Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 15:44     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
These people will write a "read between the lines" reference at best, or drag their feet. Leave.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 15:39     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote: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.


Take the two weeks and phone it in.


No different than her performance already!
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 15:27     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
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.


DP. But your current employer probably doesn’t know that. They either like you personally and/or are a functional workplace.

I’d clarify that the good reference means you can say you resigned, which will come in handy if you ever have to answer whether you’ve been fired from a job.

They aren’t dangling anything here. They are being professional. You should do the same.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 10:59     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Anonymous wrote:
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.


Why do you waste time asking for advice when it's clear you already know it all?
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 10:56     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Reading through the posts I can see OP is a problematic employee. With that combative attitude, she/he won't last long in any job.

Some people have to learn through experiences, I guess.


Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 10:46     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Anonymous wrote:OP, you sound like you have bad judgment. Maybe that's why you are losing your job.

Offering to let you stay while you look for other jobs is nice. Well, it's nicer than firing you and escorting you out. Take it, spend the next two weeks applying while you still have a job on your resume. They are leaving you the opportunity to get some job apps in before you are fired.


+1. Easy to see why OP is getting fired from an entry level job.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 10:43     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
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 have worked at professional services firms, big banks, regional banks, consulting, PE and HFs, it’s been 20 years and I am still waiting for someone to request a reference.


OT,but on what bases do people hire?


Skills and personality, both easily assessed during 2-3 rounds of interviews. If not, add a take home case study.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 10:33     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
I just don’t understand why they want you to stay two more weeks. If they really need you to finish some work why not wait until that is done before firing you. Regarding the reference why would you ever ask for a reference from a place that let you go due to performance issues. If this a Fortune 500 company here is what I would do if I wanted to have some fun with your bosses. I would ask them in writing why you were not communicated previously that your performance was below expectations and not given a chance to correct. That is a typical practice at large companies. If they don’t follow it they risk lawsuits. Or if that doesn’t sound like fun then just tell them to shove their reference.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 09:33     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Anonymous wrote:
Then do it. You sound young and foolish.


Everyone is giving you the same advice but you don't want to take it. So quit today.


OP, you sound like you already made up your mind and aren’t open to the suggestions being made. I think you should consider whether you are teachable before you move along. Anywhere. To do anything. And you may not be aware of developed or backdoor references. Even if you don’t list them as a reference, future employers may track them down.


So much this. Also the paranoia. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, you know? They are not trying to trick you - they are being nice. They have no way of knowing you don't really need the job because you have another lined up. For all they know, the two weeks could mean your rent payment. Since it doesn't, feel free to say thanks but you have another job. But say it nicely because, you know, if you burn those bridges, there is nothing stopping them from saying something about how terrible you were if they ever run into someone at your new job.

You need to learn some professionalism.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 09:22     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Anonymous wrote: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.


Take the two weeks and phone it in.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 09:08     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
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.


Agree.

Large employers usually only confirm dates of employment, rather than give a substantive evaluation as a reference. This appears to be a small employer so best to leave on good terms as small employers typically do not have a legal dept. to advise them on employment matters like references so anything might be said about your time there.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 09:03     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Anonymous wrote:They are crazy to let you have access to the computer network after firing you.


I think that's what the leverage of the good review is really there for.
They could just escort her out but they are being good (and maybe the person who speculated on unemployment has a point)
I don't think they need subpar employee actually warming a seat and it seems that they are doing it holding their nose. If subpar employee acts up in 2 weeks, good review is yanked.

I would just end it all now and leave OP.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2025 06:54     Subject: I’m being let go, but there’s a catch—
Anonymous wrote:
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.


Ok then. Clearly you’ve made up your mind. Why are you even here?