Suspended from Work

[polarbear 0]

So I got sent home on the spot yesterday morning pending investigation and my boss is absolutely side-swiped - he had no idea this was coming.

With the budget cuts and losses of revenue lately, all of the departments have been reviewing costs and finding spending that can be cut back. The IT department reported me for excessive personal use of telephone.

I have no idea what they consider excessive, and I'm fully aware that some companies say it's forbiden, but I didn't think I was doing it that much. My husband called everyday, but that was for help on little things and never more than a minute or two. I occasionally call my mom or a friend for a minute, but its nothing that anyone ever noticed. I did make a few doctor's appointments or a few emergency calls for my hubby from that phone but I really didn't think it was that bad. I'm going in this afternoon to meet with HR and my boss, but I'm not very optimistic. I'm actually kinda wondering if the chefs or cooks were using my telephone at night bc I know for sure they were using the desk (it's a shared office with about 15 people, 3 computers, and it never closes ) but I'm certain I did contribute at least a little.

I've decided if I'm not fired on the spot, I will hand in my two weeks notice anyway. My personal life has been getting the better of me for awhile and it seems like every week there is a crisis or something I have to deal with and I will be the first one to admit it is affecting my work. My reviews have all been good, I was put into the management training program, and really did try to put my job first - my chef is shocked by the posibility of me getting fired. But despite all of this, I am being pulled in too many directions and its taken a toll on me and is effecting my health. I have to get my sh!t pulled together and take care of myself before I loose my health completely, my 4.0 in school, and let my husbands company go down the drain in paperwork not done.

This choice is just so scarry with the current economic situation. I'm also scared about loosing my health insurance. I know that if I leave with notice I have the option of paying to extended the coverage for another 6 months, but I don't know if I will have that option if I am fired. What happens to the 2 weeks vacation I never got to use? Will that get paid out if I'm fired?

I friggin hate not knowing and the wait until this afternoon is killing me..... I think I should just go write my resignation letter and have it ready to take with me

[S and S 12]

I'm sorry to hear about your job. I hope you get it worked out. Medical insurance is definitely a concern these days with how expensive it can be.

[*JG* 2]

The norm is that you lose your health insurance and any unused vacation days if you are fired. However, there are some companies that are decent and will allow you to work out a deal with them. I hope yours is one of those.

As you said, "in this economy"......don't you think it would be better to find another job before you quit this one, if given the option? Can you afford it if it takes you a long time to find another job?

I wish you luck in your search.

[S and S 12]

The norm is that you lose your health insurance and any unused vacation days if you are fired. However, there are some companies that are decent and will allow you to work out a deal with them. I hope yours is one of those.

As you said, "in this economy"......don't you think it would be better to find another job before you quit this one, if given the option? Can you afford it if it takes you a long time to find another job?

I wish you luck in your search.

If she is fired, can't she collect unemployment though? That is better than nothing.

[Staashi 371]

Polar, I faced this last year in 2007. They redesigned my position and they let me go. They said that I had to resign...I told them no way, and that they would have to fire me, because without that I couldn't collect unemployment insurance. You can COBRA out on your health insurance - everyone is entitled to that. You will have to pay the premiums that your company pays...could be alot, but still the option is there. Since you're in Florida, you will only be able to receive $550 every two weeks from unemployment, but it is a check.

Good luck - you'll get through this.

[star_dragon 0]

The norm is that you lose your health insurance and any unused vacation days if you are fired. However, there are some companies that are decent and will allow you to work out a deal with them. I hope yours is one of those.

As you said, "in this economy"......don't you think it would be better to find another job before you quit this one, if given the option? Can you afford it if it takes you a long time to find another job?

I wish you luck in your search.

If she is fired, can't she collect unemployment though? That is better than nothing.

That's what I was thinking! Don't quit...at least if you're let go you can collect unemployment while you job search

[polarbear 0]

The norm is that you lose your health insurance and any unused vacation days if you are fired. However, there are some companies that are decent and will allow you to work out a deal with them. I hope yours is one of those.

As you said, "in this economy"......don't you think it would be better to find another job before you quit this one, if given the option? Can you afford it if it takes you a long time to find another job?

I wish you luck in your search.

If she is fired, can't she collect unemployment though? That is better than nothing.

That's what I was thinking! Don't quit...at least if you're let go you can collect unemployment while you job search

I already own a company with my husband that is doing well, we can live off of it and make 3 times what that job gives me. The only problem is that its self-employment and the income isn't always a guarentee as it is basically commission. I also have a job offer in Tennessee, but we would have to give up the company for it.

My main concern is the health care as I am already sick- and it would suck to work for 1 1/2 yrs and not be able to get paid for the vacation I never took

Edited October 14, 2008 by polarbear

[Sandrila 1]

So sorry Polar Bear

I guess more and more we are ALL starting to realize any one of our jobs is expendable, disposable and terminal.

