Hi everyone,
I recently faced a tough situation where I was let go from my job at an MSP after taking some time off for surgery. I worked full-time and had been assigned to a project that required me to be onsite four days a week. When I needed surgery, I asked if I could temporarily work remotely, but they suggested I file for FMLA instead. I ended up taking 12 weeks off under FMLA.
When I returned, I was informed that my project had been reassigned to another contractor, and I was placed on the bench until they found something else for me. Three months later, I received a call from HR on a Friday saying they had to let me go due to a lack of available projects. They offered me two weeks of severance and noted that I was close to my three-year anniversary.
I haven't signed the severance documents yet, and I'm feeling really uneasy about how everything went down. I'm wondering if I have any grounds to negotiate for a better severance package or if anyone has been in a similar situation. Any advice would be much appreciated!
4 Answers
Just a thought: if you sign the severance agreement, you may lose some rights, like filing for unemployment. If you feel uncomfortable with the amount offered, it might be worth discussing it with them. They might be willing to negotiate to avoid complications with unemployment claims.
I think you should definitely consult with a labor attorney. There might be some aspects of your situation that could point to retaliation, especially since you mentioned having to take FMLA leave. I had a similar experience where things were questionable after I filed a complaint, so it's worth looking into your rights.
You should really be careful about what you share online. Definitely talk to a lawyer before getting too deep into your case!
Honestly, it sounds like a rough situation, but I’d advise you to take it as a learning experience. The next position might be just around the corner. Focus on moving forward instead of dwelling on this one.
You really should talk to a local employment lawyer. Some states have strict regulations regarding FMLA and it can vary a lot. They might be able to help you assess if you have a solid case, especially if they let someone else pick up your work while you were out.
Exactly! Legal advice is crucial here—don’t settle without knowing your options.
Good to know, thanks! That’s definitely something I’ll keep in mind.