Tuesday I had my appeal hearing for my unemployment. As a brief recap, I was let go from my position of 5+ years after 3 months with a new CEO. I had gone from being simply the bookkeeper to being in charge [briefly due to all top management resigning between July 2007 & March 2008]. No, I was not qualified for the position; I was the person willing to take responsibility, though. On November 4 (election day) I was dismissed from my duties at approximately 8:00 am. I was told they were exercising their rights under the at-will laws and I was not the right “fit” for the organization. I agree whole-heartedly with the latter and accept the former. I stayed to finish up some reconciliations (while being supervised, of course) and was escorted off premises.
My former boss said he was going to pay me for my accrued time off (he did) and work up a severance package befitting my time with the organization (he did not). I filed for unemployment and he completed the paperwork citing at-will and multiple material mistakes as the reason for termination. Multiple material mistakes? Seriously? I am far from perfect, but if I was making so many mistakes how come I was never given a warning, verbal or otherwise? My only real mistake(s) were trusting this person when told he wanted honesty. And I will never learn. If you tell me something I will take you at face value (within reason). I tend to trust people. This is not going to change and this will keep me from climbing the corporate ladder. I am okay with that.
I had my first hearing a few days before Christmas. It did not go well. I appealed. And the first decision was reversed. Of course my former employer has 30 days to appeal this decision. To be fair, they never called in or participated in either hearing. I do not think they will fight this. My thought is they just wanted me to work for it. I can wait. It is only 30 days. It has been 5 months so far and my family is well-fed thanks to all the great sites giving me the heads up to deals and freebies and all kinds of good things. Even Ivy dog is not deprived these days. In fact, she has more doggie snacks today than she did 5 months ago. Coupons are WONDERFUL! And now I have a little more time to find the position where I am the right “fit”.





What a jerk! Good for you for going after what you deserve and for looking on the bright side of things- like having the opportunity to search out an ever better job & of course getting to learn all about coupons!
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Yes, he is. Much of what he said was what he thought we wanted to hear or he would contradict himself. He used to tell me what a great employee I was and I would shake my head no and look away. He thought I was being modest; I just did not believe he meant it. I definitely am glad I do not work there anymore. There is more to life than going to work every day where you are unhappy 95% of the time. I would rather do something meaningful for less than get paid top dollar and not be happy.
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