I was approached about something really big right away this morning. We are supposed to get bonuses in June, but since I’m leaving, I didn’t even think I’d receive mine. Kevin asked if he could talk to me about something, so I said sure. We went into a conference room and he told me about a conversation he had with Stephanie, one of the HR/Accounts Payable people. Stephanie said I couldn’t get my bonus since I was leaving, and Kevin said he thought I really deserved it and should be given it anyway. Well, that turned into them talking about how I won’t be able to collect unemployment since I’m resigning. So, they’ve decided that if I want to, they will lay me off and I can have my bonus check as severance. Then, I will also be able to collect unemployment while I look for a job, and I have time to finish packing.
This is a HUGE deal; I mean, I haven’t been busy at work and I told Dustyn that I wish I could move up my leave date because I’m wasting their time. It seems like this is an answered prayer for me in so many ways. I have to talk to my project managers to see what they need from me and what work needs to be wrapped up and when. Actually, I have spoken to Stacy about it and she said she would like for me to finish up something by next Thursday. I haven't talked to Claudia yet, but I'm sure she'll understand and think the same thing. I hope so, anyway.
Packing was stressful last night. We were only able to do 5 or 6 boxes and that was just books. We haven't started to tackle the kitchen yet. It's a blessing that they're going to be giving me time to finish packing, I'll still be receiving paychecks because our pay is behind schedule.
Oh, and Kevin did say that if/when people call asking for referrals for me, they will not say I was laid off. They will say I resigned. I don't think it matters so much in this economy, but that was kind of him to say.
What do you think about this? Any suggestions?
2 comments:
This is a hard call, so I think you are going to have to go with your instincts. It is always nice to get a bonus. I don't deal with unemployment so I am not familiar with the rules for collecting it. You might want to ask the HR person if she has information on that to help you decide. As far as whether you want to be laid off or resign, it isn't a huge deal. It sounds like you will get a positive referral regardless. Just consider whether this is a story you want to tell other people in interviews. It may never come up (most of the time interviewers don't ask whether you were laid off or quit, they will just ask you the reason you left. Your reason is because you were moving back to Texas, so the bonus issue won't be a factor). I think most people would completely understand you wanting to get a bonus you have earned. Just be careful about collecting unemployment. Sorry I can't be more help!
Thanks, Stephanie. I'm getting "laid off" next week. They've asked me to wrap up all my projects and give them the date when I'll be done. However, I think it won't just be me. They're going to be letting other people go as well, I'm pretty sure. Things are not looking so grand.
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