Help! I was fired ?
Hi Ladies,
I was terminated from my job in December 2019 after 15 yrs of service. Just a brief background!
, I have been an insurance Claim rep for 30 yrs. I joined my most recent company in 2005 & worked my way up in the ranks. In 2018 my dept. had a reorganization & was 12 reps over, mngmt was looking for 12 people to move out of current position. I took the leap & discovered the new position was not for me. I was drowning. The toxicity on the new team was unbearable, training was nill & after a year I was told the I was being let go for not making phone calls? I struggled tremendously in the new dept and was barely treading water. I spoke to my supervisor several times that I needed help & the job just wasn’t for me. Now I’m on unemployment & the company is fighting the unemployment. I didn’t do anything wrong, I loved working for the company until I switched to this new dept. Now I can’t find a job, I went to H.S. in the 80’s when the school either put you in a college path or business path. I was in the business path & therefore never went to college. I am struggling mentally & “physically” trying to find a job with the skills I have along with my insurance background. Anyone have any suggestions?
A M
Events Manager
208
07/28/20 at 6:54PM UTC
Hello. I am so sorry you are going through all of this. First thing- Breathe and I mean really breathe. Stop take a deep breath and let yourself just sit for a moment with these thoughts. What I gained from your message is that the environment was toxic and unbearable. This would have had drastic effects on your performance and health so as much as it’s hard to absorb losing your job, feel blessed you are no longer in that toxic space. If you were fired, then they need cannot fight the unemployment. If they do call the labour board and a lawyer, work bullying is Huge at the moment & unacceptable and that is a route to go if they continue denying unemployment.
Second, you seem to have a plethora of years of experience and skills. Like above mentioned I would also sit and write down all of my skills and qualifications and find parallels, then I’d try to determine if this is still the direction you want to go. I know it sounds crazy but sometimes these things happen and it’s like a reset button. It’s an opportunity for you to reinvent yourself. You have options. It will just take a little bit of research. :)
Anonymous
07/21/20 at 3:10PM UTC
Thank you for all of the recommendations & guidance. I truly appreciate it! Great tips!
Thank you!
Anonymous
07/21/20 at 2:59PM UTC
I concur that (((hugs)))) are in order. Some states are employment at will and an employer does not have to give you warnings or any reason to terminate. I agree with speaking to an employment lawyer, if you tried your best they should not have grounds to deny you unemployment.
User deleted comment on 07/20/20 at 3:15PM UTC
Mimi BishopBiz+Career Coach for Modern Gen X Women
1.33k
07/20/20 at 1:35PM UTC
Hi there. Thank you for posting. First, I want to share that you are not alone here. I understand what it is like to be in a role where it isn't a fit. It's the worst! So stressful!!
You have tons of experience -- so start by writing down all of it -- even the nitty gritty that don't seem like a big deal.
Next, get clear on your strengths and weaknesses.
Then start to do some investigation on what a next career step could look like. Like Jillian mentioned -- you may need to fill in some learning gaps with some training (there are so many resources online these days).
Keep going. Be consistent in your search. I know how stressful this can feel, so be sure to take care of yourself too.
Please feel free to reach out to me if I can be of any help.
We also have a Facebook group Just Gen X -- The Resting Mind -- we'd love to have you there and can help support you too.
Good luck and best wishes!
Jillian KnappEducator, Storyteller, Lifeline
896
07/19/20 at 6:59PM UTC
Glad to help. I really enjoy the podcast. Mimi and Jackie are awesome.
Again, I think you would be good to speak with an employment lawyer who practices in your jurisdiction. Many will give free consultations or one for a reasonable rate. If you still have access to it it check your offer letter or anything else they’ve had you sign throughout the years you have worked there. It’s amazing what they put in these agreements that you may have not realized. A good lawyer will obtain this information from you prior to a consultation. I hope this helps!
Anonymous
07/19/20 at 2:31PM UTC
The podcast is new info! Thank you! I didn’t receive any warnings from my old co. They said it was against their ethics statement & they didn’t have to give me any warnings?
Jillian KnappEducator, Storyteller, Lifeline
896
07/19/20 at 2:10PM UTC
First, I’m so sorry for your situation. I am sure this was traumatic. Second, I’m wondering if you need to speak with an employment lawyer. Employment law varies based on your location. Where I am unless you are doing criminal activity you require at least 3 warnings in writing that you need to sign for termination for just cause. Also the employer is required to offer training if you say you are struggling. Second, do you have any programs in your area for people in your situation? Again it depends on your location. Where I am there are great re-training programs as well as job search programs that are free for us. I would say check into any type of free training and job search training you can find. LinkedIn offers some great courses. Also I’ve found people and resources here on FGB to be top notch. I recommend the podcast Make Your Life Magnificent with Jackie and Mimi specifically the one where they talk about your resume and improving your LinkedIn profile. https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/make-your-life-magnificent-with-jackie-mimi/id1489096550?i=1000476643728
Again I’m so sorry for your experience. Wishing you health and healing on your journey.
Mimi BishopBiz+Career Coach for Modern Gen X Women
1.33k
07/20/20 at 1:28PM UTC
Thank you Jillian for suggesting the podcast!
