Let go from my job today?

Question

Today I'm told that my position is being eliminated and I was being let go. I'v worked for this medical office for 4 years. Two weeks ago I requested to go back to the department where I worked for over 31/2 years. I was told that they didn't want me to go back to that depart because I have a lot of knowledge that they need for the depart they put me in. Today I'm told "Bye, Bye" No severance package. Just 8 days pay. The doctor didn't even have the guts to do it, he made his office manager. Coward!!! All I wanted to do was stay working there until I could retire in three years. What the hell gives with employers? I filed for unemployment but that doesn't take away the sadness because I made some great friends at that job, and it doesn't take away the fear of not being able to find a job. We needs to laws protect employees from random termination. I am the second person they have done this to in a month. I'm scared - any legal ramifications for getting rid of "old folks?

Answer 1

Yes, these are the joys of advanced capitalism - zero job security so that businesses are free do whatever they want. Including lay off and ***** up the lives of perfectly capable and productive workers.

Answer 2

I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you. There's just no job security for anybody, these days. This practice has been going on for about 15 or so years, now, and there isn't any legal way to stop it, that I know of.

Maybe some of the people you know can put you onto a lead for another job. Take a breather over the weekend, put a great-looking resume together, and see what the Sunday paper has in the way of jobs to apply for. You've been through rougher times than this, and you'll be okay.

If you find that you have bills you can't pay, call them up and tell them you're having trouble just now and that you'll catch up as soon as you can. Most companies will be okay with that, if you can pay half of the bill for a little while.

It's the office that will suffer... and ultimately the patients, because you have the knowledge they need in order to get the job done correctly. But there are other doctors' offices out there, and they need somebody just like you. So hold your head up, dear, and go get 'em. You can do it.

Answer 3

I am sorry to hear you are going through this. Un fortunely, there are not many things you can do about being terminated unless you were being discriminated on in the process of being fired. Or if your employer made a promise written and/or verbal regarding compensation. You may want to seek a lawyer if any of these things are present. Be sure to seek a lawyer that works on a contigency basis, afterall, you are without employment. On a positive note, you should update your resume, get yourself a nice blue suit, keep your spirits high, and look for new employment. Temp agencies are a great way to earn fast money, stay on top of your bills, and find a new career. Samples agencies are Robert Half International, Snelling, Ajilon, and Randstad. If you want to talk more please feel free to e-mail and/or IM me.

Answer 4

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Of course it is illegal to discriminate against someone because of age, but it is not easy to prove it. If you are in a work at will state, either the employer or employee can terminate the employment with or without notice and with or without cause (as long as it's not discriminatory). Good luck in finding a new job!

Answer 5

Unfortunately, no, there is nothing you can do. It's called "at will termination," the only people that can't be "dismissed" are civil servants. My friend is a civil servant, he has a job for life, but the rest of us can be "terminated" at anytime. It does work in the other direction though, you are allowed to quit a job at anytime for no reason at all, so it's a double-edged sword.

Answer 6

If you are between the ages of 40 and 70 talk to a lawyer.

Answer 7

There are definitely ramifications for age discrimination! Talk to an attorney...the first consultation is usually free.