Everyone looking out for themself

I guess some companies dont care as long as you do your work

Some I guess it is just FORBIDDEN to use the phone or talk on it while at work and on their time

HOWEVER, it is really unrealistic to expect people NOT to have to make some phone calls sometimes when they are TRAPPED at work for 8-12 hours a day

appointments..teacher's calls....kids issues...emergencies..what the ####, we have a life dont we?

[polarbear 0]

So sorry Polar Bear

I guess more and more we are ALL starting to realize any one of our jobs is expendable, disposable and terminal.

Everyone looking out for themself

I guess some companies dont care as long as you do your work

Some I guess it is just FORBIDDEN to use the phone or talk on it while at work and on their time

HOWEVER, it is really unrealistic to expect people NOT to have to make some phone calls sometimes when they are TRAPPED at work for 8-12 hours a day

appointments..teacher's calls....kids issues...emergencies..what the ####, we have a life dont we?

That's what I thought. As long as I got my job done... I would much rather just make a phone call to fix a problem in my personal life than have to leave work to deal with it

It kinda seems like a stupid reason to fire someone on the spot, but a violation of the employee handbook is the ONLY reason this company can fire you like that. Otherwise its warnings, paperwork, ect... and can take months to fire a truely bad performer. I don't have a copy with me, but I'm pretty sure it has in there prohibited use of company resources for personal reasons (which is what this would probably fall under).

As far as I know, my boss stands up for his employees and is an executive committee memeber, so we'll see what he has worked out for me when I get there this afternoon. I just don't know right now and it's driving me crazy

[AlHayatZween 2]

So sorry, PolarBear, i hope it works out.

Normally, i would say take time off and take care of yourself... but with this economy, who knows??

It stinks, but i hope whatever you decide it is for the best!

[~Jackie~ 30]

When a door closes, a window opens. I hope if this is not the job for you, that something better, more fulfilling and fun comes to you!

Things all work out. If they are that pizzy about the phone, it's just their excuse to cut positions and not have to pay unemployment. Be strong and positive.

Jackie

[doodlebugg 10]

I think Nawal is the HR person here but my 2 cents is that it is illegal for them not to pay out your vacation time. You earned that time and it is their legal responsibility to give you that $$. Also you will be eligible for Cobra meaning you will be able to pay for your health insurance out of pocket (i think at a lower price than if you just got it on your own) so as long as you can pay the premiums you should be all set there. I'm so sorry but it seems like this is the best for you right now the way you're talking about it. I wish I could quit for a month I need some time to myself!

[polarbear 0]

I think Nawal is the HR person here but my 2 cents is that it is illegal for them not to pay out your vacation time. You earned that time and it is their legal responsibility to give you that $$. Also you will be eligible for Cobra meaning you will be able to pay for your health insurance out of pocket (i think at a lower price than if you just got it on your own) so as long as you can pay the premiums you should be all set there. I'm so sorry but it seems like this is the best for you right now the way you're talking about it. I wish I could quit for a month I need some time to myself!

I've been thinking that for about a month now. I just wasn't able to let any of my responsiblities go, they all just seemed too important.

Looks like the decission has been made for me. In all honesty, if they let me stay with this on my record I won't be elegible for promotion, I won't be able to continue in the management training program, and I won't be getting a raise anytime soon... I do like the job and care about the people I work with - but really, why would I stay if I had another option at this point? (trying to stay positive here )

[SaadBell 0]

polarbear

I feel ya, no phone calls where do you work, prison camp? What an excuse, and a very sorry one at that, I totally understand, I left my old job almost 8 months, and decided to go back to university to finish my specialist rotation. The whole economy is in the toilet, but we do have some hope, if the right person gets in office. Stay strong, and don’t let the man take you down, you are way better person than that. I was yelled at last night by my favorite doctor, even as an intern I get ####### all the time. Lol Sometimes I think getting a little house way out in the country, and I stay home and watch soap operas all day, and cook and I would be happy. Let us know how it goes today, and don’t let it get you down too much, it is hard not to let yourself feel depressed, but something better will come your way.

[morocco4ever 63]

I do believe that they have to pay out the vacation at the time of your dismissal. The rules vary from state to state, but I would be surprised if they didn't. If you have any floating holidays or sick days I am sure you won't get that.

They do offer you a Cobra plan for your medical, but I don't remember what length of time you will be eligible. But be aware, it is not cheap. But it is essential to elect this if you don't have another job lined up. If you have a pre existing condition, and you are uninsured for any length of time, you will have a waiting period before a new insurance will cover it.

Sorry this is happening to you.