I was recently "let go" (their words) from a company, and I'm wondering if I was laid-off or fired.
I thought they were the same thing, but my friends said that it's laid-off if you are eligible collecting unemployment, fired if you're not. I am eligible for unemployment. And I was the only one whose job was terminated.
2006-12-04 14:12:42 · 10 answers · asked by ucd_grad_2005 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
BIG difference between being laid off and being fired.
Laid off - you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and caught in a organizational restructuring or budget cut that really doesn't reflect on your performance, personally.
Fired - your performance in that place and time was not a good fit with what was needed, so they "terminated" your employment. Sometimes, it's "for cause" - doing something against company policy or something along those lines.
The main reason it makes a difference is in qualifying for unemployment compensation.
Yes, if you are collecting unemployment, then you were laid off, even if you were the only person in the group or the company who was laid off. Employers pay for unemployment insurance, and they pay more when they lay someone off. So, don't assume that you are collecting unemployment compensation because someone feels sorry for you. Most employers try very hard not to pay an increase in insurance premiums if they don't need to.
Been laid off myself a few years ago. Most everyone is laid off at some point in their career(s). It's all survivable.
In some states and some situations, you may be qualified to receive some training for another career. Check to see if that applies to you.
Bottom line - don't feel like a failure. You haven't failed. Wrong place; wrong time. Simple as that.
Good luck!
2006-12-04 14:23:24 · answer #1 · answered by Job Search Pro 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's true about unemployment. If your JOB was eliminated, then you were probably laid off, but if your job is still there to be filled again, you most likely were terminated. If your company has a "human resources dept." they can help you, or maybe the payroll dept., otherwise ask your supervisor. The unemployment office will be checking with this employer to verify your claim, so you want to be sure when you file. Also, you may still be elligible for unemployment even if you were fired but it comes with a substantial waiting period for your claim to start.
2006-12-04 14:18:44 · answer #2 · answered by Tweet 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When a company eliminates a job due to a restructure or if business volume is insufficient to support the number of employees assigned the solution is to "lay off" or terminate one or more employees to bring labor expense in line with job budgets. Generally, especially by union contracts, laid off employees must be considered first for rehire when conditions improve.
Being "let go" or fired is generally due to poor work performance or unsuitability for the job.
2006-12-04 14:24:52 · answer #3 · answered by Joe M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can collect unemployment if you are fired. I know this from experience.
If you are laid off, you usually get a severence package.
If you are fired, they will tell you why and then escort you out of the door.
2006-12-04 14:20:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would this laid off means that you were released because the company was unable to keep you on the payroll. If you were fired its because you were not meeting the standards of the company.
2006-12-04 14:15:02 · answer #5 · answered by J 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In laid off you are released from employment through no fault of your own such as a reduction of workforce because of lack of work. or consolidating departments etc.
In fired you did something wrong, like punched the boss out. Refused to work. got caught in bed with the boss's wife by the boss. etc.
2006-12-04 14:25:48 · answer #6 · answered by JUAN FRAN$$$ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Did they find a replacement for you? If they did, then you were fired... if they didn't, then you were laid off, because there wasn't enough work, or they could not afford to pay you.
2006-12-04 14:18:55 · answer #7 · answered by the_fatmanwalksalone 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
laid off for you if they ever have another position you could get the job back until then you should qualify for unemployment
2006-12-04 14:24:27 · answer #8 · answered by Danielle S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You were fired. Laid off means that they can call you back. Fired means you should not expect a call. Look for another job.
2006-12-04 14:15:50 · answer #9 · answered by Jamie G 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
laid off means not enough work to go around, fired means you screwed up.... the end result is the same.. no work for you
2006-12-04 14:16:02 · answer #10 · answered by Steve 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