Feeling Unfairly Pushed Out at Work: Is My Termination Justified and What Can I Do Next?

Facing Challenges at Work: Seeking Expert Opinions

I joined a new organization in December 2012 as a backend support staff in the sales department. At that time, there was no one in back-office support because the former employee was on maternity leave. A 3-day training was scheduled for me, but the person assigned to train me did not provide any guidance, stating that I wouldn't learn much in a short time, which I agreed to. However, when I started in the office, I had to complete the pending work, so I began asking questions and collaborating with other branch coordinators, and I succeeded. From January 2013 to March 2013, I was managing well with the system, ERP software, and other tools.

I conducted some research and development in ERP, which made my work easier. In March 2013, the lady who was on maternity leave returned and took away all my responsibilities, asking me to focus solely on contracts and documentation. At the time of joining, other responsibilities along with contracts were discussed with me, which I agreed to. I tried to involve myself in other activities that I was supposed to be responsible for.

Soon, everyone in the surrounding area realized she was feeling insecure about her job. She seemed to believe that if someone else could do what she could, her importance would diminish. So, she excluded me and tried to prove that no one could do the job except her. She started doing everything on her own, even though I offered to help her complete the workload. She was least bothered and kept saying that she would complete it quickly and I would not be able to. In fact, she spent the whole day preparing reports that could be done in a few minutes or at most half an hour. She denied the truth, and the situation turned into questioning what the new joiner was doing, suggesting that I was doing nothing. Last week, the GM of HR called me and showed me my termination letter, citing non-performance as the reason.

The issue is that I was told to look after the documentation only, which I was doing to the best of my ability. There was no documentation available when I joined, and I had completed almost 85% of it.

I was given the choice to accept termination or resign. I chose to resign.

I am jobless now. What should I do? Can any management act like this? Is it legal or illegal?

Regards

In one word, we can say that it is not professional, but don't get disheartened. Try for another job, and I am sure you will get a better job than this. Please treat this period as a lesson since the employer has used your skills on a temporary basis, i.e., to fill the gap of maternity leave for the existing employee.

It seems to be a case of workplace politics, which is unethical. Now, you need to only think about the lessons you have learned in this episode and the positives that accrued from your brief stint there, according to me. You need to move on. Do not despair since the world is full of infinite possibilities.

Lessons Learned

1) The lesson to be learned is that in the future, whenever you are selected for an interview, ensure that the appointment is not for a leave vacancy or a stop-gap arrangement, but for a regular vacancy.

Positives from the Experience

2) The positives are that you can build systems and methods on your own, even if the help is not coming from the right sources.

3) You have the ability to interact with others and keep the processes moving, even if the people that matter create obstacles. This is a great confidence booster.

4) Since you have done some R&D in ERP, you must have acquired more knowledge than you did before joining this organization.

5) The fact that you are not someone who gives up easily has now been established.

With so many positives on your side, it is only a matter of time before you get a better break.

All the best.

Regards,
B. Saikumar