I lost my job today

[Clarsax]

When I arrived at work today, my boss called me to let me know our major contracting client had decided they didn't want me working for them anymore. Worst of all they won't tell me why. All along, my contacts with them have been really supportive and positive of my work, then out of nowhere they fire me. They never so much as commented on anything I might have done wrong. My boss is furious. They won't tell him why they want me gone either. This client is the only major client in the Ohio branch, so as long as they don't want me working for them, my boss has nowhere he can send me to work. So now I'm stuck with unemployment again and I have no idea how I'm going to manage my bills. I've got enough to last me a few months but after that, I don't know. I can't believe they didn't give me any warning on this and that they won't even tell me why.

[trubador]

Well, that sucks! :grr:
:hug:

[Nicola]

:hug: Can you appeal? Or at least make a formal request for a reason?

[Boron]

Don't you have a right to a hearing thru the State employment service, where they have to document the reason you were let go?? I don't know about OH, but I know it's that way in IN and KY.
If nothing else, I know from experience that these hearings really make management nervous. On top of that, you can come out of it with unemployment benefits. Look into it.......

[eta_carinae]

oh no! I'm so sorry Clarsax :hug:

Are they the only client your company has? I guess I don't quite understand why one client being unhappy means you have to lose your job with your company... they can't put you on another project?

[UTChick]

:hug2: That's rough - I hope everything will work out. Be positive - something else will come up.

[TalynLives]

That sucks. It's especially bad when someone refuses to give you a reason. Try to get an official reason, as is your legal right more than likely. Got laid off a job before myself; when I finally got a reason, it turned out that I had "backanswered" a superior staff member when I heard him complaining about having to share the bathrooms with "underlings". So yeah, it is very important that you get a reason in these cases. Who knows, they might be so afraid of you getting to the truth, that they'll pay anything to keep you quiet :)

[who45]

Wow, so sorry Clarsax. I really hope you find something soon. :hug:

[Pk_Ranger]

That sucks... want me to flip his car? Dude, I got ADD and theres a bunny dancing in the corner! Anyway, I'm sorry...

[NYPinTA]

:hug: That does suck!

[kymom5613]

So sorry to hear that Clarsax - sending prayers & hugs your way!!!

[BrowderChick]

:hug:

You should be able to get a statement on why they did this. If they refuse then you have a case against them.

Best of luck and good vibes coming your way. I pray that everything will work out for the better in the long run. :D

:hug:

[AgentSun]

BC is right. This all sounds really fishy...it sounds like you should have an explanation and if you aren't getting one, you should be able to bring a case against the company. Even if you sympathize for your boss, I'm sure there's someone higher up than he is who won't like the company getting legal trouble.

[mycattoldme]

Definately work with your state unemployment office - they often have job listings - high and low paying - that you won't find listed anywhere else, NY state has an online Job Bank, maybe Ohio has one too! Good Luck!

[AgentSun]

unfortunately, ohio happens to be one of the poorest states.

[janey_13]

:hug:

[Clarsax]

Thanks guys. :hug: :hug:

I've already applied for benefits, so I'll see what comes out of that. My boss has told me he plans to meet with the higher ups tomorrow and see if he can find out what's going on. If not, I'll have to do a little of my own research. From what I've heard of him so far, it sounds like the client requested more contractors than what they needed and wanted to get rid of some. Since I'm one of the newest employees, I guess I was the first to go. Unfortunately, my company has all of its major accounts with this one client, so if they don't want me, then there's no other client I can work with, and thus, no job for me to do. I'm sure there are other clients out there working with my group, but apparently none for my job category.

Oh well, hopefully this will lead me to some better job waiting for me out there. Thanks again for all the support guys. It's been one long day.

[AgentSun]

kick back, relax and let us amuse you.

::does a jig::

better?

::adds a monkey with an accordian::

[Judith]

Dude, that totally blows.

:hug:

[Selena]

..... I can't believe they didn't give me any warning on this and that they won't even tell me why.

Truby said it right Clarsax ... this sucks. I have been unemployed for 3 weeks now and it's been no fun trying to find another job and make ends meet on what I had in the bank.

Some employers suck. They hold our very lives in their hands and some of them don't care if they ruin out life, our reputaiton and our morale.

My suggestion is to put your resume on-line at Monster.com and you'll be surprised at how many employers will contact you.
In the last month I have interviewed in Sacramento, Connecticut, Houston, Austin, Pensacola and Dallas later this week. I may be out of work but I have sure racked up my frequent flyer miles. The employers have paid to fly me out for interviews and it's been a real morale booster to know that while my employer of more than 9 years didn't want me anymore there are many employers out there who think my skills are worth investigating.

Cheer up and go register at both monster.com and careerbuilder.com and get a couple of recruiters working for you finding you a great new job. :hug:

[Frunium Slip]

Dude, that totally blows.
Word.

