Seeking advice on next steps…
Anonymous
Seeking advice on next steps…
I was abruptly let go from my position yesterday after returning from a week of (approved) PTO. Prior to going OOO, I escalated - for the 3rd time - concerns about my direct supervisor, his behavior, and his actions/leadership style to the CEO (his direct superior). Keep note this is a small company and there is no HR for [this] unit, but the company falls under a larger operational/ownership umbrella that does have an HR, just not accessible to us.
During all 3 escalations, I was told “it would be handled” and that he understands and agrees that this person is difficult and that I’m not the first to experience or report this type of behavior. Nothing came of it - other than me being terminated. My direct supervisor, whom I raised the concerns about, was part of the 3 individuals who made the decision to end my employment. I was not given an answer, but simply told by law, they did not have to disclose the reason for termination - even thought there “was a reason” and that “this was the end of the conversation, period.” The entire process from start to finish was just slightly less than 5 minutes, and took place after 4 hours of work.
I have never been written up or told that my work or my behavior was not meeting expectations. I have never been placed on a PIP, nor have I ever had an evaluation, even though I requested it multiple times through my short 7mo of employment. I was a Senior Director with over 15 years of experience.
I consistently advocated for my direct reports - attempting to get them resources to better support them in their roles and professional development, and was always told we didn’t have the money. But then I would constantly be reminded that their performance was my responsibility and that I was held 100% accountable for them. Essentially, I was doing the work of approximately 6 people.
I was also reminded constantly that my bonus, pay increases, and success at the company was in “his hands” and that if he didn’t look good, then I wouldn’t look good. He would also assign me projects (like cost analysis, gap analysis, etc) to be completed by the end of the day and then would tell me that I didn’t manage my time appropriately if I couldn’t deliver the same day. Despite pushing through, he took the work and passed it off as his own - often receiving merits and nods from the superiors to delivering a job “well done”. I was always told to be “seen and never heard” and that I would never please the powers above, so it was not even worth trying.
I also have outstanding business expenses ( a couple thousand dollars) that has not been reimbursed to me that is now 2 payment cycles overdue from the date I was told they would be paid out. When I received my termination notice, I demanded that I receive that money by the end of the week, and for them to advise how I should return my equipment (I am the ONLY remote employee, which was a contingency of my accepting their employment offer). They have yet to respond to my request,
though my term letter indicates that the 2 week severance pay, plus any benefit payout, that they will provide in lieu of accepting my notice, will not be given until equipment is returned. Again, I did not give notice, I was terminated - so I feel this wording in blatantly incorrect given the situation. And, I am afraid they will just say they never received my equipment and I will be financially penalized for such.
The structure of the organization included 2 direct reports (1 male, 1 female); another female director who has also validated and expressed concerns to the degree that she was no longer reporting to him, and his boss (the CEO, also male).
I’m at a complete loss here, as I have never been terminated from a position and have always received good reviews, promotions, etc. I work hard - even on vacations, through dinners, and even at the expense of my personal time. I always showed up accordingly and went above and beyond for my staff. I am a salaried employee who could have easily doubled my income if working hourly. I am a PhD candidate in a difficult field and work with world- renowned and recognized individuals within their fields. My letters of recommendation match the execution of my work.
Outside of discussions with legal, does anyone have any other suggestions of how to navigate this?
Thank you so much!
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