Contract terminated

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Hi all,

I had a part time job but my contract's been terminated suddenly and unexpectedly as they're reorganising staff structure. Now I'm not too bothered by it as it's more for me to get some office experience rather than the money. It's also a rather small firm so things like that are apt to happen (especially for a part time position).

This raised the issue of whether it's got anything to do with me. At first when I saw the email I was shocked and thought I did something wrong somewhere, however nothing's really happened, and I got a reference letter from them and it seems to be good (I think - while there isn't a huge amount of things to say considering I've been there for less than a month it said things like I'm very willing to learn, I'm polite to my coworkers and was a good person to have in the office in general).

So overall right now it seems there's not too much to worry about. There's a small chance something did go wrong (or could just be nothing went wrong but I'm perhaps not the most suited for the job in some ways even if I'm good in other respects, or they found someone else) - not sure if I should go asking them. I was also concerned at first that it might appear to people that I lost the job of my own fault (eg my parents) but now I think the reference should speak for itself.

Also I think it's been good experience nevertheless (though short) and happy I got accepted at the start (my first proper paid job, and as a university student, gives me more confidence when it comes to applying for a more permanent one later on). For those of you who might have lost jobs, I think it's good to think about the good things that've happened - perhaps it wasn't your fault (I've heard in these cases sometimes the person laying people off is reluctant and even hurts them to do so), or even if it was you've learnt something from whatever mistake you've made and the job in general.

Any thoughts?

_________________
A smile costs nothing

I always loved getting laid off. You get a nice compensation package to give you a little time off and then you can move on to something better with hopefully more pay(!) Getting laid off always provides the BEST answer when a prospective employer asks you "Why did you leave your last job?" Otherwise you have to make some excuse that employers can see right through and think, "Hmmm, what was REALLY going on there?" NEVER disparage the company that laid you off! The interviewer will think that you have a bad attitude if you do!

Of course, finding a new job was always stressful, but that seemed a small price to pay for finding a job that might be more suited to my needs and I could always ask for an automatic pay raise. Make sure you have your resume and references lined up!

Good luck!

I don't know but I am skeptical about your employer laying you off. Employers are terrified of law suits (especially regarding people in protected categories, like disability and race.) So, many employers will try to dodge the truth to avoid angering the employee they are terminating.

I would have to see the letter to get the complete context. But "willing to learn" is a dead give away for not having the skills needed for the position. Of course, I am only going on what you made available; therefore, your former company's may be completely benevolent.

Hi there,

I am of two minds on this one. The fact that they wrote you a reference letter is good. I had an experience where I head to job search with no reference from the previous job. Not good. That makes me think that you were liked.

Did they talk with you at all though to let you know where you need to improve? If you are able to ask that, in the context of getting a future job and not in the context of your last job, it might stand you in good stead. But really, it all depends on how amicable your situation was.

Tina

I feel for you:) getting laid off sucks big time.....

But, I wouldnt maybe the good news, I think you'd get a reference letter if you were a problem employee. Maybe you didn't fit into their reorganization plan, but that could be for a million reasons. You can be well like and good at your job, and still get left out. I've been there, it's not a good feeling, but, in terms of worrying if you did something wrong....fug it.....it's their problem. I'd probably tell my self to focus on the next thing.

If you wanted to use your reference, could you explain that you were laid off when a company restructured? If you say that, it can mean anything, and I dont think it looks bad on you.