If I lose my job, what do I do first?

[Deja Q]

I can't explain now, but I might be out of a job soon (it's not my fault in terms of job performance or punctuality or anything; indeed the whole situation can be boiled down to three words: "it's a setup!"). I can't elaborate...

I suppose suicide isn't the way out.

Where do I go once fired?

As I'm in serious debt, where do I go to file chap 7 bankruptcy if/when this happens? The lawyer I was recommended wants all the $$$ down and I can't afford that.

What do I do? :cry:

[trof]

1. If you qualify, 1st stop is unemployment office.

Get them pennies.

[slackmaster]

2. Get your UnEnjoyment claim going ASAP

If you qualify.

[Deja Q]

4. How do I qualify?

I can't just resign, which is what they are going to want me to do.

I can't get unemployment for job loss pertaining to wrongdoing on my part, which the damn slugs are going to set me up for. x(

I'll be SOL.

And I'll sure as hell will sock it to them, their management, every media outlet. (I also have written incidents down to give to everybody that should cause a stir, given the nature of my employer...)

[Lisa0825]

7. If they fire you, you can still file

They can then deny it, and you can appeal, and give your side of the story. If they have something to hide, they could be willing to let you have it.

If you quit, *sometimes* you still qualify. I do not know under what conditions, however. I would try to stay and see if they fire you.

[private_ryan]

9. Do NOT resign by being a macho etc.

let them fire you. If the contest it, you appeal it and they have to show up at the unemp. office with you, to see who is right. They employees usually never show up. If they show up, just be honest.

[Lisa0825]

12. Here in Texas, appeals are done by conference call, but still,

most people give up and just don't bother.

[forgethell]

15. Yes, you can

just tell them you resigned to avoid termination. But have a good reason why you were going to be terminated. The company generally will not contraditct any tale you want to tell, if you resign. they certainly will not do too much bad-mouthing. It's different if they have to go to all the trouble of officially firing you.

If you are being set-up on a sexual-harassment complaint, or some kind of discrimination, I definitely would not mention that. Rmember, the state does not really want to pay you any money.

Get with a debt management (not consolidation)company. I recommend Money Management, Inc. which I used. I don't have their number handy, but I believe that you can Google them. They can help you avoid bankruptcy, which you really don't want to do.

On edit: Get your resume in order, and out as soon as possible. Talk to your friends, ask them for any contacts. If you have real money problems, get a grip on your pride and see if you can move back in with your parents, or spouses parents for a few months.

[Lisa0825]

20. re: resumes

I am pretty good at resumes, as it is part of my job. I'd be happy to help, whether that involved editing yours or sending you some of my examples, or specific questions. Just drop a line if you like.

[Lisa0825]

3. If you need legal help, check online...

I don't know where you are, but here in Houston, we have several resources, including the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Association.

You should also file for unemployment right away. If they deny it, the appleals process takes time, so the sooner after you lose your job, the better.

[GregW]

5. Don't take a break

Once you lose your job, you still have a job ... it's finding the next one. Before you leave your current job and potentially access to contacts you have built up ... make a copy of all your contacts. Next (like the next day) start calling people and network your way tot he next job.

[junker]

6. Don't panic!

Put on your Zaphod glasses and calm down a minute. Have a light dinner and think a bit.

Write things down.
How about a counter-suit? If you are in the right, can you get an attorney to take it on for a piece of the action? Is there a percentage in the threat of counter-suit?

Document everything in sight.
Follow the RULES! DO NOT DO ANYTHING TO CONTRIBUTE to the situation like fly off handle and beat the *&^#( outta someone, however much they might deserve it. Don't do anything that is illegal or immoral as this will not help you in the long run.

Believe me that taking the high/moral road will save your ass later.

but primarily THINK before doing a damn thing.

As to debt and bankruptcy, get the boook for dummies and do it yourself....big damn deal.

If you can tie your shoes and read a news paper, you can do your own bankruptcy.

[Wcross]

8. Start looking for a new job right now!!!!!!

Before you have to! Bankruptcy can be avoided if you contact your creditors and make arrangements. If they do force you to resign- demand a severance package, at least enough to cover your expenses for a couple of months. When you find another job, retire your debt ASAP.Your main problem is a heavy debt load and in the best of times it is a bad idea. Live below your means and you can survive the hard times.

[radwriter0555]

11. Yes, go looking for that new job before the axe falls. That way it can be

an amicable parting of the ways.

[patdem]

10. Yes...large corporations do set people up...accuse them of stealing

and the person in most cases have no way of proving their innocence. I think in the area of Unemployment the employer has all the say...and the employee must prove their innocence. It happened to my sig other..he was accused of stealing some art pencils...yeach reight...when he/we could afford them easily...but he had to prove his innocence...they had no video...just the manager claiming the theft...it is an employers world now.

[TrogL]

13. Tell your mortgage company

If you have mortage insurance, it kicks in and pays the bill until you get back on your feet.

[Nikia]

14. Don't know your specifics of your personal finances

Don't file bankrutcy if you do not have to. I don't know how much you owe or how far you are behind. If you are not behind yet, don't file bankrutcy even if you might lose your job. Try to arrange smaller payment plans if you will be low on money. Try to talk to someone who knows personal finance but does not represent the interests of any of your creditors or a lawyer who wants you to file bankruptcy.
Try to find another job as quickly as possible.

[rbnyc]

16. Find a free legal clinic. See a lawyer there.

If you think you're going to be fired unfairly, see a lawyer. If they want money up front, find someone else. What city are you in. Lot's of legal asscociations have free clinics. But don't let anyone in your company get away with anything unethical.

Also, start looking for a new job.

Good luck.

[RebelOne]

17. All I can say is head for the unemployment office immediately

I've been through it 3 times. Was not fired but laid off.

[carols]

18. If you have friends/allies at work get contact info for references

It's one of the most important things you can do especially if your immediate superior is part of the problem. If you have some good solid temporary services or contracting firms (depending on what you do for a living) in your area go sign up right away. Then there is no gap in your employment and you have the opportunity to prove yourself on the basis of what you can do instead of on the basis of your past job.
Carol

[flama]

19. Yes, first you cry

Then you pack some titanium in your backbone and start thinking like a spy.

If you think it's a set-up, try to get some corroborating evidence. Lacking that, start looking for another job right away while you've still got a source of income.

I was set up once (or was it twice?) and felt the sword in the gut before I saw it coming. Yes, I cried.

As long as your employer can't prove negligence, poor job performance, tardiness, or excessive absence; you should qualify for unemployment. If you haven't found another job before you lose this one, apply on your way home the day you're terminated.

It wouldn't hurt to talk to an attorney just in case you need one for an unemployment hearing. An attorney might find ways to get back at an employer who allowed a set-up for your termination, too. Damages would not only pay his fees, but might just recoup what your SOB employer probably owed you for a long time.

BTW, after my last unfair layoff as a Christmas present in 2001, I'm still temping and only miss the benefits (like insurance, paid holidays, and vacation.) I've been able to pay the bills and keep the house - barely.

[angee_is_mad]

21. Look 4 another job?

[INTELBYTES]

22. Abuse a twelve pack of Dos Equis!

:beer:

[Beaker]

23. Do NOT commit suicide-

until you've "taken care" of those responsible for the 'set up'.