I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—

[Anonymous]

My bosses asked for a meeting this morning and informed me that my performance isn’t living up to expectations. I’m not surprised, I haven’t been happy in a while and I’ve been thinking of quitting—I have a part-time job lined up with a family friend and can start any time if need be. The catch? My bosses told me they are “giving me” two weeks to continue working and collecting a paycheck, and during that time I’m free to look for new employment. If I comply, they’ll give me a positive reference.

This whole thing feels gross. Two weeks conveniently has me finishing out the month. They clearly don’t have a replacement hired, nor do they have anyone to fill my role. It feels gross that they are dangling a positive reference like a carrot; so I get a poor reference if I don’t stay? Most of all, it feels awkward to stay and finish out two weeks when I’ve essentially been fired already. I don’t need the money, and I can start working with my connection immediately on Monday, if necessary.

What am I missing? Is there any reason to stay? FWIW, I’m young, in my twenties, and this job was only ever going to be temporary. I don’t need the reference, it’s not a job related to my career field, just something filling a gap.

[Anonymous]

I think this is up to you, but it’s always a good idea to leave on the best terms you can. But, they fired you. So if you want to walk, just be gracious.

Honestly the way they’ve gone about this suggests it’s not a well run place so I wouldn’t sweat the reference too much. But you’re young and you need to find a full time job quickly.

The bigger thing you need to focus on is why your performance was bad. You should be able to be unhappy in a job and still do it well until you find another.

[Anonymous]

The catch is you don't get fired today out on you butt. You are being fired for performance, that's a big deal and will be difficult to find a new job, especially in this economy.

[Anonymous]

They are trying to be nice to you. Take the win. Collect the paycheck. Look for another job.

Tell them you decline their generous offer but you will instead be giving your 2 week notice and look forward to their positive reference. Ask if there are any tasks you can do int he last 2 weeks.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, it doesn't seem like too much to ask. It seems like it just wasn't the right fit and that's a mutual feeling, and it's good not to burn bridges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The catch is you don't get fired today out on you butt. You are being fired for performance, that's a big deal and will be difficult to find a new job, especially in this economy.

As I said, I already have a job lined up. I can start Monday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The catch is you don't get fired today out on you butt. You are being fired for performance, that's a big deal and will be difficult to find a new job, especially in this economy.

As I said, I already have a job lined up. I can start Monday.

Then do it. You sound young and foolish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think this is up to you, but it’s always a good idea to leave on the best terms you can. But, they fired you. So if you want to walk, just be gracious.

Honestly the way they’ve gone about this suggests it’s not a well run place so I wouldn’t sweat the reference too much. But you’re young and you need to find a full time job quickly.

The bigger thing you need to focus on is why your performance was bad. You should be able to be unhappy in a job and still do it well until you find another.

I am in graduate school and this is only a part-time (25-30hr) job anyway. It isn’t the most well-managed place, that’s an understatement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The catch is you don't get fired today out on you butt. You are being fired for performance, that's a big deal and will be difficult to find a new job, especially in this economy.

As I said, I already have a job lined up. I can start Monday.

Then do it. You sound young and foolish.

I may be young and foolish, but at least I can comprehend what I read.

[Anonymous]

You don't want this problem down the road. You never know when you'll need to phone in a favor of them even for a reference for licensure or something. 2 weeks is nothing wnd is standard practice. They sound reasonable. You dont. Play the long game.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The catch is you don't get fired today out on you butt. You are being fired for performance, that's a big deal and will be difficult to find a new job, especially in this economy.

As I said, I already have a job lined up. I can start Monday.

Then do it. You sound young and foolish.

I may be young and foolish, but at least I can comprehend what I read.

Cool, but too bad you can't comprehend how to play the game at work. DCUM message board is not the place to shine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are trying to be nice to you. Take the win. Collect the paycheck. Look for another job.

Tell them you decline their generous offer but you will instead be giving your 2 week notice and look forward to their positive reference. Ask if there are any tasks you can do int he last 2 weeks.

I actually like this advice. I just worry that things will be incredibly awkward during the two weeks if I stay. I don’t know if the added stress is worth a reference I don’t know that I can even trust I will receive.

[Anonymous]

You can't use one reference for a job. You may need them in a few years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't want this problem down the road. You never know when you'll need to phone in a favor of them even for a reference for licensure or something. 2 weeks is nothing wnd is standard practice. They sound reasonable. You dont. Play the long game.

This job is entry level and not at all related to my career field. It’s just a job with hours that worked with my school and childcare schedule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can't use one reference for a job. You may need them in a few years.

I’ve had jobs since I was 15 and have plenty of other references. I’m curious why you think I might need them in a few years? It’s an entry level position with incredible turnaround. I doubt my current bosses will even still be there in a few years.