Financial Challenges Support Group

Hi, it's always tricky in this situation. I have gone from being an HR Manager of a national company to scrounging for basic HR work after a personality clash with superior led to me being dismissed on grounds of capability (stress). Would it be possible to put "seeking new career options" and then discuss at interview stage. I don't know at which point the future employer would seek reference but if they have met with you and you have been honest, not vindictive or attacking, but come across as having used this experience to your advantage they will see you completely differently from one who immediately raises a red flag by "will discuss". I hope this helps a little.

Hi-I am in the exact same position. I was manager of a performing arts program for developmentally delayed adults. My director was looking to get her friend into my position and slowly did and said things to make me look bad. I was finally let go because of "performance problems" related to Lupus-I asked to have a TA look at my work just to make sure everything was filled in. At times, as you all know, I had problems with concentration. When appealing the decision to terminate me, all I asked for was to have someone look over my work-even offered to take a pay cut so a TA could be paid a little more to help me out. Well, the CEO said "absolutely not", and told me that if I try to contact a lawyer, he would "smash that lawyer flat". Because I have no money, I never could do it. But I would like to sue them. Anyway, I also have trouble when it comes to filling out the applications. I like the suggestion that whippetgirl gave-I might try that. Also, since I'm 60 years old, I think,although it's not allowed, that is influencing people's decisions to interview me. It's really tough. I was fired in May, 2008, and unemployment will be ending. Since I live alone, I have no idea how I will pay my bills, etc. Good luck, and God Bless. Kathy

I would like to believe that people would have to be somewhat professional about responding to an employment reference. Maybe you should contact your old company and ask how references are handled. Did you show up on time? Did you call in sick all the time? Those are some of the things that could hurt you. Did you do what was expected of you? I would even ask them for a written termination explaination. Companys cant mess around, at least in NY we have the state labor board. For all you know they could just say they had to let you go because business was slow. I give credit references for my companys customers and even if I dislike that company, I don't bash them for being late with payments.

Also ask that supervisor for a letter of recommendation, shes the one who you did work under.

I did everything well and was fired for not doing "my paperwork" officially "poor work performace". Which was a complete lie. I was doing my work, my supervisors work. (she was out on vac) and the new guys work because he failed to do his reports it fell into my hands. Another person was assigned another task but she didn't do it. Next day I was told to do it which I did then it was denied by insurance because it hadn't been done. It all got turned around on me. I was an intern which was the reason my boss said admin wanted to get rid of me. I was not licensed. The person who failed to do that report had a higher social standing judge's wife.

I had this happen once. I left a place b/c of sexual harrassment and my boss was a hothead and very unprofessional so I didn't know if he just make up a hothead story when they called or tell the truth. So I wrote something like "yes, but after we discuss it please" and it all turned out ok. I think my interviewers liked that I was hesitant to say negative things but tried to find a professional way to do it face to face. I said haltingly, "um, he was ... not nice to women and has a temper so I can't promise you how he will respond to your phone call." they got the message and I smelled like a rose I think LOL.
I agree that having your immediate supervisor write a letter is a good idea too.
good luck!

Hi All
Personal letters of recommendation are good to attach with applications, I agree with checking what reference info. is released by your former employers, here in UK, it can be as little as length of service and job title. Reason for leaving is usually on there but if you've been honest in interview, the fact that they are taking up reference means they like you and would probably be looking to confirm the reason for leaving. Every employer wants to hire honest staff, I frequently employed people in this position and greatly admired what some people had learnt from the experience. For me it's tougher... nobody wants to hire an HR professional who apparently can't handle stress!!!! ha ha. No matter, it will all come right in the end. Again, good luck.

Have you ever though of having your own business. I started two months ago, te money is tight that's why I started by doing that it was one of the best choices I ever made. I am doing it part time right now selling scentsy candles. let me know if you are interested and we can talk further than. It will definitely help you with the income situation.