Hard to Write!

[krystalskitsch]

:-(

I was fired last Thursday from my job and I have zero idea what to do. I posted this here on the babies board just because I want to hear a mom's perspective on my situation...and too many people that really know me read my blog and I'm not sure I want it there yet.

I didn't even take a full 6 weeks maternity leave, they asked if I would consider coming back early to help with an event and I did...I also wanted a paycheck so it wasn't like I was going to say no. I worked a week and when I came in last Monday I had a detailed list of everything that I had been doing "wrong." Printed out correspondence on wrong letterhead, forgot to use two stamps on a heavier mailing, called out for a doctor's appt, etc. It was a lot of minor errors that would certainly piss off any boss but I had been out of the office a month and came back kind of clueless. I didn't know we had new letterhead, etc. Also, I had a BABY at home so my mind wasn't in it. I know that.

Anyway, after that long list of my errors my boss asked to meet with me on Thursday at 11. On Thursday, my email stopped working exactly at 11. I joked with my coworker "uhoh I'm getting fired" just because the email is always the first to go. I didn't really think I was getting canned.

And, then, I was. She made me sign something that said I wouldn't reveal their financial info, my benefits are taken care of through the month, and she would give me a good reference if I listed her on any job applications. She kept saying I can do a lot better than this place, that I'm not using any of my skills in my job [and that is true, I was overqualified], and that was that.

I just don't know what to do. Do I apply for jobs? Do I stay home and collect unemployment? Was this a blessing so that I could be home with my baby longer?

The worst of it is now me and the baby won't have health insurance as of 11/01 and I have no idea what to do. I looked up some private plans on Blue Cross and went poking around to see if there are any govt programs but I'm just really unsure.

[sara76]

Aw Krystal I'm sorry . How shitty. I don't have any advice, I don't know what I would do either. But I got fired once (it was at a job I hated) and it was 5:00 on a Friday and I sat in traffic from Pinellas Park to Tampa wondering how in the hell I was going to explain to my friends and family that I'd gotten fired. I was very embarrassed. Even though if I had really cared about keeping the job it never would have happened. I was out of work for 2 months waiting for my training to start where I am now, and ultimately it was a blessing. Hopefully yours will be too and everything I'm sure will work out.

[loskadoodle]

I am sooo sorry!!! I definitely think you need to file for unemployment ASAP. Can you swing your finances on just unemployment? If so, then don't stress yet. You can work on sending out resumes, etc. while you are home with your baby. If not, then definitely start sending stuff out ASAP!!! My sister had personal insurance and it was $300 a month. I will find out who it was through. Can you go on your H's insurance??

[aegis2005]

I'm so sorry Krystal - that really sucks. Like Sara, I'm not sure what I would do about taking some time on unemployment (I probably would think about doing it if I could make it work financially).

That said, my first priority would be finding health insurance for Cannon. I know my nieces and nephews were sick all the time when they were babies, and the thought of not having health insurance for a baby would scare the crap out of me; I would be terrified of mounting doctor bills.

Thinking of you, and hoping you have clarity on what's best for your family really soon.

(((hugs)))

[amellis2]

Oct 8, 2012 9:42:43 GMT -5 krystalskitsch said:

I was fired last Thursday from my job and I have zero idea what to do. I posted this here on the babies board just because I want to hear a mom's perspective on my situation...and too many people that really know me read my blog and I'm not sure I want it there yet.

I didn't even take a full 6 weeks maternity leave, they asked if I would consider coming back early to help with an event and I did...I also wanted a paycheck so it wasn't like I was going to say no. I worked a week and when I came in last Monday I had a detailed list of everything that I had been doing "wrong." Printed out correspondence on wrong letterhead, forgot to use two stamps on a heavier mailing, called out for a doctor's appt, etc. It was a lot of minor errors that would certainly piss off any boss but I had been out of the office a month and came back kind of clueless. I didn't know we had new letterhead, etc. Also, I had a BABY at home so my mind wasn't in it. I know that.

Anyway, after that long list of my errors my boss asked to meet with me on Thursday at 11. On Thursday, my email stopped working exactly at 11. I joked with my coworker "uhoh I'm getting fired" just because the email is always the first to go. I didn't really think I was getting canned.

And, then, I was. She made me sign something that said I wouldn't reveal their financial info, my benefits are taken care of through the month, and she would give me a good reference if I listed her on any job applications. She kept saying I can do a lot better than this place, that I'm not using any of my skills in my job [and that is true, I was overqualified], and that was that.

I just don't know what to do. Do I apply for jobs? Do I stay home and collect unemployment? Was this a blessing so that I could be home with my baby longer?

The worst of it is now me and the baby won't have health insurance as of 11/01 and I have no idea what to do. I looked up some private plans on Blue Cross and went poking around to see if there are any govt programs but I'm just really unsure.

I WAS IN YOUR SHOES, EXACTLY! File for unemployment (although you might get denied...I was.)
Get on your H's insurance or Medicaid, if you are eligible.
Call the EEOC, too, because that sounds shady as shit. (I didn't call and I should have.)

[mrsshawanab]

I also think you should file for unemployment. You have a baby at home and got fired.. there are a lot of people who get unemployment for less reasons.
Also, check out Florida Kidcare. My friends use this for insurance and you can apply to get it for free but you can also pay for plans. They are both teachers so they didn't qualify for the free plan, they just pay for it, but they said it is really inexpensive. I looked into it but my pediatrician did not take it, and I didn't want to switch = that is the only downside is it might limit your doctor choices.

[tashaandsage]

That's awful. I'm so sorry. It sounds really unfair how you were fired, just upon returning. I hope that this does end up being a blessing for you. Two of my friends were let go during their pregnancies, and while it was horrible at the time, in the end it really worked out for the best for both of them. If you are able to swing being without your income, I'd take advantage of the opportunity to be home with the baby. The insurance part is definitely the worst of it. I'd look into personal insurance- Humana offers reasonable policies- if going on your husband's isn't an option.

[jen812]

I'm sorry. That really sucks. I hope you're able to find something better soon.

[mrschelseap09]

That is horrible and yet it sounds intentional, like they were looking for reasons.

Definitely apply for unemployment asap, at least until you decide which road you want to take. I also agree with Florida Kidcare. H's company was bought out in Jan and everything is just now switching over... we can't afford the new insurance and I am currently rushing to try to get L on FL Kidcare.

[mskateb]

That is horrible. Even if you did make a couple of mistakes, it seems really unfair that they wouldn't cut you slack when you did them a favor by coming back early. And it doesn't sound like you made any major, deal-breaking mistakes or anything.

I would definitely file for umemployment. This is what it's there for. Beyond that, if your H's insurance isn't an option, definitely look into getting Canon on some kind of insurance, Florida Kidcare or Medicaid or whatever. A friend of mine was a SAHM, and then her husband got laid off. So they got their daughter insured through the state. You do what you gotta do, and it's not forever.

Sorry for your crappy situation; sounds like you're better off to not have to work for them anyway.

[krystalskitsch]

Thank you all for making me feel normal and that it happens. I looked in BCBS and am able to keep his pedi so the world is not ending! I have two job interviews already but just not certain if going back to work so fast is the right move.

After thinking about it, I think my company was convinced I wouldn't return to work after my leave and was shocked when I did and was just looking for ways to get me out of there. Oh well. Thanks again...