Columbus Short -- I'm Over 'Scandal' Firing ... Stand-Up Comedy Pays My Bills Now

TMZ TV

Columbus Short is picking up the pieces after "Scandal"and getting back to work ... as a struggling stand-up comedian.

It's like that old saying -- if at first you get canned from the best job you've ever had ... try something new, and definitely work in a domestic violence joke or two.

FUN FACT: Some old sayings suck.