Preparing to be let go

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks. If it happens, they are going to fire me for cause, so I’m not sure how successful I will be with negotiation. Mostly I just wish I could get it over with because the tension and uncertainty is eating away at me. I have some big job interviews coming up and I’m afraid I will allow this to impact my performance.

I had something similar happen but it took a lot longer to turn hostile. Have they been wanting you to leave but you haven’t so they’re getting nasty now? Can they even just transfer you or not an option? I had an incompetent boss who was threatened by me so she started to micromanage everything I did.

[Anonymous]

Detach mentally. Don’t take it personally. It’s not about you. Anybody in your role would have been treated badly by the new guy. You were unlucky, but don’t feel bad.

[Anonymous]

Any company that isn’t a complete mess would want to pay respectable severance to a long term employee even if they fire for “cause” — unless it is something really egregious. Paying severance is less risky for them and avoids other employees thinking they will get shafted too. Definitely push for it as any condition of leaving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What would be their “cause?” Def consult with your attorney now so if you’re called in and let go without severance or with a crappy package offered know how to push back and demand more. Or Whether you should accept a package (which usually requires you to sign various agreements—not to sue, stating that you are actually resigning (so they can avoid paying unemployment) etc.

They will claim I technically violated a policy of not getting approval from my boss to do something. It will be a technicality but yes, I didn’t get the approval so it’s a violation. I definitely will not sign anything at all without engaging the attorney (thus far we’ve just had two consultations where he has advised me on my potential for a failure to promote case).

I have not got along with my old boss for a long time, and they decided to post a job looking for what is basically my replacement. They assumed I would not apply (of course I did) and then gave it to an external candidate who is my same age and qualification level. He has been on the job for two months and just did the reorg where they took my direct reports away from me and shoved me off to the side. They have wanted to get rid of me for a long time but now it’s actually coming to a head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How long have you been with the firm? Research how to negotiate a favorable severance package for yourself. Are there opportunities for you at the company?

I’ve been there 14 years. I am doubtful I would get severance but I would have my attorney try to negotiate for sure.

Lawyer up now to ensure you get a RIF with severance instead of fired. It will only cost you a few hundred to retain a lawyer. They will not fire you with cause, it will be too expensive for them.
Basically anything they say or do at termination, say, "I will discuss with my lawyer, and we'll get back to you"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How long have you been with the firm? Research how to negotiate a favorable severance package for yourself. Are there opportunities for you at the company?

I’ve been there 14 years. I am doubtful I would get severance but I would have my attorney try to negotiate for sure.

Lawyer up now to ensure you get a RIF with severance instead of fired. It will only cost you a few hundred to retain a lawyer. They will not fire you with cause, it will be too expensive for them.
Basically anything they say or do at termination, say, "I will discuss with my lawyer, and we'll get back to you"

Thank you. I have a call with the lawyer scheduled for tomorrow morning. I am afraid to say/do anything without his advice first.