Articles

Get Another Job or You're Fired
by Dr. Lynne Curry

Question:
How should I take a "get another job or we'll fire you" message? I've worked for my company for fifteen years and it's the only job I've ever held. Six months ago, the owner died and the new owner, his son, wants me to quit. Last week he pulled me aside and said I could have a job until I find a new one, but that I need to find one by the end of the month. I haven't been able to see straight since he dropped this bomb on me. I like my work and even though I don't feel like I'm worth a lot right now, I don't want to find a new job.

Answer:
When a new owner says "it's time for you to move on" and you want to stay in your job, start asking questions. You want to learn your new owner's reasons for sending you packing. Does he want to take the company in a new direction, rendering your job obsolete? Does he have a friend he wants to slide into your position and thus needs you to step aside? Does he feel you perform below his expectations? Does he not like you because of your race or age or another personal reason?
When you ask your questions, ask them neutrally and non-confrontationally. You might start with, "What led you to decide you want me to look for work elsewhere?" If you let anger creep into your questions, your manager may shut down before you learn crucial information. Realize too that you may learn more from what's not said than what's said. For example if your manager says, "It's just time for you to move on," it may mean he has no legitimate business reason for his decision.

Next, you need to find out as much as you can about your legal status as an employee. Are you an "at will" employee, meaning that your owner can terminate you for any reason or does he need "just cause" to avoid losing a wrongful layoff or termination lawsuit should you protest being let go? What personnel policies govern you, particularly given your long tenure with your company?

If your company's new owner wants to take the company in a new direction, you have few options. Legally, he can choose to reorganize the company, thus eliminating your job.

If your new owner wants you gone because he wants to give your job to a friend or he doesn't like you for a personal or prejudicial reason, document exactly what he says. According to attorney Sean Halloran, if you're an "at will" employee, your employer may be able to fire you for a personal reason or for no reason as long as he doesn't violate any law.
This means that any information you collect that shows you're being let go because your employer feels you're too old or the wrong race or sex might help you keep your job. If you feel your new owner is discriminating against you because of a reason such as age, take your documentation to a good attorney who can help you bargain to keep your job, secure a longer grace period or cash severance or sue for wrongful discharge. On the other hand, because your owner is giving you a grace period prior to firing you, your attorney may tell you you'd lose more than you'd gain by pursuing legal remedies, particularly if you're an "at will" employee.

If the new owner wants you gone because you perform below his expectations, ask him what you'd need to show him for him to want you to stay. Then, use the month he gave you to convince him to keep you on, while looking for a new job on your lunch hour and after work.
Finally, all of us get bombed at least once during our careers. Some of us take jobs in companies that downsize our positions out of existence; others of us learn we've supervised embezzlers or worked alongside those who wrongfully but successfully trash our reputations.
Even if the worst happens and you lose a job you've held for years, neither this job nor your new owner's decision defines your worth. While your new owner's decision may mean it's the end of the road for you at his company, it's not the end of the road for you. Regardless of what happened, what matters is what you do now.