So this happened: I got fired - YouLookFab Forum

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So this happened: I got fired

cindysmith

Veteran

Via text message, no less.

Don't worry, I'm totally not upset over it. Whatever set my boss off isn't even about me, and getting fired is actually almost a relief considering my health issues right now. Working in this heat was contributing to episodes that required a rescue inhaler.

I can take the next few weeks and focus on my health while I decide what to do next. I have so many doctor appointments happening these days that it almost seems like a full-time job LOL. The doctor appointments are what got me fired... well, ostensibly, anyway. He's stressed out over something else (who knows what that really is), and actually told me I had to change my doctor appointments so I could work. The top of my head exploded and I told him no and he told me that if I couldn't change the appointments then he didn't have a spot for me and I told him that was fine with me.

I have access to job placement assistance, and I have enough of a cushion in my bank account to tide me over for a while. DH isn't worried about it at all, it's not like we need that little bit of income to survive and he agrees that my health comes before a job.

I hadn't thought about the style implications of this development until I was folding some laundry & putting it away yesterday afternoon. I might be able to get rid of an entire section of my wardrobe! I might get lucky enough to get a job where I can wear things I love without fear of destroying them! I might not have to keep 2 versions of everything: 1 for work and 1 for not-work! I can wear light colors without fear of getting spoiled fruit stains and chunks of veggies and rotten pumpkin juice on them!

This is exciting and liberating for me. I'm not going to get rid of anything just yet, but I'll probably bag it up and put it in the holding zone (aka my back seat LOL) until I know what the future holds for my wardrobe.

And if my future requires conforming to a business casual dress code, I know exactly where to turn to make sure I get it right

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35 replies

Latest reply was from viva

Sisi

Veteran

Oh no! I am sorry to hear this. I do not know how these things work in the States. I do not know whether you get a dismissal allowance, or unemployment benefit or similar things. I'm glad to know that you are not too upset and that your husband is not worried. But I think you will miss your "coworkers" ! Now relax and take care of your health. My best wishes!

cindysmith

Veteran

Sisi, since he didn't withhold any taxes from my pay, I would be considered a contractor rather than a true employee, which means no unemployment benefits. I'm seriously not worried about it, though.

Inge

(website)

I'm sorry to hear this, Cindy, and also that you are experiencing health problems. All those doctor appointments can feel like a full-time job for sure.

I'm glad you are feeling quite positive about this new development (but firing you via text message: UGH!!!-(((

Here's to wearing whatever you like without having to worry about ruining your fab clothes, and your husband is a wise man: your health is absolutely more important than that job!!

Eliza

Veteran

All the best with next steps, Cindy. Hoping that while this wasn't your choice, it winds up allowing you to tend your health and land in a place that is a better fit overall. Good that you can make your health the priority now.

Peri

Veteran

That doesn't sound quite legal, to fire someone over health issues. It doesn't sound worth fighting since you are not upset about it, but it seems like that shouldn't be allowed. He could always claim some other reason of course.

cindysmith

Veteran

Yeah Peri, it's probably not legal; but I also don't care enough to do anything about it LOL

RobinF

Veteran

Well that’s stinky! Doesn’t sound like he was the best boss anyway so maybe you’ll be better off.

Thistle

Veteran

If you are in the US, not only was him not withholding taxes not legal (unless you have a specific contract - sounds like you don't - and even then if the work doesn't fit very strenuous criteria, the contract is void in the eyes of the US government), but firing you over health issues isn't, either.

I don't know your age, but female over 40 are both protected classes. They would need to have done a proper performance evaluation to fire you.

Which means you're also eligible for unemployment. Once you tell the unemployment office you were fired by text message, with no reason other than your doctor appointments, I can't imagine them withholding that, either. Which, your former employer pays.

cindysmith

Veteran

Thistle, you're definitely right and it's something to consider. My physical therapy was arranged by a government agency, and I have an appointment with them Monday; I'll sit back and let them guide my next moves. I'm so fatigued from all the medical issues that I'll be grateful to let someone else take the driver's seat & make decisions.

