I’m unemployed.
Well, I got let go from my job today. It’s an awful feeling, one I’ve felt before and I had hoped to never experience again.
This is how it all went down:
I got into work this morning to see an e-mail from a friend. It linked to a job posting on Craigslist. She is also in marketing, and wanted my opinion on the posting, because it was in my industry and my line of work, and also because she wondered if I knew anything about the company. Well, it turns out THAT IT WAS A LISTING FOR MY FREAKING JOB!!! WTF! So I marched into my boss’ office and asked if I was being let go. Long story short, the answer was obviously yes. But seriously. They weren’t even going to tell me. They were going to interview and hire someone behind my back, AND THEN let me go once they had someone in place. Who wants to work for a company that operates like that!? Certainly not very professional and totally sleazy.
My boss made it clear that I am great at marketing. I am good at my job, and I get along with everybody at work. I’m pleasant, hard working and creative. But, my boss said that since I didn’t know anything about the industry that I’m in (real estate), and if co-worker wanted to leave on vacation, I wouldn’t be able to take over her position. Which is fair. Except that I was hired by them knowing that I knew nothing about the industry, and it was co-worker’s job to train me to do her position. But she refused to train me. She told my boss that too. She just wasn’t going to do it because she doesn’t like me and it stressed her out too much. And that was that.
There was no warning, no discussion, no performance review, no action plan, nothing. I wasn’t consulted, and wasn’t given anything in writing. The only thing that ever went down was my boss telling me that my co-worker and I had to settle our differences and work together from now on. Which I thought we were doing, but apparently not. It takes two. So now, 1.5 years after I was hired, I get fired because I can’t do part of my job (because nobody ever took the time to train me), which technically isn’t really my job. And yeah, I knew all that time that I’d have to get trained eventually, but I didn’t know it was job-critical. Nobody said that. And it’s not like I wasn’t willing to learn, or that I was taught and just didn’t grasp the concepts. I asked questions when I had them, and I was interested in learning. But how do you ask a co-worker (who you know despises you, and said outright that she refused to train you) for help and guidance? My boss acknowledged that it isn’t all my fault, and that others do have to take the blame for my downfall, but he said when it comes down to it, he had to choose co-worker over me because apparently her job is more important than mine, and she has seniority over me. So typical of the company.
I received 3 weeks of severance, which they made sure to let me know was beyond generous of them since they were only obligated to give me 2.5 weeks. Everybody I said goodbye to at work was SHOCKED that I was being let go – hell, I was shocked! I was good at my job and everybody knew it. And it feels awful to be fired for something I don’t feel that I had any control over.
I keep thinking, what could I have done differently? What could I have done that would have resulted in a different outcome? And honestly I don’t know if there is anything I could have done. I’m a nice person. I try to treat everybody with respect, and I really get along with everyone else at work (whereas there aren’t many people who get along with co-worker). But when someone is obviously trying to make life difficult for me (my boss definitely agrees that co-worker was going out of her way to be mean and pick on me), how do you respond? You can only take it for so long. Especially when the people who count aren’t willing to stand up for you.
So that’s that. I cried for a few hours when I got home. Spoke to my mom, my sister, my best friend, and BF. Getting let go is different this time, though. Because I know that I’m better than that job. I know it was holding me back from being creative, and it wasn’t a career-type job. I knew I would be leaving eventually, and it was always meant to be a temporary job until we went traveling. There was no room for movement, no room to learn anything new or expand my skills. It just is what it is. You had set tasks to do, and you needed to get them done. Which led me to feel bored and restless all the time. So maybe it was meant to happen, me being let go. Maybe it’s for the best, because I am now free to find something better suited to my skill set. And I do have skills. My boss didn’t hide the fact that he loves my work, and so does the President. I am talented, and there’s a company out there waiting to hire a person just like me. I know it.
Still. It sure takes a beating on my confidence, getting let go like that. Job posted behind my back. No warning. No chance to fight for my job. And in this economy.
80 Responses to “I’m unemployed.”
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I think you need to pack your camping stuff, some great music and get in your car with no destination in mind. Take a few days to think about what you want to this with opportunity.
Best of luck with everything.
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Ugh! I can't imagine how it must have felt to see your job posted…what a shock. These people don't seem very professional and it sounds like you have the skills and experience to fit in better elsewhere. I just read your newer post about taking time to find the right job–I think that's a great attitude. Good luck with your search, can't wait to see where you end up!
The HR person in me fumes! FUMES! YOU DO NOT POST A POSITION BEFORE A PERSON IS TOLD! AGRMGHKAR…
You should request, in writing, a revised severance. Company's never give their best offer first. Consult someone (legally) – just b/c employment standards says what the minimum is doesn't mean that precedent hasn't said you should get more.
Krystal,
I'm so sorry this happened (and the way it was done – yuck). If it makes you feel any better, I firmly believe the real estate industry in Vancouver (and Victoria) is in for the bitch-slapping of a lifetime in the not too distant future. There will be MANY out of work, former realtors, etc. Prices are seriously out of whack with reality. I'm glad you'll be getting out of it before the SHTF.
I know how bad this must feel right now, and I wish you all the best. I hope you find something better soon.
PS – Your co-worker sounds like a real piece of work. I cannot imagine refusing to train someone no matter what my personal feelings were. She sounds like she was jealous of you or something. Weird.