AS can't dance a jig at all...

not to mention that whole out of work thing... good luck to you!

[AgentSun]

hey, i'm no ashlee simpson but i try. at least i don't blame my band for my lack of singing talent.

[Antrobus]

Sorry to hear the news. Losing a job, especailly without a proper explanation sucks!

My last day at my job is this Friday - and I do not a have a job waiting for me. I have enough earned time to keep me going for awhile, but not too long.

I resigned on my own. I just got sick & tired of all the b*llshit that goes on here and how some people can gang up on others, tell lies, and the administration believes THEM!

I'm so happy to be leaving even though I don't have a new job to go to. I'll find something! Ya have to think positive!

I try to go by the philosophy of "when doors close, open windows."

[JadeScape]

sorry to hear that Clarsax......hoping something for you works out soon...:hug:

[freckle]

im so sorry,thats is just bollocks and a disgraceful way to treat an employee.You need to get staright back onthe horse so to speak.Get your C.v on the internet, (i dont know what employment websites you guys have over in the U.S) but apply for everything you think may suit you money wise.Dont get stuck in rut.The very best of luck and chin up!

[Milaya]

That's sucks, really.Sorry to hear that.I had to go through that once.I lost the only good job I ever had.They did wrong for me, but I have higher power's behind me and that company no longer exists.The 2 bosses started to argue with each other so the shut the company down them self...

[mgraylorn]

I don't know what kind of job you had, the company you work with or the provisions of your employment contract, but most places can't just fire you on the spot, without giving 2 weeks notice and a reason. Even if it is a B.S. reason, they have to give you a reason. What does your employment contract say about grounds and conditions of termination? Unless you signed away those rights, you may have grounds for legal action. There must be some low cost legal council in your area where you could discuss your options, some sort of employee protection agency.

On the other side of the coin, you say your direct boss likes you. Are there competing companies in your area that he could put in a good word for you and get you hired on with one of them? If he feels you have been wronged, he might be willing to help you get another job, more than just writing you a good recomendation.

[JadedLegend3]

:hug: I'm so sorry, Clarsax. :hug: I hope get a reason and can appeal and find a better job and all of that. :)

[fiona-maria]

Talk to a lawyer. Have them read the severance agreement and give you feedback on whether it is a good one or not.

You have the legal right to know why you are being fired. You also have the legal right to have copies of all your personnnel records. The comments about why you are being fired will probably be a bunch of BS, but you have the right to have those records anayway. And if they are really badly, obviously, ostentatiously BS, you can threaten them with court, and pressure them for a larger severance payment.

Being summarily fired stinks. I know, it happened to me a year ago last February. (The reasons were a bunch of BS, basically my supervisor wanted to get rid of me as she felt threatened by me, but that is neither here nor there.)

Good luck, Clarsax. If that is what happens in the company you were working for, you are better off out of there, though I get it is going to cause you financial hardship and stress. I am sorry.

Fiona

[kymom5613]

Remember, Clarsax may be in a "right to work" state, where there does NOT have to be ANY reason for being fired. "Just felt like it" works...Yeah, it isn't ethically RIGHT, but it's OK legally. (Kentucky is one of those states...)
Still praying for you!!!

[Selena]

Yes kymom, like wonderful Tennessee ... where they kick good people out the door and then cry about the staff shortages.

A friend had recently had a recurrence of her breast cancer and she had her other breast removed and had an extensive course of chemo and was really sick. She'd worked at the same hospital I did for more than 20 years and they fired her because she was taking too long to recover. Some employers are absolutely heartless and there is no company loyalty any more. It's out with the old and in with the new and then they have the nerve to complain that they can't find good people to fill the vacancies.

[Clarsax]

I think Ohio might be one of those kinds of states too. I know that at just about every job I've ever worked for, they've required me to sign a contract agreeing that they can fire me at any time and I can quit at any time. I never thought much of it before because it's never been a problem before. But I've heard stories from people here in Ohio getting fired for all kinds of reasons.

I'm trying to look on the bright side. I've been having a lot of luck finding positions to apply for and hopefully I'll get a call from one of them. With a little luck I might even get a better job than what I had before.

[divinedaydreams]

You will get a better job and more pay Clarsax. Just keep thinking positive.

[faustus]

for someone as talented as yourself you'll get a job soon

[RustySlinky]

When I arrived at work today, my boss called me to let me know our major contracting client had decided they didn't want me working for them anymore. Worst of all they won't tell me why. . .At some of the high-tech companies here, they'll automatically fire the lowest performers every year, just to make room for the best and brightest of the "new crop" of fresh college graduates.

At the bookstore here, they'll hire someone promising who walks in the door, then let go of the current bottom-feeder. Right now, I'm one person away from being the bottomest of the bottom-feeders.

. . . So now I'm stuck with unemployment again and I have no idea how I'm going to manage my bills. I've got enough to last me a few months but after that, I don't know. . .I finally got enough to pay for most of this month's rent. My landlord was going to evict me today if I didn't pay up.

