Fired after relocating for work.

25 Comments

1. Kirstie S.February 17,2023 at 4:41PM UTC

   That doesn't sound legal

2. Tanya NelsonFebruary 17,2023 at 4:48PM UTC

   I would talk to an attorney

3. AnonymousFebruary 19,2023 at 1:17PM UTC

   find an attorney that specializes in employment law. It may be just a matter of a letter to the employer not racking up a ton of hours for you to pay him. Also, if he establishes this is a winning case, the employer will have to pay for your legal fees if that’s part of your settlement. also, try legal aid. I don’t know the guidelines as to who they can service. I believe it works based on your income level but if you don’t have an income level, you may be a candidate for their services. Good luck. I’m sorry this happened to you.

4. AnonymousFebruary 19,2023 at 4:40PM UTC

   Lawyer up. But also, how do they expect you to repay relocation costs after they’ve fired you? Do they plan to sue you for the money? Some of this doesn’t make sense to me. There seems like there should be more to this story. I can’t imagine what incentive a company would have to go through the hassle and expense of recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and relocating someone only to immediately fire them bc that means they would likely have to go through the hassle and expense to refill the role. It just can’t be just to illegally swindle someone out of relocation fees.

5. AnonymousFebruary 20,2023 at 1:31PM UTC

   They likely will withhold what they can from the last paycheck.

6. Kristie WhiteFebruary 20,2023 at 1:15PM UTC

   Somebody screwed up and is trying to cover their tracks. Sounds like budget wasn’t approved and they are running scared. Do you have an offer letter stating relocation would be reimbursed? Do you have witnesses to the bullying? If not, it may be hard to prove and it’s your word against the bully. If you do, immediately take it to EEOC to see if you have a case and/or can get unemployment. But signing that letter retroactively is going to make it harder because you’ve just covered the bully mistake and they will lie about it. And if your state is employment at will, you may have little recourse. So for your own sanity, do what you can but count yourself lucky. Working there would have been a disaster- cutthroat, deceptive, terrorizing. You are the fortunate one.

7. AnonymousFebruary 20,2023 at 1:31PM UTC

   This sounds shady AF!!!!!

   Moving forward, tears and all - NEVER, EVER let ANYONE pressure you into signing anything - EVER.

   If you are the type of person that is not comfortable saying NO, then learn and use some phrases that buy you time to remove yourself from the situation so that you can say no in a more comfortable way (i.e. text or detailed email, etc.) "may i look this over and get back to you?", "let me think about it", "I need to sleep/pray on it", etc.

8. GirlBossanova934974February 20,2023 at 1:32PM UTC

   You can consult an employment lawyer OR call your State Department of Labor. As your former employer has engaged in trying to falsify employment documents, the State Department of Labor or State Attorney General's office may be your best bet.

9. Nicolle Joy WilfengerFebruary 20,2023 at 1:32PM UTC

   This is frightening. You could hire an attorney but personally I would also contact the labor board in your new location and file a complaint. Unacceptable behavior.

10. AnonymousFebruary 20,2023 at 1:38PM UTC

    This happened to me a year ago. It really rocks your world and your faith in everything including yourself. I did work with an attorney and ended up filing an EEOC complaint. I received some compensation but not enough to cover all of my losses. My attorney shared that this happens more than we might think and advised me to always have relocation and healthy severance in your job offers. I am truly sorry you are dealing with this. It wont be easy, it sucks to be stuck cleaning up a mess you didn’t make, and the cream always rises to the top. You are the cream. Always.

11. TroyFebruary 20,2023 at 1:44PM UTC

    Wow, seems like they wanted somebody to take the fall for something. These Ladies have posted some good advice in reference to you situation, so please take action. Sorry you relocated your life to be going through this. Stay strong!!!

12. WendyFebruary 20,2023 at 2:17PM UTC

    That is horrible. It is so hard in these jobs to stand up for yourself if you are new to a company and don't have an inside advocate. Hopefully you have some e-mails saved that mention the relocation. Hope the next company is above and beyond what you are looking for.

