The universe giveth, the universe taketh away.

[SeattleGirl]

I just lost my new job, after only 3 weeks. My bosses are convinced that I lied to them about my credentials, but I did not. I have never lied in an interview, on an application, or in a resume. I have never said I had a qualification I don't have.

Yet,

they are convinced I did. That I "misrepresented" myself (their word; just a nice euphemism for lying).

I am stunned, I'm hurt, and I'm angry.

I had my choice of being fired or resigning.

No avenue was given to me to appeal this charge.

I was so excited about this job, and knew I would be a good fit.

The person who told me I had to leave said he thought I was a good fit too, but because THEY had the idea they did ("misrepresenting" myself), he had no choice but to tell me I could no longer work there, and there was nothing I could do about it.

I don't even know what to do now.

[demgrrrll]

1. Oh My Goodness SG that is such a blow. Have you sorted out who

was the driving force behind this decision and the real motive. I realize that I only know you from this forum but I would never believe you would do anything like that. Usually someone is threatened by someone's expertise in an area or just threatened by their integrity and they project their own stuff on them. Sending all the positive energy I can muster.

[SeattleGirl]

4. According to the person who was the one who talked to me today,

he and the other woman who are the heads of the local program I worked for discussed it a lot, and decided this was their only recourse. He also said the two people at the national headquarters also thought I had lied; I pointed out that the only way they could have that idea was if HE told them.

I, too, have this nagging feeling that there is something else behind all this, but I don't know if I'll ever find out what it is.

And thanks for the positive energy. I could use every bit of it.

[Dora]

2. Oh, no! What a shocking surprise.

:hug:

Did they give you any reason for why they believed you had misrepresented yourself? You don't have to go into detail. My impression is that they didn't want to be honest about their reasons, and used "misrepresentation" as an easy way to force you out.

I know you were excited about this opportunity. I hope that an even better path reveals itself to you soon.

[SeattleGirl]

5. They claim I told them I had sat for an exam for a credential I

will need by 2010, when I said no such thing. I would NEVER say I had done something I hadn't done.

I have the same impression you do, but no way to prove it, and unlike them, I'm not going to make claims with no evidence to back it up.

I'm hoping, too, that a better path opens soon. I really was excited about this job, but it was not to be.

:hug:

[SheilaT]

3. What specifically do they

say you "misrepresented"?

On the other hand, you probably don't want to work for an organization like this, no matter how good the fit seemed.

But I'm also curious, could there be something underlying the claim of misrepresentation, such as a personality conflict with someone, or they wanted to replace you with someone else?

Unless you signed an employment contract you have absolutely no recourse. I would suggest that you let this job disappear from your resume. The three weeks can just be that much longer of being unemployed.

[SeattleGirl]

6. As I said in another response above, they are saying that I told

them that I had sat for an exam for a national credential I will need by 2010. I did not tell them that. I told them that I HADN'T sat for the exam, but I would be. In fact, one of the people at the head of the program asked me twice more about it, and BOTH TIMES I told her that no, I had not said I had already taken the exam. I had said that I WOULD take it.

I told the one person today the same thing until I was blue in the face, but he said he had no choice. So, in their minds, I am a liar. They have no proof; in fact they have proof that I DIDN'T lie, as there is nothing on my resume or my application that indicates any support for what they are claiming.

I think there is something else going on, but I have no idea what it is.

And you are correct about letting it disappear. I was only there 3 weeks, so I'm not going to bother putting it on my resume at all.

[SheilaT]

18. This is the kind of thing that is so frustrating

it's hard to convey that frustration to others.

How do you get anyone to understand that you answered the question, correctly and honestly, when they are claiming otherwise?

