career and work: When Your Employment Was in Danger, What Did You Do To Keep Your Job? Part II

Selasa, 12 Oktober 2010

Do what others would

Submit to the eventual and til it strikes keep working as though nothing happened. And never squeal inbetween. P J Naidu
—Guest PJ Naidu

I was involved with starting a business when it became apparent to me that my lay off time was approaching. The relationship between myself and manager had become nastier and my work partner and I spoke about the time-frame. I missed my layoff date by 3 days. This is a fire at will state (NYS) and hire at will state. Only 2 protections exist: A. discrimination B. Whistle Blowing (Sarbanes Oxley). Also retaliation for either offence. I had complained about a manager's sexual misconduct a few years ago. From this point on the treatment got worse. I have to admit, I should have just left but I stayed while things got worse. When I checked my legal prospects I gave up quickly. Unless I had $60,000 I could not get a lawyer to represent me and having the EEOC rep me was almost a certain impossibility during these times. I took my 3 months severance and I am keeping my mouth shut for now. Not unless you have lots of money. K.
—Guest kronkite

The reality is that the business will always have their best needs at hand, not yours.
—Guest Ken W

All great advice, except this: "Finally, send work you may need in the future to your home email address." This work may be company-owned intellectual property and/or trade secrets, and the emails will leave an electronic trail that could get you in major legal hot water. Consult an attorney before emailing yourself "your work" or taking it otherwise (e.g. on a thumb drive).
—Guest George Lenard

Thanks for the realistic article. At one job I had, the writing was on the wall but I refused to read it. I thought I could impress my boss by working 12 hour days and volunteering for everything. Other employees were desperately trying the same approach and we did a heroic amount of work in a short time -- basically, we prepared the company for its transition to a much smaller enterprise. In the end, all but a handful of people were laid off. Wisdom in hindsight? Don't always assume that your best efforts are enough and don't blame yourself if they aren't.
—Guest SusanH