Anonymous

I want to say I am sorry but I have to be honest and say - if the boss doesn’t care about the health of his/her employees it’s best not to work for that individual.
I quit my job 2 years ago to undergo my first of 2 cardiac surgeries- I felt I would be out too much and opted not to inconvenience doctor that much. My replacement has been out more than in but it’s not my call or problem.
Take care of you and you and DH will be better for it and if you want to return to work- a job will come.

cindysmith

Veteran

Efbgen, I'm glad you put your health first, and I hope you are doing well now!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Your health is the most important thing to focus on. I think I would have given up on the job voluntarily - so maybe it's for the best, even if he didn't handle it professionally. I imagine you *could* apply for unemployment but if I were honest I would say that it would be somewhat deceptive if you knowingly entered into a contractor relationship and then chose to say later you thought you were an "employee" and should be treated as such. Sure, the workforce commission might side with you (and they usually do) but is it truly fair? Maybe if it were your first job and you didn't know better but that's not the case.

I think you're making the right decision to move on and get your health in order.

cindysmith

Veteran

Texstyle, I may not be letting it go for such noble reasons as you have listed. If I get honest, I'm just too lazy to deal with the paperwork LOL

DonnaF

Veteran

I agree with Thistle. Sounds like it very much should have been an employee-employer relationship. But first, you need to take care of your health. I hope not having to deal with the stress of work gives you a health boost.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm sorry, Cindy. Not so fab. Rest, restore and much love to you. We are here to support in any way at all. xo

cindysmith

Veteran

Thank you all for the kindness and support. I'm actually a bit relieved to be able to concentrate on doctor appointments for a while. And excited to get rid of all those blah clothes I had to keep just for work

Anonymous

You have the best attitude! I know this will all work out for the best. Just focus on your health and be happy you're moving on to something better.

Jane

Veteran

Cindysmith, good thinking on all the issues. I’m glad you have time and space in your head to care and think about your lovely self.

Respect to DH for his straightforward approach.

I’m thinking that your boss will ask you to come back. His reaction sounds knee jerk. He will be feeling remorseful.

If he does revert back, what might you say? Would you be able to secure a positive reference - which might be important?

But again, well done with your pragmatic approach and thinking. Just brilliant.

Thinking of you x

JAileen

Veteran

I’m sorry you and your employer’s relationship came to this. He’s lucky he’s never had health issues. You sound lke your psyche is doing well - yay! Good luck in both health and eventual job search.

rachylou

Veteran

Well, I want to first say Congratulations! ‘Cuz you’re free... ‘cuz that DOES all sound illegal. And second, I wouldn’t fault you for just taking your freedom and running, and not bothering to give him what-for. Or even if he’s a nut and you have some sympathy for him.

I’ll miss the goat in the walk-in tho. Or was it chickens? Also so very legal...

cindysmith

Veteran

Jane, I fully expect him to ask me to help out or come back, and I will be saying no. Since I've been clean & sober, when I'm done with something, I'm done. I wish him all the best, but I'm done.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Glad to hear that you can focus your time and energy on your health. Great attitude!

karen13

Veteran

So sorry this happened to you this way, but it sounds like it may help you focus on more important things - taking care of you.

Anonymous

Sorry to read all of this, but I honestly think getting fired can be a good thing. If finances aren't a major worry yet, enjoy this for what it is - an opportunity to rid yourself of a lousy employer and to get your health back under control. Good things are ahead, I know it.

Anonymous

Cindy, your health absolutely must come first. Your old boss will very likely be begging you to come back, if he has not already done so. Don't go back unless you really really want to and with a nice raise or benefits and time off for doctor's visits.

Peri

Veteran

Go Thistle! I'd go for the unemployment benefits just for the revenge of making him pay.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Cindy, I'm so sorry that you're experiencing health problems! That's the worst part of all this. Meanwhile, getting fired is no fun. But it sounds as if you have a great attitude toward it all -- look at it as an opportunity for change, take some time to consider whether you will file for wrongful dismissal or whatever, and play in your closet, heh heh!!

L'Abeille

Veteran

Hi Cindy. Seconding what everyone else has said re: that sucks, your health is most important, and best wishes going forward.

What I want to add is some lateral thinking: maybe your craving for a Dippin Dots palate, so incompatible with your job requirements, is what we used to call Providence, preparing you for a change. Enjoy!

Gigi

Veteran

Your boss sounds like a jerk to fire you via text. And it sounds like he doesn't understand health issues. Grr. I'm glad you have a financial cushion and can take it easy for a while as you get your health under control.

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