Unpopular opinion: Resign.

Anonymous

March 14,2024 at 1:25PM UTC

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Unpopular opinion: Resign. It may be in their best interest to avoid accountability but it also helps you -- it will be easier to get a job the next round. You can explain that you resigned for a better opportunity. When I was looking for a job not so long ago, nearly every application wanted to know if I had ever been fired. Not one provided any room for an explanation.

I was fired without cause -- my boss didn't like that my work was getting more attention from higher ups than his. He didn't like that I wasn't doing "enough" to praise him in front of his superiors when they would notice my work or that I was getting invited to certain project meetings and he wasn't. He told me that I needed to smile more at him during meetings and act more engaged when he would comment. I hadn't even had any form of evaluation, and yet HR said I was fired for professional misconduct. In my state, an employer stating "misconduct" is automatic for no unemployment. It wasn't until after an appeal process that I was able to get unemployment, with aid of a sympathetic UI worker who went above and beyond to help me prove my case.

Don't gamble that your unscrupulous employer will do the right thing and not lie why they fired you and that you will be fortunate on appeal. Just take the resignation and be thankful to be done with them.

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Sandy PochapinMarch 14,2024 at 1:40PM UTC
You should join some networking groups and see if you can get advice on how to "frame" the story of your termination to sound less adversarial and more sympathetic. I don't agree about resigning on your own, I'd rather fight for unemployment rights. And you can find someone else at your former company to provide a reference, you don't have to give your boss as a contact. I've been in that situation and if given the opportunity, I always put "no" on any application that asks if its ok to contact this employer for a reference.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 3:17PM UTC
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but I had the option to resign or be fired and I requested being fired. I knew the job market was difficult and I needed unemployment. While UI doesn't cover my bills, it helps and while positions are being put on hold or cancelled, that amount makes a difference.
I had savings but a prolonged search is quickly dwindling my account. I've had questionable endings at two jobs throughout the years and I have a 25 plus year trajectory. One in which it wasn't the right fit and the other, I wanted to leave.
Where our pride stings regarding being fired, it's not the same stigma as in the past. Most companies verify the dates you worked and position rather getting into details about the reason. As others stated, use a colleague at your former company if worried.
With so many layoffs, restructuring and post-COVID 'it didn't work out' mentality, I'd suggest taking the money that is due and use that as a cushion to find your next role. That's my two cents as someone who is currently going through this situation.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 3:55PM UTC
Currently I am doing a lot of soul searching, because my current boss and I do not get along and I do not think I am being fairly evaluated and appreciated. I actually feel used and taken for granted. Many times have I asked myself whether I should just quit. There is a lot of value to it - your mental health, your pride, and not least, your respect in yourself. Yet, I also have responsibilities to my family. And I feel that I am due something from a company that I worked for diligently for so many years. So far, I am still here, but looking for better opportunities. There may be a day when it all becomes too much and I resign. Whatever you do, remember, you are worth it and have faith that thing work out. But make sure you have some financial cushion before you just quit.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 4:45PM UTC
I have been there too, and have not had the privilege of an uncertain future without income. "Just quit" is too easy an answer and only appropriate for someone without financial responsibilities or a significant nest egg in this economy. When I was terminated and had to fight for my unemployment, I came close to becoming homeless before finding another job. I was lucky to have someone to move in and share expenses with until I found another job.
I agree wholeheartedly that everyone should be treated with respect in the workplace, but the sad truth is that there will always be some conflict there. Being the bigger person and rising above it while taking care of outside responsibilities is always the best option. If it is that bad, look for other jobs while still working because people with jobs are always looked at more favorably than people without, regardless of who instigated the termination.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 4:54PM UTC
Your employer probably knew that "misconduct" wouldn't hold up on appeal because they must have significant documentation to prove it. They were counting on you not fighting it and lost. It happened to me, too. Congratulations on holding out and winning. Good luck with your search.
AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 12:00AM UTC
resigning takes away your unemployment though unless you were put in an unsafe environment (like harassed)
it's usually better to be fired because depending on the reason you can often still qualify for unemployment. if you quit, you almost certainly cannot.
AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 8:50PM UTC
Yes, but six months of some pay is better than six months of zero income. It is supposed to be a way to help you while you look for jobs. You worked and helped pay (indirectly) for the UI. It is not an entitlement.
Most companies do not share the details of separation when doing an employment verification as it opens them up to the possibility of a lawsuit if they say something that keeps someone from getting hired.
AnonymousMarch 16,2024 at 1:36PM UTC
What industry are you talking about, and where do you live?
In the US, anyone blocking someone from getting a job, including those who have signed non-compete agreements, can and will be sued repeatedly. Unless you are applying for positions requiring high-security clearances and squeaky-clean backgrounds, being fired is not the death knell you make it out to be. I have been fired before but got jobs in the same industry again without a problem. I have also responded "yes" to whether I was ever terminated from a position and was later called in for an interview. Most of my involuntary terminations were layoffs, but one was not. The only places I have even seen these questions on applications are for state or federal types of government jobs. BTW, none required a security clearance, so I can't entirely speak to that.
If you are the OP, please clarify your industry, sector, and the types of jobs you are applying for. $450 a week may not pay rent or mortgage, but it probably could pay a light bill or buy groceries and gas/transportation needed for your interviews, and yes, it is supposed to be temporary.
Right now, the job market is tough, so if you are blaming not getting hits on your application for having been fired in a previous position, I suggest you start looking somewhere else for the reason. Have your resume reviewed or run it through an AI scan. Talk with a job coach.
AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 8:25AM UTC
I am fifty years into the game of employment, and times have changed.
Being fired is not looked on as it once was - and I am talking about private industry. If you make them fire you, you will have time to make some moves to obtain a future job. Try contract positions, as the need is often urgent. Meanwhile you can qualify for unemployment. In some circumstances it could even be spun as a layoff or restructuring.
Moreover, when you get UI, you may very well qualify for some of the government benefits you have paid into all of the years you have been employed. Start with SNAP (in California - i.e. food stamps) as it is the easiest to qualify for and can automatically qualify you for other benefits.
Wishing you swift healing and all of the best!