I got fired today

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

I'm 43 and I've NEVER been fired. It's mortifying. I left without taking my stuff. I'll go back on Saturday with my husband so I can collect my crap fast and leave.

I just LOVE how I was fired. Apparently, I made a made a mistake in May that cost the company some money. I was never told about this error. Then I made an error in June that, again, I was never told about. When I asked my weaselly manager why these errors were never brought to my attention, I was told that the June error "came to light" at the same time the May error was discovered. Really? A FULL month later? No warning, no suspension-- just FIRED!!!

This company was TRULY the WORST company I have ever worked for. I took a 7.5% pay cut last March to keep my job. I worked whenever they asked me to work. They recently asked us to take an unpaid day off. When I asked for June 25th, they said no. When I asked for June 28th, they said no. What's a person supposed to to get a friggin' UNPAID day off?!?! They never appreciated anything we did for them.

I saw this happen to SO MANY of my co-workers. And, I admit, there was a teeny, tiny bit of me that was jealous of them; they no longer had to work in this hell hole (albeit having no income!). The thing that kills me is that my former boss who talked badly about me in front of co-workers still has a job (he used to be married to the owner's niece) and the incompetent desktop operator (whose errors I always caught) still has a job.

I cried to my husband (who still works there... for the time being!) and he reminded me that maybe it's a good thing I got shit canned AND I still have the best thing from working there (him!). I applied for unemployment on line (HR was nice enough to let me put "lay offs" as my reason for being fired. AND they are paying me for my unused vacation days, which is not the norm). I try to see it as having the summer off! I'm going to start sending resumes out toute suite. NOW I can take that evening Spanish class I really wanted to take in the fall.

[WRESTLINGFAN]

So sorry to hear.


The best thing to do is definitely take the summer off as most companies do not hire that much during the summertime. I know that it sucks to be out of a job, I had a similar situation about 8 years ago but It was better in the long run as that company I was with ended up being taken over by another one and about 75% of the staff was let go.


Take these few weeks off and spend some time focusing on yourself, you will know when its right to start sending out resumes again

[STC-Dub]

Sorry

[thepaulo]

someone else I know goy fired today...some sort of merger that was supposed to be a really good thing...then they got rid of all the older, higher paid workers and kept the young not so well paid. It seems like society is collapsing. I have a plan to correct this problem. I may just institute it soon.

[razorboy]

Sorry to hear that Alice.

I have a plan to correct this problem.

Do tell...

[dereckfishboy]

If they pass the Unemployment extension, you might be able to get up to a year. After I got canned, I applied for federal grants and went back to school. If nothing else, you might be able to get a 1 year certificate, maybe more.

[TripleSkeet]

Sorry to hear it. I learned this lesson a long time ago. For most companies out there, it doesnt matter how many favors youve done, how loyal you are or how many things youve done to help the company in the past, none of that shit matters when it comes time to show the loyalty back to the employee.

Thats why every job Ive ever had I go in with a smile, dont do ANY extra favors or work besides what Im getting paid for, and look for any possible way I can find to profit on the companies dime. Fuck them all.

[thepaulo]

Sorry to hear that Alice.



Do tell...

I could get in trouble if I talk

[DonInNC]

Sucks, sorry to hear. At least these days you can use the "laid off" defense in job interviews without much questioning. Maybe the best job you've ever had is right around the corner.

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Thanks all! I'm looking forward to the next few weeks. My husband works Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (12 hour shift). We'll be able to do things (cheap or free) on Thursday through Sunday.

It was all a blur when I got fired and I signed the "disciplinary" forms. It's been six hours and NOW I'm piecing things together. One of the errors was for color; it's NOT my job to check for color. The copy I'm given is for content ONLY; it's not for color.

I want to ask Human Resources for my "disciplinary" forms. I don't want to go BACK to that company; I just want them to PROVE that I checked that press sheet to a color approval.

Why not waste their time?

[Dude!]

