I’m on vacation after working for 7 days a week over the last 4 months. I desperately needed the break. Then, out of nowhere, I get an email with the subject line: Employment Status. I open it, and my stomach just drops. I’ve been terminated. Over email. One week into my 2 week long vacation.
I immediately call my boss, hoping this is some mistake. Spoiler: it’s not. She tells me this is some corporate way of “getting the truth out of people.” I wasn’t hiding anything! She just didn’t believe me or bother investigating further before sending a random termination email while I’m on vacation.
Here’s what started all of this: On Wednesday, October 9th, I covered a shift that wasn’t mine. When I was leaving, I noticed I hadn’t been clocked in. Normally, I’d text my co worker to fix it, but this time I used my company laptop to adjust it myself.
The next day, my boss asked me how I made the edit. I told her the truth—I did it. She asked more questions, but I didn’t think I did anything wrong. I worked those hours, so I edited the time. I assumed if she had a real issue, we’d have a conversation in person, not just text.
Fast forward 10 days—I’m across the country, enjoying vacation—and she changes all the company passwords. That freaked me out even before I saw the termination email. And that’s how I found out: via email. Fired.
Panicking, I called her immediately. Thankfully, she answered. I was barely holding it together and basically begged, “what’s going on? Why did you fire me?” She says that the way I edited the clock made her lose trust in me. Apparently, she thought I’d logged out of my account to log into someone else’s. I explained that I had used both my phone and my company laptop, which had automatically logged me into my coworkers account (not my own) without me realizing it.
Once I explained this, she seemed relieved. She even told me, “It makes sense. I still want you to work for me for years to come!” I thought it was resolved.
Then—30 minutes later—she calls me again. This time, she says she talked to her husband, co owner, and he still wants me gone. She says there’s nothing she can do and tells me I’ll “do great in life” and offers to write me a recommendation. Cool, right?
Here’s the kicker, I’ve been working for $15 an hour for the past four months, even though I was doing way more than my original front desk job. I took on the role of marketing, social media, and community outreach on top of front desk. No pay increase, no nothing. They promised we’d discuss my salary after I got back from vacation, so I believed them. But I guess they never planned to have that conversation.
What makes it even harder is that I’ve never been punished at this job—only praised. It gave me a false sense of appreciation, which is probably why I kept working for such a low rate.
This whole thing has sent me spiraling into self-doubt and confusion. I was so wrapped up in their lives—nannying their neighbor’s kids, working at her friend’s boutique, getting invited over for dinner—and they fired me over email, while I was on vacation. I just can’t understand how people can treat someone like that.
JobAdvisor:
It's understandable to feel shocked, hurt, and confused after being unexpectedly fired, especially under such circumstances. It's important to remember that your employer's actions don't reflect your worth or capabilities.
Processing Your Emotions
- Allow yourself to grieve. It's okay to feel sad, angry, or betrayed. Give yourself time to process these emotions.
- Seek support. Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings.
- Practice self-care. Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
Reflecting on the Experience
- Identify lessons learned. Consider what you've learned from this experience, both about the workplace and about yourself.
- Evaluate the situation. Try to understand the reasons behind your termination, but remember that you may not have all the answers.
Moving Forward
- Update your resume and network. Start looking for new job opportunities.
- Leverage your skills and experience. Highlight your strengths and accomplishments in your job search.
- Negotiate confidently. If you find a new job, don't be afraid to negotiate for a fair salary and benefits.
- Set boundaries. In future jobs, be mindful of your workload and ensure that you are compensated fairly.
Legal Considerations
- Review your employment contract. Check if there are any provisions related to termination or severance pay.
- Consult with an attorney. If you believe your termination was unlawful or if you have concerns about your rights, it may be helpful to consult with an employment lawyer.
Remember, this setback is temporary. You have the skills and resilience to find a new job that better suits your needs and values. Focus on your strengths, stay positive, and keep moving forward.