...and then your boss walks in and tells you not to bother coming in on Monday?
Yeah. I totally hate when that happens.
Here's the deal. Kevin and I decided that I would stop working at the end of February. I was technically part-time and I wasn't going to walk out of there with paid maternity leave (or even a You're-Preggers-Here's-A-Cupcake-And-Cheap-Baby-Onsie-On-Your-Last-Day-Of-Work! party). So rather than wait for my water to break all over my desk chair, we decided to sacrifice those last few paychecks and let me wallow on the couch in 3rd trimester misery.*
Like an amazingly responsible, professional, grown-up woman, I gave 5 weeks notice. (Yep. FIVE.) Why wait and give them only two? It seemed kind of rude. Why not give them plenty of time to look for a replacement?
Uhhh...because they'll decide to just let you go and save some cash on payroll.
I got dumped! I worked there for two years! I never got a raise! Or benefits! I did way more work than I was hired to do! And for what? "You don't have to bother coming back on Monday. Just take your time and enjoy getting ready for that baby, okay?" *wink, wink*
It was so awkward and weird. I didn't even know what to do (other than shove my pregnancy snacks and picture frames in my purse). It took a full ten minutes before it dawned on me to ask, "So...am I fired or what? Did I do something wrong? Can I use you as a reference?"
(And? That scene from Office Space where the bosses were saying, "Studies show it's best to fire someone on a Friday," kept running through my head.)
When I mentioned that no one else knew how to use the computer program I was using, they looked at each other and said, "Oh. Well, can we call you if we have problems with it?" Which felt oddly similar to a breakup when an asshole boyfriend said, "But...we can still have sex."
So. I am back at home in SAHM luxury. With bronchitis. And an ear infection.
Jealous much?
ETA: HAHAHA! Oh, wow! While posting the Office Space pic, it suddenly dawned on me that I never erased the blog pics from my work computer. The next guy is going to open it up to find Jedi Squirrels, Oompa Loompas, an obese woman squishing a skinny guy into the bed, and Giselle looking all pornalicious. Niiiiiiice.
12 comments:
sorry to hear this happened to you. The same thing happened to me when I was pregnant. I was totally not appreciated, even though I did more work than most of the people there, and didn't get any benefits because I was a contractor. I was miserable about it. They also put me in this weird category when they said can we call you and ask you about stuff youdidn't have time to transition? bizarre. Good news is once the baby gets here, you will totally not care and it will hardly ever bother you again.
May
I'm sorry. My boss actually did throw me a shower and let me have the dignity of giving two weeks notice even though we all knew there would be no $$ to pay me if I stayed longer. Which is why I do go help them with computer problems any time they call. I'm thinking you shouldn't. Ever. :)
Live and learn, isn't that what they say? I have never seen any company actually give a darn about their employees when it comes to money and such. They are all pretty much a like. Sorry you had to experience that...
Ah, that sucks...but hey, you enjoy getting ready for that baby!
My old boss fired me after vacation. My oldest was 6 months, we went to FL for a family vacation and I trained a temp before I left. The day I came back, they let me go. They were paying her about 1/2 of what they were paying me...shady bastards.
And...it was on a MONDAY. Who fires someone on a Monday morning?!?!
Wow...nothing like a little "class" to show ya some serious appreciation...what a buncha dweebs..."can we call you if we have problems??" no, but can I call ya when my placenta comes out so I can email you an instant picture...??
What an a-hole. I'm not normally an advocate of suing people, but this sh** really gets my goat. You have multiple grounds for a lawsuit here; do you have any friends who are lawyers who could shoot off a quick leagalese letter to that effect? It's probably not worth it to go through with an actual lawsuit but a letter might get you some severance at least.
Alternately, since you got fired instead of quit does that mean you get unemployment benefits now? I'd definitely look into that if I were you.
I surely hope you took enough office supplies to last you a while? yes? Or even better, snag the mouse from every single computer, that would be hilarious...
People would hate to work in an office with me I think.
Well glad you dont have to be sick at work, sucky they let you go like that. bastards, cheap bastards at that.
Hope you can at least enjoy your time at home.
Let me just say, I love Office Space. I like to think that when I am answering phones in my office that people can't stand me like in the movie. It brightens my day!
I absolutely love your blog lady. I read it everyday for a loooong time now. (I just have a name now instead of "Anonymous" Keep your chin up and keep making us smile :)
Ok, what a shitty, shitty way to be, after you were absolutely professional.
"can we call you if we run into problems?" I'd say "sure, but as a CONSULTANT, my hourly rate is $50, paid in full no matter how much of the hour is used."
If you really want to be bitchy, you could ensure they pay you til the end of your 5 weeks notice and, if not, call a lawyer and sue their asses for wrongful dismissal (depending on how much your hormones are raging and wanting revenge, of course). Oh! And DON'T give them free advice on the computer stuff. They should have thought that out ~ the dumb asses!
Getting laid off is WEIRD no matter what circumstances it happens under. And it's really annoying when it happens without really so much as a Thank You. sorry that happened, the good news is you were leaving so at least you're not totally screwed.
This is so sucky. What a jerk way to handle it. It ticks me off how companies expect workers to be so loyal and give 150% these days, but can't be bothered to return the favor.
Hope you do something really productive and fun with your extra time off! (And giving free computer advice is not productive and fun.)
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