13 things people say when they get fired that they later regret

So it's completely natural for anyone going through the dreaded process to feel a range of emotions - including intense anger - which can prompt them to say or do things they will later regret, says Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of "The Humor Advantage."

"Not only is the rejection hurtful, but you may feel the action was unfair," adds Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job." "Because most terminations happen without notice, anxiety about your livelihood and next move can be overwhelming. Being unable to defend yourself, coupled with the finality of the event, can quickly take you from shock and denial to anger."

Even if you suspected that your job was at risk, there is always some element of surprise involved - and being caught off-guard is when you can unwittingly make matters worse for yourself.

"If you're concerned about such a possibility, you might think strategically about how to best react after an event like this," Taylor says. "A good rule of thumb is to pause, breathe, think, and be proactive. You may be asked to sign documents, for example, but give yourself enough time to respond appropriately, when you're not in an emotional state."

As difficult as it is at the time, the best course of action is to try and keep a level head and not burn any bridges, adds Kerr. "Take a deep breath and err on the side of saying nothing if you feel you can't keep control of your emotions. And definitely avoid the temptation to say any of the following."

Here are 13 things people tend to say when they get fired that they later regret: