I was fired today......

[Digit]

It is so weird. Got in extra early, got alot accomplished. Then I was at my boss's desk late afternoon when she got a call that they wanted to see me in HR. The situation I had brought before her attention was one they could have gotten into trouble with had I not picked up on the problem. She thanked me for being so observant.
I went down wondering what was up and they fired me. They said for leaving early on Friday, but I was complying with new rules for hours they had initiated the previous week. (You miss a day and you can only make up 2 hours of it) I would have loved to have worked for more hours on Friday, but was only complying with rules.
I was told by them that I was not entitled to unemployment.
I am in a serious pickle here.

[PinkTiger]

1. You don't say what state you are in

But apply for unemployment anyway. If they deny you, appeal. You will probably win. And, you may have a case. Depending on what your job was, and what the level of your job was, you might consider filing a suit for wrongful termination.
In any case, relax, have a drink and take heart: Many of us have been fired without cause, more than once. Me, for example.

Let me know if I can help. I care.

[Digit]

3. I appreciate that, this is why I sought out help in this forum.

If I could not turn to my friends here, who could I turn to?
I feel so close to so many of you here.
I was only a temp, but a temp which has it's employment office as part of the whole company so to speak. You could say it is their right hand man.
This has been a shock, and I am freaking out alittle.
I didn't do anything wrong!
No two weeks notice, no nothing.

[cliss]

19. Digit, you should definitely file for unemployment.

You will probably get it, like someone else wrote.

Now, you were a temp, so your employer could terminate your contract at any time. That's why the word "temp" is used.

However, even if a person is "permanent", there is really no guarantee there, either. And no, even in this case, the employer will not give 2 weeks notice. When a person is being fired, they are expected to leave that afternoon (otherwise, they might get into some mischief).

And no, you probably didn't do anything wrong. It's just the vagaries of the marketplace. It happens all the time (NO job is secure nowadays).

Good luck, Digit. "One door closes, and another one opens"

[davsand]

2. Don't take their word for it.

File for unemployment anyway and make them explain to a hearing officer WHY they fired you.

Something I'm not understanding here, have you had issues of some kind with this company? Have you been disciplined before for absenteeism or missing work? For ANYTHING at all?

I'm not asking to be obnoxious or anything, but firing anyone with no real history of problems seems kind of odd to me. A lot of companies spend time working to retain good workers--they realize how expensive it is to replace them and train the new people. Additionally, companies spend a lot of cash with HR experts making sure they don't screw up and fire somebody then get sued for it.

Plus, I gotta tell you, MOST of the time people get fired on Friday. They plan that so the rest of the workforce won't be noticing you are gone the next day. (Like they will forget you over a weekend??)Either they were planning this for a while or else you got caught up in somebody's bad mood, IMO.

If you seriously feel you were let go for no real reason at all, I'd consider contacting an attorney. If you feel this was some kind of issue with you because of your race or gender or anything like that, I'd certainly call a lawyer...

I'm sorry you got fired. I'm betting you will come thru this just fine!



Laura

[Old Mouse]

4. Been there, my friend.

If you were a temp worker they may be right about unemployment. But you should apply anyway.

Most cities have free help about wrongful termination, if you found a problem and were fired in retaliation you may have a case. Call your old HR and ask for copies of everything in your personnel file. Any notices of reprimand, copy of your hours, everything that is in there. You're entitled to it, and it will scare the crap out them that you are about to sue. When you get it, casually state you are very unhappy with how they handled things, short notice, lack of severance, no written warnings. You might get a few weeks severance out of it.

[Pallas180]

5. Digit, I'm so sorry. And don't believe

you are not entitled to unemployment...

you go and tell unemployment exactly what happened...and that they have told you not to apply...

let's see what they may have to say.

Doesn't sound to me like that company is in compliance with anything.

What company is it anyway?

My second thought, on edit, is that the mistake you found caused somebody a lot of embarrasment... and maybe they complained.

Whose mistake was it? And were they in a position to demand you be gone?

[hvn_nbr_2]

6. This all sounds very odd

It's odd that they were about to fire you and your boss didn't seem to know about, or at least acted as if she didn't, immediately beforehand.

It's odd that you get fired for one apparently very minor offense, and it's immediately after you notice something that they could have gotten in trouble for. Who else knew (or could have known) about you knowing about that before you told your boss? What kind of trouble would they be in? Big enough to fire someone over?

Make notes of everything you remember, notes of everything everyone said to you, partly so you don't forget details and partly to have contemporaneous evidence. As others said, do file for unemployment and check into wrongful termination.

[Coyote_Bandit]

7. Call your temp agency

and tell them what happened to you. I don't think it is that uncommon for companies to let temps go for little or no reason. Some seem to make a habit of doing so. I've known some folks working temp here in JOklahoma who have had repeated experiences just like yours. And be sure to file for unemployment regardless of what they tell you. You can always argue that your dismissal was without cause and retaliatory for bringing a mistake and possible liability to light.

[loudsue]

8. Digit is in N.C. -- another "right to work" (HA! ) state.

Digit, I'm so sorry this happened. I would definitely force them into a hearing at the Employment Security Commission. You should be eligible for unemployment if you were following your employer's own rules.

:hug: Big hug for you kiddo! I hope it works out ok! :hug:

:kick:

[Digit]

9. Update

The mistake I had uncovered would not have gotten anyone fired. It just was a "good find" on my part and kept the company safe.
My boss, whom I adored, had me work on things where I would find issues such as this. She said she liked my attention to detail.
I really think it was a misunderstanding and they will see from my clock-ins that that I did not leave early last Friday.
I found out that they thought I left early on Monday, too, but again I was early...just not AS early. I did complete my 8 hours as the evidence will show.
I was getting closer and closer to my start time, although it made me antsy. My side benefit was that I was getting up a half hour later!
You only get 4 lates and I have never had one.
I just had never received a warning for being early!
Nor had anyone checked to verify that I had not left "early".

I just HATE being late, so I would arrive early and clock-in...thinking that if I waited, I could forget to clock-in.
In retro-spect, I should have purchased a watch with settable times so I could arrive early, but be reminded a minute before my scheduled start.
Geez, I'm anal.

[LiberalEsto]

10. I'm sorry about your job

It really hurts to get canned. Companies are so weird these days. But I hope you will be able to fight them on unemployment, and find a new job that's better than the previous one.

Good luck to you!

I was fired unexpectedly last year and no clear reason was given, just that I wasn't a "good fit." I suspect - but can't prove - that it was about having done some work on a Homeland Security project and DHS maybe deciding to do a little check on me and finding out about my leftist leanings. Just a wee suspicion. I've got a better job now -- I was hired back by a previous employer who laid me off in 2002 due to a lack of clients.

[jbnow]

11. You have to file

Even if you were late, if there were no written warnings that is not grounds for denial of unemployment. If you committed a crime there that would be grounds but I am guessing you didn't punch anyone or abscond with their funds.

If you are denied on that basis, appeal.

Here is a basic site with links
http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_unemployment_NC.html

My son recently went through something similar in CA, another at-will state. He was shocked to be let go without notice and more shocked (and hurt) when they told unemployment he was fired, not laid off.

He was able to draw unemployment until the hearing. If he had lost he would have to pay it back. He won. It was hard to hear his employer, who he had trusted, lying, but it felt very good and healing to tell the truth, raise questions, show facts and win.

Considering the forum we are on I will add to this. When he called me I was writing to a friend about a dream/vision I'd had 20 years ago that had come strongly to mind. I won't go into it all but in essence it was knowing something that explained or covered everything I held to it...from the worst problems to the most trivial. It was wonderful, simple and true. I was told I wouldn't remember it, which I didn't believe because it was simple....

But it was true, in the morning I did not recall the words to it, just the facts of it. All of my young kids came out of their room one at a time just so happy, talking about waking up laughing or filled with joy in the night and still feeling so happy. So I decided to tell them about the vision, even not remembering the words. At the end I told them "So when you are sad or hurt I want you to try to remember, something wonderful is true..." Rather then mocking they were quite excited and we all hugged.

That was where I left off the writing when he called and as soon as I heard his voice I said "Always remember, something wonderful is true"

He said "I hope you are right because I just lost my job"

So we talked about that hard part and the steps to go through, then he asked why I had answered the phone that way and he vaguely remembered the incident back then, asked me to send the mail I had been writing.

I will tell you some of what I told him...I know your pain, shock and the fear uncertainty bring are very real...but you have to go on the no accident theory. It doesn't mean they were "right" in the human sense but they are cooperating with the path your spirit is here to walk. If you saw this through a God's eye view you would be glad for it. This experience and what comes after it will lead you to where you want to be at some higher level. Go ahead and grieve, be sure and fight for what is right, but know that *you* are fine.

Wishing you the best

PS Please remember, something wonderful is true.

[Digit]

12. That was beautiful

I appreciate your sharing of that message.

It is kind of like a finger flick to the side of my head...DOINK!

Thank you for making me pause and think.

[faithnotgreed]

14. exactly exactly so..... to receive God is to know something wonderful

is true

thank you so much for sharing this
it is my journey as well. its been strange but powerful

[bliss_eternal]

13. Oh wow--so sorry to hear this!

I hope that you ARE eligible for some unemployment. I agree with what others have stated here, DON'T take them at their word, apply anyway. Sometimes employers don't want to pay for unemployment even if someone is entitled to it--apply anyway.

I'm so sorry for this loss!