Chickinvic
Time to get a lawyer! Seriously hun. Get one now. At least talk to one about what they put you through
Oh man, I'm so sorry that this happened!!! That is so very unprofessional and that girl is totally a wretched person!!! Don't waste your energy on her, she will get what is coming to her!!! Take a good few days off to rest and relax and figure out what you want to do next. Everything definitely happens for a reason, I truly believe that. I'm a big fan and I'm wishing you the best of luck….
That is just crappy. It's awful that a company you've worked for for a year and a half would treat you so badly! I mean, your coworker who made your life there so hard just sounds completely classless.
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Oh my goodness, I am so sorry!! :( Ugh, what a terrible situation.
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Something very similar happened to my husband at his former job two years ago. It was revolting – no warning, nothing was professional, everything behind his back. And this all happened after the company sent him on an out-of-town trip because he was “the right man” for it. Riiiight.
I'm sorry to hear about your job loss, Krystal. You've got skills to get back out there and a whole bunch of us to support you. :)
Something very similar happened to my husband at his former job two years ago. It was revolting – no warning, nothing was professional, everything behind his back. And this all happened after the company sent him on an out-of-town trip because he was “the right man” for it. Riiiight.
I'm sorry to hear about your job loss, Krystal. You've got skills to get back out there and a whole bunch of us to support you. :)
Wow, this just sucks. I am so sorry to hear this! I am sure there is something better waiting for you!
I haven't read all the comments, but I'm a little angry so forgive me…but if the management fired you because you did not know the industry even though they hired you with that knowledge…you need to see a labour lawyer. As far as I know this is wrongful dismissal. If anyone should be fired, it is your co-worker who refused to train you.
Get thee to a lawyer!!!!
OMG. I am so sorry. Your company did a bad thing by advertising the open position and it's sheer management failure for your boss to just say 'work out your differences' if it is mutual enmity and effect job performance.
I hope you can find (better) work soon.
Good luck! You are talented and will find another job. I agree that this could be a great opportunity for you. :)
And, of course, what your old company did was COMPLETELY disgusting. Sigh.
I was pretty much forced to quit. They gave me an extra month to work since it was around the holidays. They had the audacity to request for me to host around two separate recruits for my replacement. Shuffle them around all day and tell them how great the company is. Give up two nights to go to dinner with them. When I politely tried to get others to do it no one would accept. Horrible day.
I'm so sorry! I've been there. The best revenge is getting a better job!!
Ugh, that really stinks. BUT like you said, the job was a stop gap one until you went traveling. You do sound like you are in a better spot this go around.
I know you probably just want to stay away from this situation forever, but you really should see a labour lawyer – sooner, rather than later. There are so many things wrong with what happened, I can't even begin…
What an absolutely rotten company and rotten manager (and rotten co-worker, who was just rewarded for her behaviour). Ridiculous idiots.
I am so.. so sorry! *HUG*
That is seriously unprofessional. I can't believe it. I would have given that other woman crap for NOT training you. She's just going to do the same thing to any new person.
This is just insane. I’ve just started reading you, but you seem like an intelligent and together person who knows her worth (heh) and can see the bright side. Perhaps the bright side is that you no longer have to work with someone who goes out of her way to be mean to you – with the boss knowing about it, what’s up with that, boss? – and can find a place full of nice people who value their employees and co-workers.
(Sorry for the belated comment!)
Call the employment standards branch!
Hey Krystal… hang in there. This may feel really sucky at the moment, but there will be a time when you will look back on the event and be grateful that it happened. Here’s a note that I wrote up when I was laid off a year and a half ago… http://drippychick.blogspot.com/2008/07/some-advi…
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[...] got laid off this week – sounds like she got a raw [...]
Oh my goodness, this is awful. The circumstances suck. I wonder, do you have a case for unfair dismissal? They didn’t give you any warning or say the job was dependent on you being trained, and the whole point you weren’t trained was because your coworker refused. Anyway, I’m so sorry, it sucks and I hope you find something better soon.
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Oh my goodness, this is awful. The circumstances suck. I wonder, do you have a case for unfair dismissal? They didn’t give you any warning or say the job was dependent on you being trained, and the whole point you weren’t trained was because your coworker refused. Anyway, I’m so sorry, it sucks and I hope you find something better soon.
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I had a similar experience but the advertisement happened very shortly afterwords, and not during the process. I'm sorry to read that you had to deal with this experience – maybe it's meant to be in a sense that the company doesn't deserve you. At least by being with a company that treats people with dignity and respect, you will be happier!
Best of luck
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I’m so sorry to hear what happened! I’m having a similar experience at work at the moment where my manager at work have not had the time to train me up because he’s busy trying to keep my company afloat. I’m still deciding whether to stay and wait until things get better or leave now and look for another job.
It sounds like you’ve been unfairly treated though because it’s not your fault that you’ve not been trained up. And there is really no reason to let you go because they still need your role. I wish you all the best with your job search and hope you find something better soon!! Good luck!
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I am new to reading your blog, so this post is very late. However, I want to add my sympathy, support and assurance that it was not about you. The same thing happened to me…I was lured away form a job I liked with offers of much greater opportunities for advancement and further education and the company was affiliated with a university so could offer better benefits including much longer holidays, tuition for my children, etc. There was a nice signing bonus too, but only if I came within 2 weeks…didn't leave much opportunity to be considerate to old company. I should have been on alert at this.
they only needed me short term to fill in for a pair of employees taking planned medical leaves. The workplace environment was not supportive and I kept having my concerns put on hold…turned out once the other two were back at work I was out…no warning and escorted out of building like a criminal.