I work for a company for a year. I was told I was doing good. I have one co worjer who was rude and yelled at me all the time. When he started to interfere with my job i went to the manger. I was told we all need to get along. Next thing i know my hour got switch, I didn't deal with him as much. I did everything the company asked and i worked at my best. One day I i was fired no reason given. I asked and was to my state was an at will state. What can I do? I am older and last time it took my awhile to find a job. I will loss everything. How do I fimd out the turth? Can I do anything legally?

15 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 25,2024 at 3:06PM UTC

   I'm sorry you experienced this. If you have been fired and it's done, arrange to collect unemployment and move forward.

   It's unlikely you'll get the closure you seek. At will companies/state arrangements mean you or the company can end the relationship any time for any reason. They chose to cut you.

   This is just my opinion --It also sounds like there is poor management. Any time a manager approaches yelling among their team with a "hey work together/ work it out on your own" style doesn't know how or doesn't have autonomy to manage. It sounds like the switching of schedules was an attempt to separate you two (I don't know all the facts and if they switched without telling you then they took a streamlined approach---which means they don't have time/interest/skills in talking things out. Sounds like the "rude" coworker is deemed valuable.

   Focus on you and your next steps. Close the chapter at this company. They spent no time on you. Don't spend any on them. Yes, it can take time to find a job. Sometimes transitions are faster than usual. I wish you the best.

   If you were recently fired, try to get copies of the HR/employee handbook to read about policies. Contact local unemployment and start collecting. As you search, there are lots of good tips online for how to answer an interview question about why you are no longer at your employer. A standard redirect answer is fine.

   Good luck with your search.

   p.s. If you really want to go the legal approach, you could contact a lawyer who specializes in employment law and get free 15 minutes and see what they say (what can be proven and how much time/money it would cost). But, my guess is it's better to cut ties.

2. AnonymousJune 25,2024 at 3:57PM UTC

   You will never know the truth. Ever. But you can have a consultation with and employment attorney, bring any evidence you might have collected and see if you have any recourse.

   I would also file a claim with you edd office to have them investigate.

3. AnonymousJune 25,2024 at 6:10PM UTC

   Most states are at-will states which means they can fire you for any reason or even no reason. The only exception is if they fire you for a reason that's explicitly illegal, for example race or religion. But even then the burden of proof is on you, not them. It can't hurt to speak to an attorney but don't get your hopes up.

   Truth is it's their world and we're just living in it

4. AnonymousJune 26,2024 at 7:00AM UTC

   It's a difficult situation to be in. Practice self compassion. out reach. Keep a network.

   Accept the situation?.

5. AnonymousJune 26,2024 at 7:01AM UTC

   Would you want to move on or to more skilled role with a promotion to a different company?

   Don,t stay bitter.

6. AnonymousJune 26,2024 at 7:04AM UTC

   Employment lawyer? Would be able to provide advice.

   Human resource.

   Do you have a mentor?

7. AnonymousJune 26,2024 at 3:57PM UTC

   Get real, what is an employment lawyer going to do here? This board is always so quick to scream litigation. And few of us have the resources and bank account balance to write a retainer check.

8. AnonymousJune 26,2024 at 2:09PM UTC

   Unless you can document any form of discrimination for a protected class, there is no legal case here. If you have proof of ageism, for example, you could consult an employment lawyer. Or if you documented harassment. Simply put, for whatever reason you were not a fit for them. They had the right to let you go. It is terribly unfair that they did so seemingly without warning or opportunity to improve. I’m sorry you are going through this but best to see where opportunity takes you from here.

9. Julie EJune 27,2024 at 3:19PM UTC

   Going to temp and staffing agencies can help you find a job quicker if you’re worried about being unemployed for too long. You may be able to start a temp job the next day. The downside to that route though is that you don’t get benefits and are sometimes treated as an expendable employee. Good luck and don’t let this get you down.

10. AnonymousJune 27,2024 at 4:14PM UTC

    No. Sorry to say, being blunt. You're just a pawn in Corporate America's chess game.

    You have no right to find out anything from your former company.

    Because "at-will" employment, which you stated above.

    It's absolutely disgusting but there's nothing we can do about it.

11. AyianJune 28,2024 at 1:49PM UTC

    File for unemployment the first day of July (unemployment calculations work on quarterly amounts and you want as many quarters available to of as possible). If the company declines your claim, they have to provide a reason.

    If you had anything documented against that claim, you can dispute them and that would be something to go to an employment attorney, but unless all of that lines up, there's nothing else to be done here, I'm sorry to say

12. maria roseJune 28,2024 at 4:34PM UTC

    We all here get your frustration and emotional turmoil concerning the firing/laid off especially given the circumstances at the job. But your best way forward is to get on with your life and find a new job. You should have at least learned how to avoid workplace situations/ tendencies that encouraged the behavior that frustrated you at the last job. You can find this out by appropriate questions and observations plus if you think ageism is an issue then that is something you can look for as a well balanced workplace environment has equitable representation based on work skills which you would see immediately. I gather that this former job was a small business operation located in a right to work location, so legally there’s nothing you can do or research to find the “ true” reason for your termination because the legal labor law doesn’t require it and WHY waste your valuable time and money trying to find out, consider it water under the bridge and move on and learn from it or stay stuck in remorse and anger. Choose a better workplace environment that suits you better going forward. Get your unemployment benefits and look with close scrutiny at the positions available, evaluate and research the company before even applying and then go through the job search process. Calm down and plot your course forward—good luck

13. AnonymousJune 30,2024 at 8:32PM UTC

    I'm sorry in advance for having to be so blunt. Your post has many spelling and grammar mistakes. You didn't specify what type of job you have, however if you have a 'white collar' job this could be the reason you were fired.

14. AnonymousJuly 1,2024 at 1:11PM UTC

    All of this, spot on comment!

15. AnonymousJuly 4,2024 at 5:57AM UTC

    I’m gathering English as a second language… it’s ok! You’re safe here. Try Abramson law.