[Digit]

15. I am doing much better, and getting alot accomplished...

Unemployment believes I AM entitled and found a job listing I am applying for. I have been updating my resume and am quite pleased with my progress. For breaks, I have been uncluttering and cleaning up paperwork. De-cluttering my home helps to de-clutter my mind.
I found myself even humming while I made a delicious dinner!

I still have some occasional bad moments when my mind starts spinning wondering how "I" could end up terminated with my strong work ethic. The irony is mindblowing. That is when I realize this really DID happen and is not just a bad dream.

Then I look around and see all that I have done around my home since this happened and I am filled with a sense of accomplishment.

I want to thank all the wonderful people on this forum who reached out to comfort me and also everyone who posts the most inspiring things which help people in so many ways.
Y'all are the BESTEST! ;-)

[Cleita]

16. I'm sorry I didn't answer before.

Part of the reason is because I have been retired and don't have much insight into the current job situation. I am happy that you are coping and moving forward.

I have nothing against a strong work ethic and highly recommend it, but I have found out in my lifetime that it doesn't guarantee the rewards it should. So what I am really saying is you can't believe someone else's judgement of your work.

You have to believe in yourself and what you can accomplish in the right circumstances. You have to keep picking yourself up and looking for the circumstances where you will shine.

Good luck and best wishes! :loveya:

[jbnow]

17. Thanks for the update.

Great news on unemployment and job leads.

Better news on the healing you are allowing and feeling! You've already won.

[Pallas180]

18. "Unemployment believes I AM entitled" YIPPEEE!! just shows -

how low companies and corporations have sunk -

hope you get every penny and more!

But there is a lesson in here somewhere - one I've never learned either....about giving your all in everything you do...

I think it's something like "don't cast ye pearls before swine"

maybe these companies don't deserve the extra effort and conscientiousness... because they don't appreciate it - don't care -
dont reward really good employees - a lot of them dont want really good employees cause it makes the other people in the department look bad...

so be discriminating Digit - where giving your all will really be
appreciated.

[nadinbrzezinski]

20. Tell me about it, have found that out with the freelancing over the

years...

Digit you are doing fine by the way and I think Pallas is right...

[2Design]

22. termination = no longer a good relationship - not a good fit

It isn't about you - it is about them - they no longer see a fit - so
it is like being pushed out of the nest - especially if it is a 'bad' nest - gives you a chance to clear your head and pick a better relationship -

And for you it is freedom - liberty - independence and a chance to decide anew - where do I want to go next - how can I give/get more in the world?

Use the time for renewal

[Digit]

23. Part of me is waiting for an apology...but I realize it is probably futile

I kept saying if they would look at the record (which is not subject to hacking), they would see that I had not left early.
I begged HR to check the records. New rules had dictated my hours.
It is against my character (kind of a perfectionist) to leave early anyway, so it has been a real assault against my character. It feels like I am being accused of stealing. I would not EVER do anything like that.
I keep saying, ME?, are you kidding??? While others are playing, talking, visiting, I am sitting at my desk working away. Again I ask, ME?????? Huh? What?

Soooo, I am using this time to try to begin anew.
My head goes into a tail-spin from time to time wondering how this whole thing happened and what I did wrong. I am questioning everything I have ever done wondering where I went wrong.
I really thought my boss knew me better. I wish she had confronted me so I could have shown her that I had not left early.
New rules enacted two days before had dictated that we were not to work more than 8 hours a day and I had worked a tad over 8 when I left. She was USED to me staying later and therein lies the misunderstanding. I just wish she had come to me, but I was just complying with regulations. If you are late, you at least get a warning. I was just paranoid of being late, so I was early every morning. My car is a '92 and they say you have to allow for traffic tie-ups. Okay, so I am super cautious. Is this so bad?????
I have to think that things happen for a reason and one door closes and another door opens.

[2Design]

24. It is not your fault

you are hanging onto a bad relationship -
it is over

you are trying to make it your fault - so that you can fix it
there is nothing for you to fix -

your boss has to look at numbers - people are only numbers - no matter how much they liked you - their job is based on numbers

it is not about you
this is their stuff

[Love Bug]

25. You won't get an apology

But, what is your Temp agency doing to defend you? Have they called and asked for a copy of your time card?

You won't get your job back because that would leave the company open to a possible wrongful termination suit, but you will at least have the satisfaction of knowing they KNOW they screwed up.

If it helps any, I can't tell you how many times I've had friends tell me they got terminated for "doing something wrong" and came to find out later from ex-coworkers that they were eventually proven right. Of course, by that time it is too late and the company has moved on.

Keep you head held high-- there is a company out that will appreciate your talents!

[OKthatsIT]

21. File for unemployment benefits....they're lying to you

Take the case through the system, anyway. Most employers, especially in 'service' work, will try to convince you that you are the 'scum of the earth' so that you wont follow through with unemployment benefits.

These practices are seen more often when the economy is not doing well and they need to lay folks off, too.