I was let go from my job "because I was not a good fit anymore"?

Question

I was let go from my job this past week. I knew it was coming for about 3 months. Here's the thing. I came back from maternity leave 6 months ago and everything seemed to be going relatively well, with the exception that I had alot of missed days (half days, coming in late for doctors appointments). But this was not anything new, as I already had 2 children at home and always had the same situation.

Well, all of a sudden, I had a yearly review that was horrible! Where previously (2 weeks earlier) my boss could say nothing but great things about me and told me that I was 100% (insert business name), all of a sudden I had never been a team player and blah, blah, blah. 1 month later I had a follow up to my horrible review, 2 weeks later I had another (where I was informed that I had been put on probation 2 weeks earlier). Long story, anyway, I am to keep quiet or get nothing and I have to sign a contract that says so. Do I have any recourse? Please, help me!

Thanks to all who are answering. This really is a tough time. Everyone I have had to work with or under has always loved working with me, but my boss always had a problem with me. When I got pregnant, she made me document all of my doctors visits, but all of the guys with families that missed work have never been asked to do this. Just me. I think I'm going to sign the contract and take my severance and just put it behind me. It's not the end of the world. The did ask me to quit and work 2 weeks and I said "NO". I did not have the luxury to quit my job and I also could not sit there for 2 weeks and lie about my termination. They also told me that I cannot tell anyone that I was fired, they want everyone to think that I quit. Oh well. Another Mommy bites the dust.

Answer 1

It sounds like you've had a serious attendance problem for a long time and your employer was at fault for putting up with it for so long. By doing so, they allowed you to think that the absenteeism was OK, when it was not. I'm willing to bet that your employer is trying to operate the business in a more fiscally responsible manner and is cracking down on everyone with attendance problems, as these employees cost the employer money and productivity.

I know I sound a bit unsympathetic, but in the business world, employees with average skills who have good attendance (dependability) are more valuable than employees with top skills who can't be counted on to come to work as scheduled.

I think your best bet is to go find another job, but one that can be more accomodating to your scheduling needs. Be honest about why you left your past job. You will find a job that is the right fit for you. If not, consider finding a way to earn money working from home. Trying to successfully work full time with three kids is really, really tough.

Answer 2

I am no expert so please take my words as only a possible theory. It sounds like you were pushed out for some reason or another and they will NEVER tell you why unless you take them to court, spend a huge sum of money and have proof of what happened. They have everything documented on their side so you may be stuck. They have taken weeks/months to push you out so they are covered on their end.

If they think that bad of you then you needed to find a new job anyway. Something is missing here and you may never find out what it is. Accept that fact, move past it and find a great new job. Take their deal, unless you know you have a very strong case, or suspect something really really fishy, and use this as an opportunity for you. Talk to someone if you suspect something is really wrong here. Companies let go people everyday for lots of reasons.

Get a new job quick and get double paid (if they're offering a severance package). When interviewers ask you, tell them you were laid off or had an on going disagreement with management or that they were not "family friendly" etc.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You need to talk to your lawyer. If you have kids, you have gone to a lawyer to get your will done so call him or her and make an appointment.

Make sure you have documents of everything. Buy a notebook and write down everything you remember, when and how it happened, and who was present. That way, if you have a legal case, you won't have to struggle to remember the names of the people you worked for and with.

Do not sign anything without your lawyer present. It will cost a bit, but it will be for the best - you will have a witness who will be on your side. If you can't take a lawyer, take your spouse with you when and if you sign the contract. You need a witness.

Answer 4

There might some things you can negotiate for as part of your termination--some amount of termination pay, bonuses you've earned, any accrued vacation or sick days (maybe you don't have many of these because of your maternity leave), or stock options (if any). Also remember that you are entitled to continue your health insurance under COBRA, and be sure to get a statement of the balance in your 401(k) account , if you have one. See the webpage below for other financial considerations relating to job loss.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, the reason the company is giving you (not a good fit anymore) is a valid reason even if not really accurate. Since they are willing to pay you severance, take it and run. File for unemployment ASAP. Since this reason falls under "no fault of your own" they will not win a fight with unemployment. (Make sure the separation agreement states this as the reason they are letting you go)

You were smart to not let them bully you into resigning as then you would have really had to fight for unemployment (you probably would have won, but it would have had to go through appeal)

Good luck in your job search, don't let this get you down!

Answer 6

You really have no recourse because you are an at will employee. You can try to contact the eeop or go to the website if you think you were discriminated against. File for unemployment and tell them that you were fired and forced to resign.

Answer 7

Most states are "employment at will", and basically you can quit at any time, and they can let you go at any time as long as it doesn't violate a specific law. In your case, it could be extremely difficult to prove that you were fired for any improper cause, since they took actions to document substandard performance over time (whether it really was or not is a different story).

Answer 8

Honestly, simply due to the fact you agreed to a heritage investigate does no longer imply you bought the process. The HR announcement intended that you're a helpful candidate, and he or she/he desired to understand your intentions b4 they took your next step. I recommend you name or e mail a a comply with up letter, allow them to understand you're nonetheless intriguing approximately the function. The prolong might be the system of inspecting the entire applicants to verify which they believe are a well have compatibility. So, they are able to classify which of them merits the following interview.

Answer 9

Sorry to hear. But unfortunately you are where you are. Not much you can do about it but seek a new job.

You can try to find a lawyer but find a specialist with a no cure no pay policy or it will bleed you dry.

Answer 10

Sorry to hear about this. I encourage others to provide you with their answers, and find ,if not a solution to this matter, some confort for your peace of mind.