13. AnonymousFebruary 20,2023 at 2:33PM UTC

    OK I'm gonna be Frank with you. Everybody's gonna tell you to call an attorney and the EEOC and the labor board and all that ..I've been there done that . I had a super valid and super shady termination case in 2018. Spent thousands on attorney... waited 10 months for EEOC negotiation meeting ...it was corporate collusion, i was the pawn piece..it all ended up in nothing. My attorney was very honest with me and told me that he could get me about $25000 but I would have to sign a document stating that I Had no knowledge of illegal or wrong doing... Which was a lie. 1st piece of advice is never ever ever before sign something that you know is wrong. At the end of the day, you have to sleep with yourself and your conscience. Be the person who stands up for what's right. .. I understand that you felt pressured and bullied but going forward, listen to your inner voice always always.You won't get paid anything For being honest, in fact you'll probably lose your job, but you'll sleep better at night... Also, attornies and EEOC only work if you are That rare case that we hear about on TV and social media. The vast majority of us just get screwed by corporate America and have to move on. And yes it will totally rock your reality. Going forward you will know how to negotiate better for yourself but none of us knew that in hindsight... You might consider getting an attorney only if he she will work on a percentage basis because paying them an hourly wage will totally bankrupt you... You need to be spending your time and energy moving forward in a positive direction and making your own happiness. There are lessons to be learned here and don't beat yourself up. I've been there done tha.t.. many of us were vulnerable too..

14. AnonymousFebruary 20,2023 at 2:34PM UTC

    I’m not a lawyer but I remember from my law classes a million years ago that signing a contract under duress can void the contract. I’d keep evidence of the bullying (hopefully in writing) and speak to a lawyer.

15. AnonymousFebruary 20,2023 at 3:04PM UTC

    Lawyer up!

16. Michelle S.February 20,2023 at 3:27PM UTC

    I can’t give you advice on lawyers or related, but I can say that if I were you, I would absolutely be sure to put reviews on glass door, CareerBuilder, in anywhere else that they might be advertising to help others. We can’t let these companies get away with it. I’m so sorry that happened to you!

17. AnonymousFebruary 20,2023 at 4:06PM UTC

    What a horrible experience. Since you are anon, please post the company so that others can avoid this trap!

18. AnonymousFebruary 20,2023 at 7:12PM UTC

    I signed an NDA following EEOC mediation so don’t want to risk being identified. As others have said, EEOC takes a long time. I filed my complaint after my attorney requested six months severance and was denied. My EEOC interview didn’t happen until four months later. Both parties opted for mediation which took place six months after initial complaint. I ended up with roughly four months severance but had to pay 1/3 to the attorney. My biggest learning was to trust myself. Something felt off to me from jump but because I wasn’t able to identify exactly I, I pressed on. Obviously a mistake and one I hope to avoid in the future.

19. AnonymousFebruary 20,2023 at 7:25PM UTC

    Nthing the advice never to sign something you are not comfortable with. I was fired from a job once and asked to sign a “final warning” document stating cause for termination. Not only did I never received any previous warnings, no part of their statement was based in actual fact so I obviously disagreed with their assessment of the situation that led to their terminating my job. I refused to sign the statement, and entered my own stating that I vigorously disagreed with theirs. It was probably the most toxic workplace I’d ever been in; worse bc it was a female founded company that ostensibly supported women but in actuality, did not. Do not be afraid to stand up to companies who try to bully, railroad, and gaslight you for whatever reason.

20. Crystal HowellFebruary 21,2023 at 12:34AM UTC

    Contact Nhrm. Org, and attorney. Keep your evidence, emails etc. Print the emails to avoid hacking

21. Bradford McCormickFebruary 21,2023 at 12:58PM UTC

    Isn't backdating documents illegal? Somebody else here has already urged you to see a lawyer, If it was me I'd suddenly hae a very severe migraine and have to leave work immediately to go home and take care of my health and if asked anything explain that I was in no condition to say or do anytihng except take care of my health (until finding that lawyer). And if I w not now in the office I certainly would be in no condition to go there or speak to them on the phone (until I talked with that lawyer).

    If asked any questions do not give anything other than your name rank and serial number. And no, you an't sign anything (but documents signed nder duress are not valid, I believe)

    Don't do anything to hurt yourself or let them hurt you any more than they already are. They are not your friend: they are your enemy.

22. AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 8:22PM UTC

    Employment attorney and EEOC to the rescue! File a claim. Do it now! What they have done is illegal don't let them get away with it.

23. Lolly OssmanFebruary 22,2023 at 4:47AM UTC

    Its unethical and immoral too.

24. Kathy LeskiFebruary 23,2023 at 12:52AM UTC

    So sorry this happened to you. As other have said, atty & EEOC.

25. IntentionGirl299847February 25,2023 at 3:46AM UTC

    While I feel badly for you, may I suggest you take assertiveness training courses? You need to learn how to say NO and have it mean F off. Watch your body language as it can scream victim or frightened. Be strong. Take charge of your life and career. Take the classes. Good luck.