File for unemployment. You aren't going to be able to negotiate any more, it is what it is. Start networking.

I'm sorry, this happened to me a few years ago and it sucked. It will get better.

So sorry to hear this, OP. Best of luck to you and definitely make sure you file for unemployment. I've never negotiated severance so can't help with that.

I'm sorry, OP. I wish you the best of luck.

PPs thanks a lot for your support and advice. I knew the company was struggling and this was a possibility and have been pursuing other options, some of which might still work. Obviously, I will now start doing that much more vigorously.

It just feels so weird (bad) to be unemployed. I sit at home and think, ok, after 5pm I will be able to... and then I realize that work hours don't apply to me anymore. 8 am = 2 pm = 10 pm. It freaks me out!

To answer questions: I was with the company for 4 years. It was a measly pay with no benefits but very exciting work, at least for the first 2-3 years. I didn't sign any papers; however, everything is already filled in (how much money then owe me). I am not sure how to negotiate anything here - what is my leverage here, if they don't want me and it was employment at will. What can I say - I don't want to sign?

Two weeks severance? I would poop. DH got a month/year during the last layoff.

If the parent company has reasonably deep pockets you should try to get yourself much more in terms of severance...how long were you with the company? Do you have any company equipment (laptop, etc.). Make sure you keep all you can. And sorry, but it annoys me the way your boss handled this. Giving you his whole sob story, worrying and talking about himself, etc. Ick. Truth is, this guy IS trying to renegotiate a contract for himself and the more fat he cuts off around him (you, etc.) the more leverage he has to negotiate for himself. Trust me, he'll walk out of there with a year severance and you'll have your measly two. If you didn't sign anything at lunch, I think you need to work tonight to come up with a reasonable package (two weeks for every year worked, keeping computer, keeping cell phone, etc.) and send it.

OP, I am so sorry.

I was one of those pps who believed that there was no way you'd be losing your job.

It's funny how I, and apparently so many other DCUMers got caught up in this, hoping for the best for you.

I'm so sorry this has happened to you, and hope that you land on your feet.
..
On the bright side, it was almost heartwarming to see how many DCUMers were supporting you both before and after the bad news. Evidence of compassion on DCUM!!

Perhaps there is hope for DCUMers after all . . .

Take care.

OP I'm sorry to hear about your termination. The company I worked for was bought in July and they laid off 95% of our office, moving headquarters to the midwest. The good news for my department is that nearly everyone has landed a better position. Keep your head up!

Anonymous wrote:What about the other employees in the D.C. office? Who told them and when?

There is only one other person and she will learn about it today.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, be sure to apply for unemployment.

Am I allowed to do that? DH has a job and got 2 weeks severance pay.

Yes, definitely apply.

What about the other employees in the D.C. office? Who told them and when?

I'm sorry OP. At least you know it had absolutely nothing to do with your performance, and it sounds like your boss thought/thinks highly of you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, be sure to apply for unemployment.

Am I allowed to do that? DH has a job and got 2 weeks severance pay.

YES! If you are laid off, then yes.

OP, also negotiate any vacation pay that has not yet been accrued for this year. I was working long hours but was terminated and asked for that in the sense that I had worked hard to represent the company well externally. The boss was a dick but did pay me for these days.

OP this happened in my company about a year and a half ago. The parent company decided to shut down the business unit I was in. They did give generous severance packages so make sure you fight for that. It took a little while but everyone was able to find new jobs and I think the majority are much happier than at the old company. Good luck!