Losing a job
Being let go is one thing. The reason is another.
Most jobs can end for almost any reason. A few reasons are off the table.
The law doesn’t let a boss fire you for a protected trait, for taking protected leave, or for speaking up about pay, safety or discrimination. It’s the same rule when the push is slower: hours cut, a shift moved to nights, write-ups piling up until you leave.
I’m not looking for whether you were treated badly. Plenty of bosses are bad. I’m looking for whether the reason they gave is the real one.
If you were just let go
Write down the dates while you remember them: when you were told, who was in the room, what reason you were given, and whether it changed later. Then, before you sign anything on the way out, call me.
Signs I ask more questions about
A reason that keeps changing
One story at the meeting, another on the separation form, a third for the unemployment office.
Timing that follows a complaint
You asked for leave or told HR about a supervisor, and the trouble started soon after.
Different rules for different people
Coworkers who did the same thing kept their jobs.
A clean record that suddenly isn’t
Years of good reviews, then a stack of write-ups in a month.
Build the paper trail before you need it
The records that matter are often the ones you stop having access to the day you’re let go.
Keep copies of your own reviews, schedules, messages and anything in writing about why you were let go. Don’t take what isn’t yours, and don’t log into work accounts after you’ve left.
Worth saving
Reviews, raises and praise in writing
The termination letter or any email giving the reason
Any complaint you made, and the reply
A severance offer, with its deadline
What people ask the week after
They offered me money to sign. Should I?
Don’t sign anything that gives up your rights until someone has read it with you. Reading a severance paper is billed separately, and I’ll tell you the price before I open it.
Should I file for unemployment?
Usually, yes. Applying doesn’t stop you from bringing a claim later. Tell the agency the truth about how the job ended and keep a copy of what you send.
Can I get my job back?
Sometimes, though most people I talk to want back pay and a fair reference more than a return. We’ll talk about what’s realistic.
Did the reason change on the way out?
Tell me the dates and what you were told. I’ll tell you whether it’s worth a closer look.