Job situation

[overwhelmedx2]

Hello. I am posting under an alias. I am a long term poster.

I am feeling like I am getting painted into a corner with my job. I've been there almost 13 years. The boss I had earlier in the year, inadvertently informed me that I am making more than one of the managers in our department. Since then - I have been written up 3 times. Next time - I could be "out the door". When I was getting chatted with in HR this earlier in the week - I was given an offer for an exit strategy.

I found out a few details on this strategy. I could get 8-12 weeks of severance. Insurance would continue "as is" until the severance would run out. (I would definitely need to know the amount of time for severance - it just wasn't spelled out.) They would offer 1-month of outplacement. They would pay out on my vacation balance. They would allow me to collect unemployment.

If it matters - I am 52. With a DD in college. Oddly -I'm not as concerned about retirement - as DH and I have been saving and investing wisely since we were married back in 1990.

On a day to day perspective - I don't see things getting any better. I am afraid to breathe wrong. I sort of feel like they are "dumping stuff on me" all day, every day, and there is no way I can keep up. I feel like I am getting abused at work. My DH clearly suggested that I would NEVER stick around in our marriage if there was any sort of abuse - so "WHY" would I be sticking around this particular work situation. He clearly pointed out to me - I've been miserable for quite some time, and haven't enjoyed my life probably this whole year. I have been in working many weekends.

DH and I are going to "run" the numbers this weekend. I just want to clearly see the "what-ifs" that are going on. Tonight - I am just numb. Not much is making sense. I was actually quite surprised that DH was fairly supportive of exiting.

If they decide to just "let me go" - I'll get NOTHING, except the opportunity to get cobra at some outrageous amount of money. I would have to not make a mistake, of any sort, until May of 2014 - which I don't even think is close to reasonable. A mistake - could be as little as getting to work late by 1-minute.

So - thank you for hanging in here with me. Anyone with advice? Anyone who has BTDT? More than anything - I just want to make sure I am considering all angles.

Thanks!

 

[powellrj]

I think since they already gave you an exit plan, they are giving you a heads up. Take it now because it would be easier to leave with something while you are looking for something.

 

[Traveliz]

I agree - the Exit plan is their way of telling you take this or else. I wouldn't waste any time.

Liz

 

[Dee77]

Sorry you are going through this, you really have no other choice but to leave now on reasonable terms with a few benefits. Good luck finding another job!

 

[Planogirl]

I would take as much as I could get and get out of there. I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this.

 

[sonnyjane]

Agree with the others. For whatever reason, it's clear they want you out of there. Although it's an unfortunate situation overall, you're incredibly fortunate that they are offering you some type of severance package! Take it before they fire you and you get nothing.

 

[mom2alix]

Why are you being written up? Is this consistent with how others in your company are treated? This sounds on the surface like age discrimination. The severance will likely come with the requirement that you sign something saying you won't sue them. You might want to consult an attorney. Even then you're better off out of there if that's how they do business but an attorney looking out for you may be able to get you a better "exit package".

 

[KathyTX]

I'm so sorry... It looks like they already have mapped out a plan to push you out. Especially if the things you were written up for are petty or minor things, you can be sure that the wheels are already turning and you're not going to change the outcome of their already-decided game.

Take the package, it's clearly better than what you'll get if (when) they let you go. This is a tough job market and not the best time of year to be looking for work, but there ARE jobs out there.

You deserve to escape from what must be a crushing amount of stress. Take charge, get out, enjoy a little break and find your smile again, then find someone to work for who will appreciate you.

Best of luck- I'll be cheering for you!

 

[overwhelmedx2]

Why are you being written up? Is this consistent with how others in your company are treated? This sounds on the surface like age discrimination. The severance will likely come with the requirement that you sign something saying you won't sue them. You might want to consult an attorney. Even then you're better off out of there if that's how they do business but an attorney looking out for you may be able to get you a better "exit package".

The week I got back from a week of vacation - I missed a timely follow up from 2-emails. That is the one that really HURT. REALLY - I came back with about 500 emails to respond to, and I missed 2 of them.

Things have been a struggle lately - there are 2 of us, and my manager is in the process of hiring a third. So - I've been putting in tons of extra hours on weekends, and not getting everything done - including needing a little more time for a project that I worked on ALL weekend.

Thanks for your comments. My DH has been supportive - which is helpful. I just wish this would be two years later...i.e. when DD is a little more through college. My DH thinks that while I won't be making contributions to the retirement plan I have at work - that we will probably do better in the long run once we have that money in our self-directed IRA's, instead of the limited number of funds that my employer has.

And - it has been a crushing amount of stress. I think I will get some of my "health maintenance" things scheduled...I'll feel like I have the time to do that! And - my house just needs a good cleaning! And...the dentist too!

 

[MAD4EEYORE]

Just wanted to tell you good luck. My mom went through this as well. She was discriminated against for age and pay. She'd been with the company for over 30 years. Had great vacation and benefits. The higher ups she knew sang her praises and when she went to them it unfortunately did no good. It was to late. Her immediate boss had it out for her. It was so bad her health was affected. It's amazing how stress is on your body, mind, and spirit. She retired almost 2 years ago and hasn't looked back. It's been the best thing for her.

One thing she did do was see a financial planner. I suggest a fee only one. My mom went to several just to hear what they had to say and offer. Usually an initial consultation is free.


Best wishes! Hope it all works out.

 

[ibob52]

Take the offer for the exit strategy if it is as good as it appears to be from previous HR discussion.