I went through something analogous last year, when I applied for a paralegal position. The job was open because the one and only paralegal in the office had relocated to Texas and had assured the office that this time it was for real, she wasn't coming back. Need I mention that several years before she'd left for Texas but it hadn't worked out and so she'd returned? Well, my interview went well, I stayed in touch (both by myself and through the employment agency I was working with and who'd gotten me this interview) and I was assured that I was the number one candidate for the position. So, guess what? Some three months after my interview, I was finally notified that the woman whose departure had created the opening had decided that Texas wasn't working out after all, and could she have her job back? I must say that the longer the job had gone unfilled, the more uneasy I was feeling because I didn't think I could really jump in and do the job after it had been vacant for so long. And I wasn't sure I wanted to work for a firm that was this indecisive.

My point is, that when things are like this (as in your case or as in mine) you are probably better off out of there, even though the pain -- especially the financial pain -- can be great.

I am not about to say something simplistic about a better job being out there (because quite frankly that has NEVER been my own experience -- it's always a lesser job out there) but hopefully things will work out to the better.

And do keep us posted.

[SeattleGirl]

19. You're right. It IS difficult to convey the frustration.

I even said I would take a lie detector test to show I had not lied. And I was serious.

Apparently, some people make up their minds, and nothing can change them, regardless of what anyone else says.

[Sanity Claws]

7. That's awful

I wonder whether the local boss screwed up and when headquarters found out that you did not have this certain credential, he claimed that you lied, as opposed to admitting that he hired you without this credential.
The other story is that they let you go for a reason they can't admit to so they made this whole thing up.

I'm sorry.:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

9. I really have no idea.

And the thing about the credential is, it's not even required for another year and a half, so I'm not breaking any rules or anything.

It's all so strange.

[MorningGlow]

8. OMG, SG, that's awful!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! :hug:

Did you choose to be let go, or did you resign?

Are you up for getting to the bottom of it, by applying to unemployment and requesting a hearing? It sounds like you were treated incredibly unfairly and have quite a case if you want to pursue it--although I don't know how much recourse a three-week employee has. It's up to you--if you'd rather just forget the whole thing, I wouldn't blame you. :(

[SeattleGirl]

10. I don't know what to do.

I did resign, as being terminated seems so much worse to me.

What bothers me the most is being branded a liar, and not having a chance to appeal my case.

[MorningGlow]

11. Contact unemployment

They'll be able to advise you. I resigned from my last job after having my title stripped from me (in a department meeting no less), but I was granted a hearing. I didn't win, but it was kind of cathartic and sort of got me some closure.

[SeattleGirl]

12. Perhaps I will, MG.

As you said, I may not win, but it might be good for me to do anyway.

[MorningGlow]

13. It's also sick fun to pin then to the wall and watch them squirm

:evilgrin:

Seriously, PM me if you want to talk. :hug:

[I Have A Dream]

14. SeattleGirl, you must feel as though you're having a nightmare.

:(

If I recall correctly, you left your other job for this job. That makes it even more traumatic, I'm sure. (Even if you don't love that job, it at least helped to pay the bills.) Our society is so screwed up to allow things like this to happen to innocent people.

I wish that there were something tangible that I could do to help you. I will definitely be sending you as much energy as I can, and I'll pray for you also. I'm also going to ask that you be given some kind of closure. I totally understand your feelings of helplessness as your good name and reputation are sullied without cause. :hug::hug::hug:

[SeattleGirl]

15. Thank you, IHAD.

I did just find proof that one of their claims is completely false, and faxed it to them. Probably won't do any good in terms of getting my job back, but at least I've taken part of the taint off.

And I thank you for your kind thoughts and good energy. :hug:

[Cleita]

16. Sounds to me like they are making excuses so that it will be

harder for you to collect any severance pay or unemployment due you if you are entitled to such. The truth probably lies more in that they might need to lay people off, so in fact they were the ones doing the misrepresenting. I'm so sorry. Unfortunately, there probably isn't much you can do about it because most labor laws favor the employer. :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

17. No need to lay people off; in fact, they need more.

I do think there is something else going on there, but I have no idea what it is.

[BuelahWitch]

20. Sounds to me like somebody's relative needed a job

You were the new hire and thus the easiest to let go.
Too bad you can't find out about anyone who might replace you. If it's a male or a younger person, I'd be screaming discrimination at the top of my lungs.