Over the past couple of months, I've been trying to land a third part-time job to cover my $450 dollar rent. One of my commission only jobs paid around $15 average for a full days worth of work. I've been rejected by the following so far:

1. Safeway Groceries
2. XpedeX Office Supplies
3. Comp USA Computer Stores
4. Fry's Electronics
5. Kelly Moore Paints

I interviewed with the DSW shoe store earlier today.

My friends say I need to lie about having a college degree, and not tell them that I have one, :( because employers don't want to take the risks of hiring a college graduate who can't land a college graduate's type of job - 'cuz that's a sign that there's something "defective" with me.

Two of my co-workers said they lied about their criminal record, because they said that no one would hire them once they told them that they'd been arrested for retail theft.

[your side my side]

The work I do is being moved out of the area by my organisation from the end of the month. But I can be redeployed. To work in one of my organisation's contact centres.
It's not a job I want to do but:

The contact centre in question is five minutes walk away from where I live.

My elder brother has just been made redudant by his employers after thirty years. He's fifty two. He has no other work he can be redeployed to.

One life lesson you learn time and time again is that there really is always someone worse off that you are

[eta_carinae]

My friends say I need to lie about having a college degree, and not tell them that I have one, :( because employers don't want to take the risks of hiring a college graduate who can't land a college graduate's type of job - 'cuz that's a sign that there's something "defective" with me.

Two of my co-workers said they lied about their criminal record, because they said that no one would hire them once they told them that they'd been arrested for retail theft.

Awwww, RustySlinky... :hug: I don't think you should ever have to lie about who you are. You have a degree, don't lie about it! There a plenty of people with college degrees who end up doing nothing related to what they studied. It may just be that employers think you are overqualified for the position you are applying for... perhaps that would be a good thing to discuss in your interview. But I definelty don't think you should lie about it. And I think your friends who lied about their criminal record are just playing with fire. You shouldn't give them an excuse to fire you if they want to. IMHO.

[AgentSun]

seriously, don't lie about it. it's a good thing to have, a college degree. a lot of people would kill for one to be proud of and say to employers that yes, they have a degree. heck, i know some people who'd be happy to have a high school diploma.

At some of the high-tech companies here, they'll automatically fire the lowest performers every year, just to make room for the best and brightest of the "new crop" of fresh college graduates.


wow. in a few years i'll look at this and perhaps feel bad that i was taking someone else's job.

[eta_carinae]

wow. in a few years i'll look at this and perhaps feel bad that i was taking someone else's job.

ppffft. whatever. with all the things you want to do? you'll be in school for the rest of your life! :lol

[grinner]

My condolences on the loss of your job. Hope that things get better and that you don't get bitter at your former employer.

[RustySlinky]

My condolences on the loss of your job. Hope that things get better and that you don't get bitter at your former employer.Yeah, those former employers can still influence the background checks. :)

[Clarsax]

RustySlinky - :hug: :hug:
It sounds like you've got things a lot worse than me. Losing my job is pretty depressing, but at least I can still live with my parents so I don't have to worry about rent. They've agreed to help me out with the bills until I get back on my feet, so at least I've got that much.

My friends say I need to lie about having a college degree, and not tell them that I have one, because employers don't want to take the risks of hiring a college graduate who can't land a college graduate's type of job - 'cuz that's a sign that there's something "defective" with me.

I know exactly how you feel. I've got two college degrees, but it took me a year and a half after I graduated to find work. I only got that job because I left one of my degrees off of my resume and didn't tell them about it or any of my related skills. It really sucks to have to dumb yourself down, especially for a low paying job you're way overqualified for, but I guess that's the market these days. It's the only way I've been able to find any of my jobs since school.

But I'd be cautious about leaving off your degree altogether. For one thing, they're bound to ask what you've been doing with all that time and if you were in college but lie about it, they probably will find out. And then it's goodbye to that job. But if you think that by keeping some of your skills and achievements a secret during an interview would help, then I hate to say it, but go for it. Dumbing yourself down for a job is pretty lousy, but it sure beats eviction.

Well, whatever you do, I hope things get better from this point on and you have some good luck in the job market. :hug: :hug:

[Selena]

Well guys I've got a temp job that is paying twice what I was earning before. Now if I could just find a permanent job that was really what I was looking for I'd be ecstatic.

Did you put your resume on monster.com Clarsax?

[divinedaydreams]

Congradulations Selena! Any chance it could turn into a more lasting position?

[Clarsax]

I haven't gone there yet, though I've put it just about everywhere else. I've never had much luck with monster.com for some reason. But I'll have to make a note to try that again.

[AgentSun]

a lot of company websites post employment opportunities. the key is to go find opportunity, not let it come to you...monster.com and sites like that are great but my professors strongly encourage us to look for them twice as hard as we want the employers to look for us.