[actually_a_dog]

I have some issues with the "fire fast" philosophy, but this is not really one of them. Companies don't generally even divulge that they fired someone when giving a reference. They will say the employee is "not eligible for rehire," which is frequently code for "we fired this person for cause," and is generally interpreted that way. I do wish they would just come out and say that the person was terminated for cause, so others wouldn't have to guess, but that's not even really related to the "fire fast" issue.

[GavinMcG]

Resumes have employment dates on them, which will be interpreted long before past employers are asked about anything.

[actually_a_dog]

So? Just don't list the position if the tenure was too short.

[GavinMcG]

Yes, of course. And yet, having a gap on a resume is also something people make judgments about.

[actually_a_dog]

Yes, and given that being without employment (really, without income, but those are equivalent for most people) for long enough is literally a life or death situation, you're fully justified in that by lying about it in self defense. If you're privileged enough that not having any income for an extended period isn't a big deal, then, so what? But, if you aren't, lie.

[anothernewdude]

So don't leave a gap. Do I have to write the .tex for you myself?

[GavinMcG]

Apparently. I generally don't include lying in my toolbox.

[simulate-me]

You don't need to lie, but you also don't need to disclose every single thing to your new employer. If you had a short stint at a company, just leave it off. If they ask, just say you took some personal time to figure out what you wanted to do next. I think that's a totally valid description of trying a new job that didn't work out. I know a lot of people who have taken years off for fun. No one questioned it.

[actually_a_dog]

You should. You're at a disadvantage if you don't, because everybody else sure does.

[XorNot]

"Fire fast" can mean you get canned after a 6 month probation period (I know I was at one place). Explaining a 6 month gap is just barely possible if you leave it off, two of those in a row and it's a substantial chunk of anyone's career.