Worried I may be fired?

[theidiotthatsme]

I made a terrible mistake at work the other day that will cost the company several hundreds of pounds. I'm so worried that they're going to fire me as they now have to investigate what happened. It was a stupid mistake that shouldn't have happened.
This would be terrible timing right now. Not that there's ever a good time to be fired. + it's been my only job... ever! How am I going to explain the gap. I've been panicking, looking for jobs, any job. But to be honest I don't think I'll ever be employed again without a reference.

[Stealthpolarbear]

Why did you make the mistake?
What can you do to rectify it?

[DragonsCanHop]

Own the mistake and apologise. Find a way to stop it happening again and think of something you can do in the future to put in place to make sure you don't repeat the mistake.

Have you been invited to an investigatory meeting?

[Sarsaparillajones]

It's really hard to say what the impact will be without knowing what happened and what industry.

There are things you can do in the investigation to reduce the likelihood of being sacked. Be honest about what you did and admit your mistake. Show that you understand the impact of what you did and what you have done to try and put it right. Show that you have learnt from the mistake. Don't blame others unless it is fair and appropriate to do so.

If you are an otherwise good employee with no prior problems, are not on a formal warning / performance management then it may be less serious. If you have a union you should ask for advice. You may well be entitled to have a colleague at any formal meeting with you which can also be helpful. They will have to follow a formal process which you should have a copy of so you understand what happens when.