About To Get Laid Off - Any Tips?

[Bertuzzied]

Originally Posted by Flashpoint

The best career advice I ever received was to not be afraid to move to a different city. I used to think Calgary was the only place for me. And don't get me wrong, Calgary is great. But there are a lot of awesome cities out there.

Don't believe him Firebug! he moved to Dallas! hehe

[Slava]

I can't add much insight here other than to note that with a group plan you can get your own coverage within 60 days with most large insurers. This matters because if you did this on your own down the line they take pre-existing treatments and conditions into account. In other words if you take the package and can't have your benefits extended as you wish then there is a private option available, but don't dilly-dally.

[normtwofinger]

You must have a airing of grievances meeting, much like festivus in Seinfeld.

[bomber317]

Originally Posted by firebug

Is 1 mos severance per year of employment still pretty typical?

That sounds like a very generous severance. I believe my company is 2 weeks per year of employment.

But I wouldn't know if it's different for CEOs. I would imagine that position would get a better severance package.

[Rathji]

Thought this was as good a thread as any to post this.

My wife was laid off more than a month ago. She said they would pay her severance with her next pay, but didn't and when she finally waded through people to find out what happened they realized they gave her the paperwork they were supposed to give to HR. So obviously no one knew she needed to get paid. She faxed in the stuff they needed last week, like Thursday and still nothing has been done.

Now I know that severance needs to be paid within 3 days, but what can you do in this situation if it isn't? This is a very large company in town, and it's not like they are going under any time soon.

[oilyfan]

Originally Posted by Rathji

Thought this was as good a thread as any to post this.

My wife was laid off more than a month ago. She said they would pay her severance with her next pay, but didn't and when she finally waded through people to find out what happened they realized they gave her the paperwork they were supposed to give to HR. So obviously no one knew she needed to get paid. She faxed in the stuff they needed last week, like Thursday and still nothing has been done.

Now I know that severance needs to be paid within 3 days, but what can you do in this situation if it isn't? This is a very large company in town, and it's not like they are going under any time soon.

You have a couple options but they both take a long time. First one is to contact employment standards and the second is to contact a lawyer.

I would first send a registered letter to the most senior HR person in the company explaining what happened and that you are going to look for legal counsel. That usually gets things moving.

[VladtheImpaler]

Given your level of seniority (VP level), you may be entitled to significantly more than 1 month/year (2 per or more). However, do not trust me - with the amount of money involved, it is well worth your while to consult a good labour lawyer. PM Delgar - he should be able to point you in the right direction.
As to your other questions, the answer is "it depends".

[WilsonFourTwo]

The (larger) company's that I've worked with tend to be around 1 month per year of service. At an executive level I wouldn't feel the least bit shy about asking for twice that, particularly if you have a solid relationship with the CEO and can make a logical claim to the money.

Since this is resulting in either a major life change or a major amount of money, take Vlad's advice and have a quick consult with a lawyer.

Good Luck!

[firebug]

Originally Posted by Flashpoint

I'd move to Toronto. I like change though. I recognize you have 3 little kids, but they're all pretty young and should adapt quickly. Your company clearly wants to keep you, and your networking capabilities would easily double.

The best career advice I ever received was to not be afraid to move to a different city. I used to think Calgary was the only place for me. And don't get me wrong, Calgary is great. But there are a lot of awesome cities out there.

I am certainly torn on this.

There are many cities and situations for which i would consider moving, however I don't think moving to Toronto to work for my current employer would be one of them.

I have known for several years that I was in the wrong situation but the bronze handcuffs and a good relationship with my colleagues and superiors kept me stationary.

Over time, this should be a good change.