Anonymous
09/19/2025 17:53
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Subpar. I hate autocorrect
Anonymous
09/19/2025 17:53
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
There is a difference between a reference that is: X was employed from date to date. \
And: x was employed from date to date. They showed a great deal of maturity and responsibility handling their transition.
Like, OP are you determined to do a bad sunpat job for another 2 Weeks if you stay? Surely if you are capable of grad school and better things you can eke out a par job? That would eliminate some if the awkwardness.
And: x was employed from date to date. They showed a great deal of maturity and responsibility handling their transition.
Like, OP are you determined to do a bad sunpat job for another 2 Weeks if you stay? Surely if you are capable of grad school and better things you can eke out a par job? That would eliminate some if the awkwardness.
Anonymous
09/19/2025 17:50
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Same thing happened to me. It sucked having to come in every day for two weeks knowing that everyone knew I was fired. But I needed the money.
Anonymous
09/19/2025 17:48
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Anonymous wrote:They are trying to make you not file for uninsurance.
And the whole 'reference' thing is dead. This isn't 1960 where nepotism runs the world.
I've had new hires tell me flat out that they left the previous employer because:
- they were overworked and denied PTO
- they were underworked and treated like an admin
- they were hit on by senior management
- they failed to do unethical things
- they were harassed by insecure higher ups
And you know what? I believed them all.
Thank you! Totally agree!
OP- I wouldn’t stay if I were you. They said your performance was subpar but did they give you a chance to correct? Now they are hanging a reference over you? I’m pissed off for you that they are playing these games. It sounds off to me.
Never trust your employer to do the right thing or “be nice”
Bottom line….their business comes first. Your health and sanity also comes first.
Leave this job off your resume imo. You don’t have to tell anyone about it. You don’t have a gap - you are in grad school.
I’ve rarely had references called. Only in education and that was definitely a toxic environment.
I’m sorry people are being hard on you OP. Ive been in the workforce for a while and I don’t put up with this bs anymore. They should have come to you earlier.
If you want to leave - do it. You won’t burn bridges if you bow out with respect and appreciation for the opportunity.
You now know more about your strengths and weaknesses with this experience to take into your next endeavor.
Best wishes for your new endeavors!
Anonymous
09/19/2025 15:52
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Better hope you don’t look for a federal job. You sound terrible. I understand why they fired you.
Anonymous
09/19/2025 15:47
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Anonymous wrote:They are trying to make you not file for uninsurance.
And the whole 'reference' thing is dead. This isn't 1960 where nepotism runs the world.
I've had new hires tell me flat out that they left the previous employer because:
- they were overworked and denied PTO
- they were underworked and treated like an admin
- they were hit on by senior management
- they failed to do unethical things
- they were harassed by insecure higher ups
And you know what? I believed them all.
I would believe them too but also think it's unprofessional to mention this in a job interview
Anonymous
09/19/2025 12:39
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
They are trying to make you not file for uninsurance.
And the whole 'reference' thing is dead. This isn't 1960 where nepotism runs the world.
I've had new hires tell me flat out that they left the previous employer because:
- they were overworked and denied PTO
- they were underworked and treated like an admin
- they were hit on by senior management
- they failed to do unethical things
- they were harassed by insecure higher ups
And you know what? I believed them all.
And the whole 'reference' thing is dead. This isn't 1960 where nepotism runs the world.
I've had new hires tell me flat out that they left the previous employer because:
- they were overworked and denied PTO
- they were underworked and treated like an admin
- they were hit on by senior management
- they failed to do unethical things
- they were harassed by insecure higher ups
And you know what? I believed them all.
Anonymous
09/19/2025 12:22
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
OP sounds incredibly immature. No wonder they fired her.
Anonymous
09/19/2025 12:19
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
This job will likely show up in a credit or background check. Take the win and do the two weeks
Anonymous
09/19/2025 12:01
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:They are trying to be nice, so that you can look for a job while still employed. I don't think they expect you to get much/any work done. You can decline if you are immediately jumping to the next job.
NP. I think this is an optimistic look. By holding the positive reference over OP's head, I think it's clear that they want her to churn out a couple more weeks of work (subpar though it may be?!) before leaving. If they were trying to be nice, they wouldn't use the reference letter as bait.
OP - it's up to you. I think sucking up two more weeks to get the positive reference and leave on a good note is reasonable. Just make sure it's worth it. Some employers only note that you were employed there from x date to x date. They don't actually "reference" the quality or nature of your work performance. This is especially true for government positions (sounds like you might have one? they want you to work through the end of the FY?).
Just do what's best for you and move on happily.
My guess is they need coverage and 2 weeks is the amount of time they assume it will take them to find a replacement. I am not sure if it would be awkward though, they probably aren't going to tell everyone you are fired and you otherwise just do whatever work you were doing with perhaps the added benefit that you don't need to put in extra effort since you're on the way out anyways. But if you have something else lined up that pays similarly that you would like better it might be easier to just part ways now.
Anonymous
09/19/2025 11:47
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
They're being really nice if they're willing to give you a good reference after you admit yourself that your work quality hasn't been great.
So yes, work another two weeks. It won't kill you.
And learn to be humble, you little puffed-up popinjay. You're never going to make it in the real world with that attitude.
So yes, work another two weeks. It won't kill you.
And learn to be humble, you little puffed-up popinjay. You're never going to make it in the real world with that attitude.
Anonymous
09/19/2025 11:45
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
What are you studying in grad school?
Anonymous
09/19/2025 10:56
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
OP it seems to me reading more of your rebuttals that you are just scared to stay, knowing you have done a crappy job for them and not bothered to try to do a good one because the job was beneath you/ didn't matter/ just a fill in/ whatever.
You could learn things about institutions and dynamics if you stayed but without an attitude adjustment you won't so take the loss and do whatever. I previously advised staying but doubt you will benefit anyone.
I hope your academic standards are held higher than your internalized performance standards for things you think are a stopgap.
You could learn things about institutions and dynamics if you stayed but without an attitude adjustment you won't so take the loss and do whatever. I previously advised staying but doubt you will benefit anyone.
I hope your academic standards are held higher than your internalized performance standards for things you think are a stopgap.
Anonymous
09/19/2025 10:31
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Most references these days simply confirm you worked at X place Y amount of time at Z rank. Nothing more.
Anonymous
09/19/2025 10:28
Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Anonymous wrote:They are trying to be nice, so that you can look for a job while still employed. I don't think they expect you to get much/any work done. You can decline if you are immediately jumping to the next job.
NP. I think this is an optimistic look. By holding the positive reference over OP's head, I think it's clear that they want her to churn out a couple more weeks of work (subpar though it may be?!) before leaving. If they were trying to be nice, they wouldn't use the reference letter as bait.
OP - it's up to you. I think sucking up two more weeks to get the positive reference and leave on a good note is reasonable. Just make sure it's worth it. Some employers only note that you were employed there from x date to x date. They don't actually "reference" the quality or nature of your work performance. This is especially true for government positions (sounds like you might have one? they want you to work through the end of the FY?).
Just do what's best for you and move on happily.