So, if I quit my job, I get nothing. If I get fired, I get 11 weeks severance pay. What should I do?

Question

Here is the thing. After 11 years working my way up to middle management. The new HR director, who pretends to be a kindly old grandmother type, tells me that I'm immature (I'm 37, married, 11 year old son), totally uncoachable (I've never had a negative review, 0 write ups, my boss thinks I do a great job), and she wonders just what it is that I'm good at. I'm fit to be tied. I'm not a violent guy, but I swear, if some guy had said these things to me, I'd have punched him in the mouth, which would have solved my "quit or get fired dilemma". It wouldn't matter to me, but now I'm looking for a new job, and the ***** HR director is the gatekeeper of employee information and could very easily ruin opportunities for a new job. Welcome to middle management. When I sat down with my boss and the HR witch, she put on her Grandmother routine and claims she didn't say anything, and now my boss thinks I'm out of line. Hopefully they'll just can my ass, so I can move on........thoughts???

Answer 1

Why worry what the HR Director says? Your immediate supervisor likes you, and HR is usually one one voice (if consulted) of many when it comes to promotions. Usually HR's input is to hand over the file with the reviews, write-ups, and attendance report.

In looking for a new job at a new company, get a copy of your HR file first. If a company gives a bad reference that is undocumented, that is grounds for a lawsuit.

There is a small, but very important distinction between being fired and being laid off. Being fired means you did something wrong. It also usually means no severance package and no unemployment compensation. Getting laid off means the company doesn't want you around, or doesn't have any work for you, but since you did nothing wrong, they pay you some anyway.

In the meantime, do your job in spectacular fashion and show everyone how good you are. (Show, don't tell.) And if the "HR witch" makes any more derogatory statements, demand them in writing, including any evidence to back up those statements. If she refuses, she will obviously know she is wrong. If she does write it out, take a copy to your boss and ask for help in "improving your shortcomings." That way your boss knows about the derogatory statements, and can decide how to proceed from there.

One other note, no matter what happens, do not talk bad about your current employer. Makes you look bitter, rude and backstabbing.

Answer 2

I am an employer and if you get fired, you get NO severance pay. Only if you work out a deal to leave the company in a mutual agreement can you get severance. I guess it depends on the state you live in, but in most states getting fired means no severance pay.
It sound like your employer doesn't want you and you don't want to work for your boss. I would recommend amicably working out a severance agreement to leave the company and look for another job.

Answer 3

Be careful you don't get yourself fired for cause. They might be able to usher you out the door without the severance pay or unemployment. And you never, ever want a firing on your record if you can avoid it.

Some good news? Many company's job applications specifically ask whether it is ok for them to contact your current employer. Check the box that says no.

Answer 4

I just gave Mind Clear a thumbs up for his response. Use your head for something other than to blow off steam...don't throw away eleven years because some witch has a brew up her butt...

Is she playing games with anyone else? AFTER you get some incriminating tapes, see if anyone else has issues with her, and make a collected effort to dispose of her (legally, of course!).

Can't argue with logic and evidence...

Dam office politics is the reason I now work with critters...best of luck to ya.

Answer 5

Take a leave of absence, perhaps apply for stress leave, this will them come out of your sick leave balance (bonus)

while on that leave take up another apointment/ job, dont use them as references at all (unless you can get someone on the inside up to date with your plan)
Get the job then go back for 1 day- in that day it is your mission to get fired.

perhaps looking up porn on the internet (seems a likely excuse as any these days) or ruining something that is essential for office work, be well arare that you can face criminal charges if you damage any of their goods.

perhaps if you have been on stress leave have "freak" out on your first day back.

so here are the ultimate choices
* stay there and wait the witch out- this will piss her off more
* Go on stress leave- perhaps accuse her of harasment
* Get another job on the sly then get yourself fired

good luck

Answer 6

Get a mini audio recorder (pocket size), and when you cross paths with the "witch" start recording. When you can prove your point, replay it for your boss.
Dont try to provoke her into incriminating herself, just let her dig her own employment grave.

Answer 7

Never Quit a job. Let them fire you. As long as it isn't something bad you did , they have to pay you unemployment. That will help get you by until you get another job.Good Luck!

Answer 8

Getting fired is one way......then take the severace pay. But then you cant use them as a good reference. So its totally your call.....Its just a matter of choice......Are you going to use them as a reference? If so, rethink getting fired, but if not......do something so absurd and fun that you actually enjoy getting fired!!! good luck.

Answer 9

Honesty is the best policy.
Tell them what you REELEE think...that ought to get you unemployed!
If anyone asks you why you got "terminated" just say it was a "personality conflict"!
WERKS FER MEE!

Answer 10

you should stay there because you worked there for 11 years