Why not waste their time?

you may need them
some day...
like for a reference

i wouldn't go out of my way
to piss them off

[JPMNICK]

i was unfairly laid off when my company filed chap 11 a couple months back. best thing, in retrospect, that ever happened to me. i collected unemployment, found a much better and higher paying job.

for some reason, i never looked hard for a job when i was employeed even though i was underpaid and i knew i had to leave., it was the kick in the ass i needed

[SinA]

sounds like they were looking for ways to cut the budget.
maybe they thought they had a chance to let you go, but along the way they realized that checking color wasn't your problem, but didn't want to change course once you were on your way out.

for a place that is otherwise kinda crappy, i'm not sure why else they paid you for your vacation... maybe they knew you would have a case to dispute if they blocked your unemployment benefits.

those benefits, btw, aren't really all that much, but it's your money. part of the taxes that have been taken out of every paycheck you've ever gotten go to that.

[PapaBear]

That's terrible, P. I'm so sorry.

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

you may need them
some day...
like for a reference


I was already told that they would give me a reference (which means they'll give my future employer a note that says, "She worked here from xx-xx-xxxx until xx-xx-xxxx.) I can ask my fellow proofreader for a reference since she trained me. I wouldn't ask her to lie.

WHY NOT ask them to prove I made a color error? The first thing out of the HR rep's mouth was, "It's slow." They WERE looking for a reason to fire me. My request isn't out of the norm; on the contrary, we should hold ALL employers to PROVE that a dismissal was necessary.

[Dude!]

I was already told that they would give me a reference (which means they'll give my future employer a note that says, "She worked here from xx-xx-xxxx until xx-xx-xxxx.) I can ask my fellow proofreader for a reference since she trained me. I wouldn't ask her to lie.

WHY NOT ask them to prove I made a color error?

yes, that request is
entirely reasonable

in fairness, though,
you did say
"Why not waste their time?"

anyway, good luck

[Death Metal Moe]

Sorry to hear you got laid off Petrina. If you can get by on the unemployment money it might not be so back for awhile. Free time isn't a bad thing, although it does get old, fast. Especially when the bills keep coming.

But at least for a few weeks, it's gonna feel great. Good luck.

[KC2OSO]

Sorry kid. My project ended six months ago and I've been out on the tiles since then. Looking for a job ain't what it used to be. It's pretty brutal out these. Luckily, I found a new position recently. I wish you the best of luck. If I can give any help in any way, let me know.

[tanless1]

You deserved better, now go get it !!!

[Jayw]

I'm 43 and I've NEVER been fired. It's mortifying. I left without taking my stuff. I'll go back on Saturday with my husband so I can collect my crap fast and leave.

I just LOVE how I was fired. Apparently, I made a made a mistake in May that cost the company some money. I was never told about this error. Then I made an error in June that, again, I was never told about. When I asked my weaselly manager why these errors were never brought to my attention, I was told that the June error "came to light" at the same time the May error was discovered. Really? A FULL month later? No warning, no suspension-- just FIRED!!!
all.

Sorry man. I will feel your pain soon enough with one more semester to get a bs degree which I don't even feel confident using. Not to bring fez in to it, but his fucking axienty is spreading to me man fuck.

[torker]

Job security, especially when you get in to your 40s is big. I've lost a few jobs along the way and there never is a good time for it to happen. But if anybody adds "in this economy" when discussing your situation, punch them in the mouth for me, even if they happen to be right.

[spoon]

bunch of shit and it's amazing how often I have been hearing stories like this

slowly but surely companies will fuck u in the end so Tripskeet's theory on work is pretty much the way they force workers to think

You'll end up in a better spot when all is said and done.

[El Mudo]

Try to look on the bright side...as much trouble as they gave you, on some level, its gotta be great not to have to work there any longer.

Best of luck on finding a new job quickly. Have you tried looking at USAJobs? The government is always looking for writer-editors.

[A.J.]

That sucks Petrina. Best of luck and I hope a new opportunity will present itself soon.

Just don't be a Russian spy.

[Jujubees2]

Sorry to hear about this Petrina. Keep your chin up and focus on the future. And A.J., there's nothing wrong with being a Russian spy. Just don't get caught.

[instrument]

That's probably why they're allowing you to say you were laid off, anything to not draw attention to a wrongful termination.

And yes ask for copies of your disciplinary actions, what if they tell unemployment you were fired for disciplinary purposes and you have a trial?

[CYYYFYYY]

Sorry to hear, you are one of the nicest people on the board if not the nicest. I wish you all the luck in the world and hopefully this becomes a good thing. I refuse to tell someone that this is a good thing, that is there decision.