[SeattleGirl]

21. I really have no idea of what the entire picture is.

I just know that I was accused of something I absolutely did not do, but no one is listening.

[Why Syzygy]

29. So sorry, SeattleGirl ..

Stuff like this is so confusing. We think because we do the right things, we shouldn't be punished. It SHOULD be confusing! It doesn't make any sense.

I agree with Classic... Sounds like a relative needed a job. Or, another thing that occurs to me is that perhaps whoever is responsible misrepresented your response to their higher ups. You get to pay for their screw up. My Libra Moon can't stand stuff like this! It screams out SELF RESPONSIBILITY PEOPLE! :hug:

[diddlysquat]

28. I agree with you....

Classic, that is exactly what it sounds like.

[Shallah Kali]

22. Just here to say I am sorry this happened to you and send you some vibes

including vibes to bring about justice and truth.

:grouphug:

[SeattleGirl]

23. Thank you, Shallah

The truth is especially important to me in this situation.

[Shallah Kali]

25. You are very welcome

Take care of yourself as best as possible. I know having people blatantly deny reality smack dab in front of them is crazy making espeically when for nonsensical reasons. It it enough to make a person walk around going :wtf: :headbang: :wtf: so take care and let yourself vent when you need to. Pound a pillow, write a nasty letter and then burn it, whatever works for you. And remember we are rooting for you and sending those Truth and Justice vibes to help you get your Rep back.

[rumpel]

24. Oh, SG...

how disappointing, and yet it sounds like someone is scared of you...perhaps you would have uncovered something inconvenient should you have stayed.
Perhaps something not good is going on there and Universe shielded you from getting involved.
I can imagine how a wrongful accusation can hang over you. I would just make detailed notes for myself while memory is fresh, and tuck it away - just in case there comes a time I would need it. Hopefully not. Unless, you decide to fight the accusation. Who knows, maybe a few months down the line you may read about them in the newspaper.

Hang in there. All that matters is, you know, you did not misrepresent. So stand tall, girl!

:grouphug:

[SeattleGirl]

26. Thank you, rumpel.

I do have notes, and I also have solid proof that one of the accusations against me is completely false. The other accusation is also completely false, but unfortunately, I don't have the solid proof I wish I had for that one.

But I do appreciate your thoughts.

[wovenpaint]

27. Yikes! Sorry to hear this

I hope that you find something better!
As I read your story, it seems very apparent that they are the ones being dishonest, so as trite as this sounds, you're the one better off in this situation. Can you imagine working in such an environment long term?
That being said, here's to your prosperity and wishing you the best! :toast: Onward and upward...don't let em get you down!
:hug:

[saracat]

30. Seattle Girl, I would get a lawyer ASAP.

I just talked to my hubby about this and he knows a lot about major corporations and he thinks while you probably wouldn't want the job back you would be entitled to compensation. You can , of course, just let this "disappear"but it seems that is just letting these kind of people "get away" with bad behavior. They will continue to do this to others if no one attempts to stop them. Plus, I am sure you could use a financial settlement as you left the original job and now they have terminated you groundlessly. You are entitled to damages. I say "go get them" !

Much light and energy to you. I am sure you will be guided to the right decision.

[rumpel]

31. Yup. SG, wrongful termination

often times, you can find a personal injury lawyer, who will take the case on contingency. FYI.
They would have a vested interest in the case and will work hard to get their work compensated. But if it is against a large organization be prepared for a lengthy fight - they have the means to drag it out.
Another way would be to file a complaint with the State Labor Board - it may be worth consulting your case with 3 private lawyers first -
Meanwhile, I would investigate the entire organization myself - whether there were previous complaints against them, as well as the structure - their political power in terms of connections, what firms they use as their organizational lawyers etc. Anything and everything you can find about them. State labor codes etc. With that information, you can pretty much tell how they will react, and you do not have to completely rely on a lawyer for legal information, and can ask well informed questions.

:grouphug:

on edit: for them to have given you the option of resignation vs. being fired is also underhanded. IMHO. They are covering their butt not yours.