Need hugs and advice.....Waaahhhhh

[Nickster]

Not sure if anyone here can offer advice or not, but I just got hit with a big one just a few moments ago. My wife's employer of 14+ years just informed her that she has two options and has until Friday to decide. Either her attitude improves immediately that very day or she can accept a two months severance package.

The situation at this employer has been going downhill for her for the last few years, so in a way this seperation was inevitable. They said that they couldn't give her anything in writing about the severance package, so we have no idea what to expect. My feeling is that she should take the package since it seems inevitable that they'd fire her and leave her with nothing. My fear is what kind of paperwork they will make her sign and how that will effect her in the future.

My first thought is that we should contact the local bar association and speak to a lawyer. I'm certain that there's nothing really to fight this happening. Anyone have any other thoughts? Anything I should do to protect ourselves? I'm just at a loss right now, just got the news via cell phone a few moments ago. Grrrrr.

My wife and I have been fully employed for our entire adult life, so the idea of one of us not having a job right now is really freaking me out especially in this economy. I'm at school right now, so all I can do is think about this and I can't even go home until late tonight.

[petronius]

1. If they actually used the phrase "attitude improves immediately"

than I'd take the severance. That's just insulting (and 2 months is pretty good...)

[Nickster]

2. That's what I told her. I'm assuming the boss is going to can her

regardless of what her decision is. 2 months is better than a poke in the eye, but after 14 years, that seems like a slap as well. If they were laying people off, she would have gotten a much bigger package based on her seniority.

[seaglass]

3. If she has been offered severance wouldn't that be considered a layoff

rather than a firing? I've never heard of giving severance to a fired employee so it sounds like she could collect unemployment.

[Nickster]

7. Well, the way she explained it is that she will have to offer a letter of

resignation and agree not to file a lawsuit against them, etc. etc. So she is leaving of her own free will and if she doesn't, then they'll show her the door anyways. So if she takes the package, then she simply quit, no unemployment.

[bigwillq]

4. I would take the two months.

Sounds like it's not a good situation to be with in the first place. Cut your losses and get the hell out of that place.

I wish your wife well. And you too. :hi: :hug:

[Nickster]

5. It really has turned into a very bad situation there. I've been telling

her to start looking for awhile. The good thing is this will get her out of that unhealthy place so maybe it's just the kick in the butt that she needs. Thanks for the good wishes. I know it will be ok in the end, it's just unnerving jumping into the unknown like this.

[Floogeldy]

6. Attitude?

What's that?

:shrug:

[Nickster]

8. In other words, she didn't kiss the right ass in the appropriate manner

and at the designated time period.:-)

[Floogeldy]

11. Oooohh.

I see. ;)

[Nickster]

12. heh, heh. n/t

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

15. Exactly.

[Lex]

9. Can she get them to agree to a good recommendation

for future employers that will call as she looks for new employment?

I know they don't want to put anything in writing, but maybe along with 2 months severance she could get them to agree to give her a good recommendation. That might help.

[Nickster]

10. I'll make sure to have her ask. Can't hurt to ask. n/t

[radwriter0555]

13. Yes, that's an excellent idea. Also ask for a 3 month package WITH a SMILE

and the absolute professional business attitude.

So, ask for a written letter of recommendation IN HAND immediately;

Ask for 3 months severence.

Ask for assurance of confirmed references on the phone for future employment.

If she simply agrees with them and doesn't put up a fight they might agree to her simple requests. Her best thing is to immediately get out there and look for a new job and definitely frame the search in a very positive manner. Make the best out of it, and it's definitely time to move on.

Good luck, you'll be fine. This could be the time to explore creating your own business.

[UrbScotty]

14. "...especially in this economy"

Michigan Republicans say we in Michigan are in a single-state recession. Surely if you are frightened about her not being employed, you live in Michigan, says the GOP!

(checks Nickster's profile)

Never mind.

[wildhorses]

16. first of all...

:hug::hug: one for each of you:loveya:

now then is Illinois a "right to work" state? EOE=equal opportunity employer?

I am thinking that she will still be able to draw unemployent. They will prorate the severance package to equal her regular pay and she will be held back how ever many weeks that works out.

Does this make sense?

good luck

wh