[TripleSkeet]

bunch of shit and it's amazing how often I have been hearing stories like this

slowly but surely companies will fuck u in the end so Tripskeet's theory on work is pretty much the way they force workers to think

You'll end up in a better spot when all is said and done.

I know alot of people wont agree with it, but anytime Ive been fucked by a company, I walk out with at least a little smile knowing I got as much if not more out of them then they will ever know.

One place I worked for 10 years, was loyal to a fault, but realized early it didnt matter to the higher ups. So even though I still cared about the company and did my job well, I also did other things. In 10 years I had to do at least 1000 things I couldve been fired for if I were caught, yet ironically I got fired for something I didnt do. It was something Id seen done to so many employees it wasnt really a surprise, and as dissapointed as I was I still left with a smile because in the end I got so much more out of that place then they ever got out of me.

[A.J.]

I know alot of people wont agree with it, but anytime Ive been fucked by a company, I walk out with at least a little smile knowing I got as much if not more out of them then they will ever know.

Another day, another box of stolen pens.

http://deadhomersociety.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/pens.png

I remember when I was working for my cunty ex-boss, how much satisfaction I took in making long-distance personal phone calls on the company's (her) dime. I also didn't buy stamps for years as I ran all my mail through the office's postage machine.

[keithy_19]

Just don't be a Russian spy.

That's a job you really don't want to get fired from.

[Farmer Dave]

You deserved better, now go get it !!!

Sounds like she had it coming.

[Kris10]

Your too good for this job. Screw that company! Go out, find something better, and don't EVER settle for a pay cut!

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Another day, another box of stolen pens.

http://deadhomersociety.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/pens.png

I remember when I was working for my cunty ex-boss, how much satisfaction I took in making long-distance personal phone calls on the company's (her) dime. I also didn't buy stamps for years as I ran all my mail through the office's postage machine.

My co-workers were nice enough to pack up my crap so my husband could bring them to the car when I picked up him after his meeting with HR (basically to get me put on his insurance). I didn't have anything of real value at my desk. I was just glad I didn't have to face anyone. Then we went to a diner for breakfast,

When I got home I noticed what was IN the boxes-- granted it was ALL MY STUFF but my co-workers packed a company desk lamp, an electric pencil sharpener, and a SLEW of pens and pads. GOD BLESS THEM, each and everyone of my co-workers. :clap:

And, A.J., I had my heart set on being a Russian spy. Appartently it isn't too difficult. I could have handled it; if Benny Hill had been my handler.

[PapaBear]

When I got home I noticed what was IN the boxes-- granted it was ALL MY STUFF but my co-workers packed a company desk lamp, an electric pencil sharpener, and a SLEW of pens and pads.
That is fucking AWESOME!!! :lol:

Oh, and don't you love the irony of the insurance thing? Your husband is going through the whole bullshit immigration issue, and now you are going to be on some one's insurance that the idiots at the INS say is illegal! :wallbash:

[TripleSkeet]

Another day, another box of stolen pens.

http://deadhomersociety.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/pens.png

I remember when I was working for my cunty ex-boss, how much satisfaction I took in making long-distance personal phone calls on the company's (her) dime. I also didn't buy stamps for years as I ran all my mail through the office's postage machine.

LOL yea I got alot of that stuff and ALOT more that they have no idea about.

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Oh THANK GOD for Ren and Stimpy on Netflix streaming.

[weekapaugjz]

sorry to hear about your situation fuzzy. i hope something comes along for you quickly. you deserve better than what you've been dealt.

[A.J.]

Oh THANK GOD for Ren and Stimpy on Netflix streaming.

Fuck that -- please tell me you get the Retro TV Channel. Emergency! is on M-F at 3:00!!!

[A.J.]

When I got home I noticed what was IN the boxes-- granted it was ALL MY STUFF but my co-workers packed a company desk lamp, an electric pencil sharpener, and a SLEW of pens and pads. GOD BLESS THEM, each and everyone of my co-workers. :clap:

And, A.J., I had my heart set on being a Russian spy. Appartently it isn't too difficult. I could have handled it; if Benny Hill had been my handler.

That's awesome.

I can drop your resume off the at Russian Embassy. It's right across the street from my old apartment.