Termination!

What should you do if your boss threatens to fire you? Maybe you are the one considering quitting and you are wondering what to do. What should I do?

+ My employer says they will fire me

Help! My employer threatened to fire me! If your employer threatens to fire you, don't panic. Wait until they have calmed down and ask them to identify the main area you need to improve. Listen carefully and do NOT argue, explain or talk back. Tell them you are sorry about your mistake. Thank them for giving you feedback and tell them that you will do your best to improve.

If your employer does terminate you, WAIT until you are in the Arrow office BEFORE signing any settlement papers. We will review the settlement and ensure that you receive everything owed to you.

+ I want to quit

You want to resign Sooner or later, almost everyone wants to quit their job. Employers are sometimes hyper critical and treat helpers in an insensitive manner. Workers cry and say "I'm a human being too!" If you are thinking about resigning here are some things to consider:

  • What steps have you taken to resolve the problem? Often helpers want to resign over issues like not enough food or rest, but they have NOT YET brought the issue up to their employer. If you don't know how to resolve the issue, read our page on common issues and/or ask Arrow. We've helped many helpers resolve big problems and keep their jobs.
  • How will this effect your family finances? How will you pay for school fees? Your house payment? Loan payments? What will happen to the balance of loans if you miss payments? HK people will sometimes accept a helper who has been terminated but NOBODY WANTS TO HIRE SOMEONE WHO QUITS. It cost a lot of money to hire a helper and no one will risk so much on someone with a record of quitting.

+ Termination Do's and Don'ts

DO

  • ask Arrow for advice on what to do
  • ask your employer to give you feedback and to have a monthly evaluation time with you
  • count up the financial cost of changing employers
  • calm down and bite your tongue when you feel like fighting back

DON'T

  • NEVER offer to resign. Do NOT say "If you don't like me, then I should resign" etc Inviting an employer to fire you is a BIG INSULT in Hong Kong.
  • NEVER make any decision when you are highly emotional
  • NEVER sign settlement agreements or accept air tickets unless Arrow has read the details and told you we think it is a fair reasonable settlement.