I had a part-time role with an organization.

I had a part-time role with an organization. Apparently they felt that I was not a good fit for the role (I understand.) However, they planned to tell me that I was being removed from the position during my normal one-on-one calls with my supervisor (her supervisor was added to the meeting under the guise that we would be discussing "customers." They told me that they wanted to remove me from my role and give me a few "consulting" administrative tasks at a lower rate of pay. I needed the money, so I agreed.

This is where things took a different turn. On the company Slack messaging, I noticed a new person joined the channel the next day. I noticed her name and remembered that I saw it on the calendars of the two leadership members I mentioned earlier when scheduling a different meeting. Sure enough, they interviewed her on the same day they added my boss' boss to my weekly meeting. That must have been the day they decided to give me the boot. My meeting was the next week.

I guess I feel a little bit offended by how the situation was handled. Frankly, I would have rather been let go earlier. Am I overreacting?

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

4 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    I don't 100% understand the situation, so maybe I'm missing something here, but I don't get why you're offended or why you would have preferred being demoted to the lower-paying job earlier.

    It makes sense to me they wanted to secure a replacement before removing you from that position, although they could've certainly communicated to you what they were planning ahead of time. I admit that transparency there would have been nice. They probably didn't want you leaving before they confirmed your replacement. But switching your position earlier on would not have even benefitted you as your rate would have decreased earlier, as well.

  2. Anonymous

    They tried to throw you a bone with the consultant work so you could get things in order and have time to transition out. If you would have rather been fired out of the blue then I would just quit.

  3. Anonymous

    how do you think the situation should have been handled?

    the process of firing someone usually takes some time but when the decision has been made, preparation to secure a replacement usually begins immediately to ensure a smooth transition with as little disruption as possible.

    you have to keep in mind that companies are not families, they are not your friends. companies are looking out for what is best for the company—not their employees, not you.

    that said, keeping you on as a consultant, albeit at a lower rate, is actually more than what most companies would do. it gives you the opportunity to keep drawing a paycheck while you look for another job.

  4. Anonymous

    That middle paragraph is absolutely true. Companies don't give a toss about you or your career, let alone your feelings. (this is especially true for contract work). All the while having the nerve to whine about the Great Resignation and expecting their employees to give their entire lives over to the company.

Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members