I recently found myself in a tough situation. I was working at a company where I felt I wasn't performing as well as I could, and I was actively looking for a change to improve my mental health. I had applied to a few positions while still employed, but I was selective since I had a job. Unfortunately, I was let go due to performance issues right after submitting those applications. Now, I'm in the job search process and I'm really unsure about how to explain my situation to potential employers. I worry that saying I was let go for performance will immediately disqualify me from consideration. I've read advice suggesting I should frame it as the role just wasn't the right fit or that there was a skill mismatch. When I go through screenings, I plan to keep my explanation simple, saying that I'm looking for opportunities that align better with my skills and interests. If asked directly about why I left, I intend to mention that the expectations and the role didn't align, and that I've learned from the experience. I'm hoping this approach will help me move forward without too much baggage.