Nobody likes to be shown the door ... But if they are going to be somewhat *considerate* ($$)

That would help take some of the sting out of it.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I agree with the others. It sounds like one way or another you will be out of a job very soon, especially given that they are trying so hard to get rid of you, even while shirt staffed and looking for another person already.
It is better to be out with a bit of severance pay and a better looking reason to give new employers, than wait and be fired outright (which could easily happen so quickly that taking the exist strategy would have resulted in more total weeks of pay).

While your DD is in college and money is tight, perhaps you can work somewhere else (even if it is just retail, it would help), or look at how much you can cut back on your budget if you are home to put time and effort into really being careful with what you spend shopping, cooking low cost meals, etc

 

[tvguy]

Why are you being written up? Is this consistent with how others in your company are treated? This sounds on the surface like age discrimination. The severance will likely come with the requirement that you sign something saying you won't sue them. You might want to consult an attorney. Even then you're better off out of there if that's how they do business but an attorney looking out for you may be able to get you a better "exit package".

While it could be age discrimination, anymore, companies don't want employees at the top end of the pay scale, earning the maximum vacation benefits. Some use the business model of not having anyone with more than 5 years with the company. Having been in that situation, my only comment is the severance is a little weak. After 10 years service, I would expect 2 weeks pay for every year of employment. I sought legal advice in my case, and was told flat out I would likely prevail in an age discrimination suit, but at a price. I was told to expect 10 to 12 years before the case is settled, and also warned such a lawsuit could make be unattractive to future employers. I took the money, and got lucky, finding a new job in 24 hours, and starting that job a week to the day after my last day at my old job.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I also agree that it could be age discrimination or (related) an issue with having been there "too long" and being paid "too much"
I also think it could be totally unrelated. Maybe OP just does not fit well with the current team, or possibly other employees are able to work faster and not need more time to finish projects, even when understaffed (one of the reasons OP got written up).
Maybe others are keeping up with their emails while on vacation so that they ARE timely responding after returning (stinks that this is the current business model, but it is). Etc.

 

[AnnaS]

The offer is a bit weak but I am sure and doubt there is any negotiations here.

Unfortunately this seems to be the new trend - people who have been with a company for 25+ years, making too much money are shown the exit door.

You have your dh's support and I think he is working. I would look for another job even something part time that may or may not be in your field.

Good luck and enjoy some extra free time at home, with your family, etc.

 

[anniemae]

I think the others are correct, the writing is on the wall. You will probably be out of a job very soon if you stay. I would take the package they are offering and don't look back. Take a bit of time off and then look for another job.

 

[marius97]

Just wanted to tell you good luck. My mom went through this as well. She was discriminated against for age and pay. She'd been with the company for over 30 years. Had great vacation and benefits. The higher ups she knew sang her praises and when she went to them it unfortunately did no good. It was to late. Her immediate boss had it out for her. It was so bad her health was affected. It's amazing how stress is on your body, mind, and spirit. She retired almost 2 years ago and hasn't looked back. It's been the best thing for her.

Not commenting on your specific situation, but I wanted to say that there is a difference between age discrimination and wanting to get rid of someone because they make too much money in comparison to what a replacement would make. I'm not saying that it is ethical, especially the way that they are getting rid of the OP, but in some situations, companies are almost forced to do this when they can hire a replacement for 50% less money. I have seen cases too, these particular in state government, where workers make more than their managers. The workers became stagnant and complacent in their jobs. The state couldn't get any of the good workers to move up the ladder and be leaders for the new workers. They wanted to stay lower and make more money.

 

[Fjobe]

I would take the exit and run. I don't think I'd wait until the weekend to crunch my numbers. What if they plan to find something else to nitpick before then and you get nothing?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Hello. I am posting under an alias. I am a long term poster.

I am feeling like I am getting painted into a corner with my job. I've been there almost 13 years. The boss I had earlier in the year, inadvertently informed me that I am making more than one of the managers in our department. Since then - I have been written up 3 times. Next time - I could be "out the door". When I was getting chatted with in HR this earlier in the week - I was given an offer for an exit strategy.

I found out a few details on this strategy. I could get 8-12 weeks of severance. Insurance would continue "as is" until the severance would run out. (I would definitely need to know the amount of time for severance - it just wasn't spelled out.) They would offer 1-month of outplacement. They would pay out on my vacation balance. They would allow me to collect unemployment.

If it matters - I am 52. With a DD in college. Oddly -I'm not as concerned about retirement - as DH and I have been saving and investing wisely since we were married back in 1990.

On a day to day perspective - I don't see things getting any better. I am afraid to breathe wrong. I sort of feel like they are "dumping stuff on me" all day, every day, and there is no way I can keep up. I feel like I am getting abused at work. My DH clearly suggested that I would NEVER stick around in our marriage if there was any sort of abuse - so "WHY" would I be sticking around this particular work situation. He clearly pointed out to me - I've been miserable for quite some time, and haven't enjoyed my life probably this whole year. I have been in working many weekends.

DH and I are going to "run" the numbers this weekend. I just want to clearly see the "what-ifs" that are going on. Tonight - I am just numb. Not much is making sense. I was actually quite surprised that DH was fairly supportive of exiting.

If they decide to just "let me go" - I'll get NOTHING, except the opportunity to get cobra at some outrageous amount of money. I would have to not make a mistake, of any sort, until May of 2014 - which I don't even think is close to reasonable. A mistake - could be as little as getting to work late by 1-minute.

So - thank you for hanging in here with me. Anyone with advice? Anyone who has BTDT? More than anything - I just want to make sure I am considering all angles.

Thanks!

Just another day in dh's corporate world. Take the money and run, get another job.

Nice for them to give you a head's up and an option.

Many hugs.

 

[aaarcher86]

Take the exit package.

Will you look for another job or stay home? Whatever your choice, once things cool down I think you'll feel an immense amount of relief and you'll know you made the right choice.