So, Like, I got Fired ...

[lookout123]

I don't know why the math worked out to be 3 years pay. It was in court for probably 2-3 years but she was working elsewhere. The case was pretty cut and dry. It was a national athletic shoe chain. She was a store manager ranked in the top 10% of the company but the new district manager didn't like women managers because they were drama and got knocked up. (His opinion, not mine)

Well, she got pregnant and was at a scheduled doctor's exam when he showed up for an audit. Even though she wasn't scheduled to be at the store, he fired her for attendance issues. Dumbass. I think the reason it took so long was just a matter of numbers, not guilt.

[infinite monkey]

True, those cases can go on a long time.

Another thing to consider, for sure.

[SteveDallas]

Originally Posted by wolf

I have seen the attorney, and he thinks he should be able to get more than is being offered. Of course, everything starts with a $1,000 retainer.

I'm confused and worried. Do I try for bonus points with no guarantee of any recovery, or slink away?

I can't make a financial calculation on limited knowledge of the situation (to say nothing of the fact that IANAL).

However my advice is to fight it. I believe, down the road, in the grand scheme of things, you will regret not pushing back more than you will going to court and losing, if it comes to that.

[monster]

Are there any lawyers who will take it on a contingency basis, wolf?

[SteveDallas]

Yeah I was thinking if nothing else, get a second opinion.

[Aliantha]

I'm sorry you got the arse Wolf. I hope you can get yourself sorted out really quickly.

[TheMercenary]

Wow, so sorry about that wolf. I will miss your stories. I hope you find employment soon. Maybe it is time for a big move to another state in the same line of work. Something radical....

[Clodfobble]

The lawyers who took our WARN Act violation case (when the videogame company improperly laid us all off) also took it on contingency. I think their fee was 1/3 of the money awarded, but they also followed the damn case for almost 6 years, they more than deserved it.

[bluecuracao]

Originally Posted by wolf

My biggest concern right now is figuring out how to reply to questions on the unemployment form without making myself ineligible for benefits.

If you feel that your termination wasn't your fault, then by all means say that on the UC form.

Is there someone in HR at your old place of employment you can call? Maybe you can find out if they plan to deny your benefits and ask them not to. If they are already offering you severance pay, then it's possible they won't give you a problem about unemployment compensation (which they pay into ahead of time, like insurance).

But if they do plan to say it was your fault...I don't think PA will deny you unemployment if the reason was you did not play well with someone at work. It would have to be something more serious than that.

My former boss was fired for something along those lines (supposedly), yet he was still able to collect unemployment.

I am very sorry this happened to you, Wolf! It happened to me a few months ago, so I know what you must be going through.

[limey]

OMG. Wolf. Fuck. That sucks. Sending positive vibes your way ...

[pensive pam]

Originally Posted by wolf

As I quietly announced in my user title, I am unemployed.

Fired.

Shit-canned.

It's an entirely surreal experience.

The last time I lost my job, the company closed down.

That's what got me to the nuthouse as a temp. 19 years ago this summer. That's one hell of a temporary job, eh?

I learned a lot, my life headed in directions that I never expected.

But it's done.

Over.

The really short version is that although I am an awesome person, and really smart, and really capable, and know the law and the job really super well, I don't work and play well with others.

Because of something that I maintain that I did not do, I am sitting in my chair, with the television on for company, wondering what the fuck I am going to do.

I'm trying to start with the small stuff. I've been doing laundry today, and I threw some past-date stuff out of the refrigerator.

I also have started looking for an attorney. I know shit-all about choosing an attorney, so if anyone knows one with termination-of-employment experience, it would be helpful.

I have some documents that need to be looked over.

I am also looking for pointers on how to fill out the unemployment paperwork.

oh. fuck.

I was fired too...I'm just no good...

[monster]

Hey wolf, any news?

[wolf]

Nothing at this point. There is a job fair this coming Monday that I'm planning on attending, but of course none of the companies that are attending are the sort that do the kind of thing that I did ... however, there is always the chance that one of these regular corporate types of places is looking to hire for their Employee Assistance Program.

Mainly I'm going for the practice in the meet and greet 5 minute make an impression interview(ette). I have purchased some special (i.e., cheaper) resume paper, because the job fair people say to take 30 copies of your resume.

Now, here's the big question ... since this is basically a fishing expedition ... do I print my two page resume single sided like you're supposed to, or double sided so it doesn't get separated and lost?

[pensive pam]

Originally Posted by wolf

Nothing at this point. There is a job fair this coming Monday that I'm planning on attending, but of course none of the companies that are attending are the sort that do the kind of thing that I did ... however, there is always the chance that one of these regular corporate types of places is looking to hire for their Employee Assistance Program.

Mainly I'm going for the practice in the meet and greet 5 minute make an impression interview(ette). I have purchased some special (i.e., cheaper) resume paper, because the job fair people say to take 30 copies of your resume.

Now, here's the big question ... since this is basically a fishing expedition ... do I print my two page resume single sided like you're supposed to, or double sided so it doesn't get separated and lost?

Hi Wolf! Thanks for your advice on my other two threads. I am much younger than you but I do know that IF you do have a 2 page resume, print in on two pieces of paper. Secondly, try not to skimp on the stock quality of your paper. Hard to explain. A heavier stock feels more 'valuable.' and carries more weight. It's psychological. If a recruiter has two resumes in his hand - one printed on regular 8x10 stock paper, and one printed on heavier fancier paper - he will gravitate towards the better stock quality...
Hope this helps,
Your friend,
Pam.

[wolf]

I used to do some graphic design. I understand about weight, color, and fonts.