Comments for Elephants at Work

Comment on Career Development Carnival: May 2012 Edition by Job Searching / Career Development Carnival hosted by colleague Lynn Dessert of elephantsatwork.com. Tons of ideas if you are job searching.

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:08:35 +0000

[...] From elephantsatwork.com [...]

Comment on Ten Favorite Blogs for Career, Personal Development and Geekiness by Lynn Dessert

Lynn Dessert — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:39:07 +0000

Hannah,
You always have great resources – and your list did not disappoint me!

Comment on Ten Favorite Blogs for Career, Personal Development and Geekiness by Career Sherpa

Career Sherpa — Fri, 10 May 2013 09:49:00 +0000

Thanks Lynn for this great (eclectic) list! It’s got a little bit of everything! I find reading outside of my area of expertise is a great way to learn new things, generate new ideas and innovate. And I am particularly flattered you have chosen to include me (and all my quirkiness!)

Stay tuned, my top 10 list is coming up soon!

Comment on Do I have to sign my termination or separation agreement? by Lynn Dessert

Lynn Dessert — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:46:04 +0000

Hello Chris, Your husband is in a sticky situation. To be honest, any one giving you advice without knowing more of the facts and seeing the documents is not being professional. However, there are a few things he can do. Contact your local unemployement office and ask them if what is being said as the reason for termination qualifies for unemployment benefits. This does not mean that his employer will grant it, they may contest it...and that is a different issue. As for navigating the discussion with the former boss/company, I would advise that he talk with an employment attorney or someone who specializes in these kinds of situations. I have the experience being a former HR VP about what should be done. My 90 Minute Power Coaching Session is an ideal solution because he can send background information and his separation agreement before we speak by phone. Those facts will define the appropriate steps to take and in what order. I realize that money is tight, but if you get a positive result, it was well worth the investment. Good luck!

Comment on Do I have to sign my termination or separation agreement? by Chris

Chris — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:30:27 +0000

My husband just got let go a week ago. The very small firm that he was with let him go just 2 weeks before the 5-month mark before he was eligible for a sign-on bonus. His former boss was erratic, confrontational, and extremely unpleasant to work with. He would love my husband one day, saying he was doing a great job, then threaten to fire him the next because he didn’t pick up his phone when the boss called him. The boss never gave him a good reason for releasing him – something about needing someone who could travel more; on the separation agreement, there was a lot of legal mumble jumble – non-compete clause, indemnification clause, etc. – at the top of the agreement, it stated the split was amicable, and it offered one-week severence. The boss wanted it signed within 7 days. However, on the state unemployment paperwork the firm sent over, the reason for dismissal was noted as “job performance”; my husband hasn’t signed the agreement (technically he has 21 days since he’s over 40) because he’s afraid if he does, it would affect his ability to get unemployment. The boss called today to say he may have a project for my husband to work on but asked him to just sign the separation agreement, and he’ll “make sure” my husband receives unemployment. The whole thing just seems fishy to me. We cannot afford to hire a lawyer to review the agreement but will if you think it’s necessary. It seems like a standard agreement to me, but we have no other experience with this sort of thing. My questions are: 1) My husband qualifies for unemployment regardless of whether he was fired or laid off, right? He hasn’t done anything to violate company policy or broken the law; 2) Is there any language we should be looking out for in the agreement that would prevent him from receiving unemployment?; 3) Any ideas as to why the boss wants my husband to sign the agreement so desperately? Is he afraid of being sued? I can’t imagine for what (in other words, we can’t sue him for his bad attitude and terrible management skills). Thank you!!!

Comment on Do I have to sign my termination or separation agreement? by Lynn Dessert

Lynn Dessert — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:32:00 +0000

I would advise asking an employment attorney since you reside in the U.K. Employment contracts vary greatly by country and whether they can be modified. In the U.S., employment is at-will and employment conditions can be changed unless the employee is covered by a collective bargaining agreeemnt. Let us know how it turns out to help others in similiar situations.

Comment on Do I have to sign my termination or separation agreement? by Marcus

Marcus — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:01:23 +0000

One and the half month ago, i joined a new company with a signed employment contract.
Up to date, i have no received any salary but received a termination letter and an offer letter in other email.
The termination letter mentioned they are pleased with my performance and happy to work with me, only mentioned the decision was made due to the change in company.
The new offer letter reduce about 30% of my first employment contract pay with them.
Pleas advise what i shall do next. Thanks.

Comment on What is the best method of communicating with your unavailable boss? by An Epidemic Of UBs – Unavailable Bosses

An Epidemic Of UBs – Unavailable Bosses — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:33:30 +0000

[...] What is the best method to communicate with an unavailable boss? [...]

Comment on Do I have to sign my termination or separation agreement? by Lynn Dessert

Lynn Dessert — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 16:00:55 +0000

Jay,

The questions you ask are reasonable though require a more thorough examination of your situation and agreement to get good advice. It is something you should discuss with a professional – either an attorney or HR career expert. If you would like me to work through this with you personally, I work with clients on these kinds of situations. Feel free to review my services at http://www.LeadershipBreakthrough.com.

Comment on Do I have to sign my termination or separation agreement? by Jay

Jay — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 09:33:30 +0000

, I was with a major company for 23 years. I oversaw the functions of two Divisions. One evening I was involved in a car accident on company property of which was not my fault. The GM of the division I was driving on demanded I take a drug test. Company policy states drug tests are given only if there are injuries. My accident had no injuries. I was sent a copy of the email where this person told others for me to take the drug test. I was humiliated because of my position and that the word leaked out to all employees. I took the drug test to prove my innocence and I passed.
I was now being told this individual wanted to replace me. I had support from my
regional team and my other boss. They basically said to deal with her. Mind here that I have always received above average reviews and accommodations up to this point.
I saw it was now going to be an uphill battle with this individual
So I requested a Mutually Agreed Seperation. I was told by others above me not to do this but it’s easier said than done when your not in the position. I was given the Mutually Agreed Upon Seperation within days then let go. It paid for my benefits and wages for a decent amount of time. Since then my asst that makes half my wage was put into the position..
My question is do I have any recourse here 18 months later? I even asked for a transfer during this time but none where available. It came down to take the package or get into an altercation, impossible work task, etc… then get fired. I also believe if this individual had not screwed up by sending me to take the test I would have never been offered a Mutually Agreed Upon Seperation. Any assistance is appreciated.