning bridges when leaving a job, even if your departure is under difficult circumstances like being laid off,”  Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectResume, a platform that provides useful tools and expert advice for job seekers, told Bored Panda. “Leaving on bad terms is seen as not just unprofessional but risky because it can damage your reputation, limit future job opportunities, and make it harder to secure positive references.”

According to Escalera, “It is important to remember that the way you leave a job often leaves a lasting impression. Sometimes more so than your day-to-day job performance. Even if your workplace was toxic or unfair, handling your departure with professionalism can help you control your narrative and ensure you are always seen in a positive light, not only by new employers but also by past ones.”

In reality, the variability in severance packages and financial instability make it hard for people to see what the future holds, and amid all the chaos, we become very selective about who we can place our trust in.

If the managers proved during this period that they thought only of themselves, then it’s not surprising that the worker no longer felt any loyalty or obligation to go the extra mile.

Image credits: pexels (not the actual photo)

How to handle being laid off

Career expert Escalera said that with the right approach, people can turn a layoff into an opportunity for growth and new beginnings. Here are the things that she recommends keeping in mind when you’re navigating the process:

Acknowledge and process your emotions. “Being laid off often triggers strong emotions like anger, fear, sadness, or even relief. Allow yourself to feel and process these emotions rather than suppress them,” Escalera explained. “For example, feelings of desperation after a job loss are not just common but can influence your decisions moving forward. According to a MyPerfectResume Job Search Behavior Report, 42% of job seekers settle for positions they are overqualified for just to secure employment, which can have major effects on earning potential and growth. Talking to friends, journaling, or seeking professional support can help to approach your job search from a place of clarity, focus, and confidence.”

Seek out support. The career expert reminded that there’s no need to go through this period alone. “Reaching out to your support system including family, friends, mentors, and professional contacts, can offer not only emotional support but also provide practical guidance during your transition.”

Start networking strategically. Networking is a good tool for discovering your next role, and when you identify the positions you want to go for, reach out to the people who are already in those roles or industries, whether it’s about interviews, resume advice, or referrals.

Update your resume and cover letter. “A pivotal part of any job search is tailoring your resume and cover letter to the roles you’re targeting. Make sure to highlight major achievements, key skills, and your great experience,” Escalera added. “If you were laid off, you can address it positively in your cover letter by briefly explaining the circumstances (such as a company-wide restructuring or downsizing) and emphasizing your adaptability and eagerness to contribute to a new team.”

Optimize your LinkedIn profile. So many opportunities can now be found on LinkedIn that job seekers probably shouldn’t ignore this social network. “Make sure your profile is up to date and includes your key skills and experience. Also, turn on the ‘Open to Work’ feature so recruiters know you’re available, and start sharing your expertise through posts to get noticed by hiring managers,” Escalera said.

People have had a lot of reactions to the whole ordeal

Comment advising setting consultant rates after being told to start a new project despite being fired.

User comment discussing using GitHub open source systems and licensing, related to worker handling a new project after being fired.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a worker told to start a new project despite being fired, agreeing but not intending to do it.

Comment reading Already done 10x more work on this project than I would have in the circumstances about worker gets told to start a new project despite being fired.

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Text post from user StrikinglyOblivious about AI building docs with accuracy and bolded words, related to worker new project.

Alt text: Fired worker reluctantly agrees to start a new project, knowing they won’t complete it after being told to begin.

Comment from user frozencheesehead715, questioning the unrealistic expectations of a boss demanding work despite firing the worker.

User comment criticizing a worker’s attitude about starting a new project despite being fired and refusing to help employer.

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Comment from fired worker explaining project deletion and refusal to do new tasks after being told to start a new project.

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