Struggling After Forced Resignation at 55: Seeking Advice on Job and Compensation Challenges

Dear Sir, I'm 55 years old. I served with Spark Minda as DGM-R&D at Minda Autoelektrik, Bawal plant, until June 2019. I was forced to resign without any reason and relieved from my job. Until today, I have been struggling to secure a proper and regular job. My family comprises my wife and two daughters who are studying for their college degrees. In fact, I have not been able to secure any interview calls due to my age of 55 and the added challenges of the COVID scenario since March 2020, making it difficult for me to meet expenses.

Prior to Minda acquiring the firm in 2016, the company was known as Panalfa Autoelektrik Ltd. I joined in 2010, relocating my family with the intention of settling in North India until my retirement at 58. Unexpectedly, after the acquisition by the MNC group Minda, I was relieved of my duties without any explanation and forced to resign by the then heads of HR and the technology vertical. Throughout my tenure from 2010 to 2019, there were no negative remarks, complaints, or disciplinary issues.

I have a design patent application to my credit since 1984, following my diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Hyderabad. Despite my qualifications, I have not been able to secure another job due to my age bracket, receiving no interview calls. This situation has left me and my family impatient and struggling to afford basic necessities at times, even after many years of service.

I would like to seek support from the Spark Minda Group, either by reinstating me until my retirement or offering another position within the organization. Alternatively, I am seeking compensation for my abrupt dismissal without cause. I am seeking your expert advice to help resolve my situation, as I still have weddings to fund for both my daughters, which is a significant expense in Indian culture.

Kindly advise.

Warm regards,

PV Ramarao
Bhiwadi, Rajasthan
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons] / [Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons]

Dear Mr. Ramarao PV,

What has happened to you is unfortunate. You are facing post-takeover blues. Mergers and takeovers are always favorable to a few and unfavorable to a few others. Unfortunately, you have fallen into the latter category.

After taking over a company, it is customary for the new company to rationalize the manpower. During this process, your services have been discontinued. Given this situation, instead of wasting your time and energy on filing a suit against the company, redirect your efforts towards finding a new job. While your services have been terminated, I hope that you have received your legitimate dues.

The threat of mergers and takeovers always looms over employees. It is essential to be prepared for potential disruptions of this nature. It seems that mentally you were not adequately prepared, and the disruption has hit you hard. Nonetheless, the question that arises is that at 58, you were nearing retirement age. However, retirement has been forced upon you at 55. Therefore, facing a three-year early exit, while a financial setback, should not have disrupted your family routine to such an extent.

For individuals aged 50 and above, finding a job can be more challenging, but it is not impossible. I suggest you create a list of companies where your skills could be valued and reach out to them one by one. Obtain the contact details of the HR departments and send them your CV. Patience is key in this process. You may not receive positive responses after contacting hundreds or even thousands of companies, but do not lose hope.

Additionally, have you considered sharing domestic responsibilities with other family members? At 55, you may be considered middle-aged, but have your daughters explored job opportunities as well? If they contribute, it may help alleviate your financial concerns.

Wishing you all the best!

Dinesh Divekar

Forced Resignation and Legal Recourse

You say you have been forced to resign. How could you be forced? If you have evidence that you resigned under duress and not of your own volition, then perhaps you have some possibility (though I would say it is unlikely) that the courts would support you. Even in this case, the lawyer's fees are something you probably can't afford. Note that courts take 5 to 20 years for a decision.

If you have resigned, you have no recourse to demand they take you back. If you were terminated, perhaps it would be different. As Dinesh-ji says, focus on getting a new job. If you have experience, some company may be looking for it. If you have specific skills, that is what you need to focus on.

Dear Colleague,

Post-globalization and the MNC culture in India

Such cases during M&A happen just like that without any human values. It is a fact that many managements make this mistake (I use the word "mistake" as it is the closest suitable word, but it is correct to say "SIN"). For a company making huge turnover and profits, it is not morally and ethically correct to end somebody's life, especially those nearing retirement and old age. But in practice, they are the easy targets and victims in this fast-changing world. The reality is painful for someone losing their job at the age of above 50 years. Such companies lack basic value systems and work only on Excel sheets to see numbers/profits, but they will lose reputation and sustainability in the long run.

Advice for those affected by job loss

Coming to your specific matter, we understand your feelings and the pain you and your family are undergoing. Please consider some of the thoughts shared by our learned colleagues and add a few as listed below:

1. You have a big responsibility on the family side, so please do not focus on unnecessary litigation or legal action against the company, which may or may not yield any results but will consume a lot of your time, energy, reputation, and money. It is a futile exercise as the management will go through appeal after appeal. Hence, rethink this decision carefully.

2. You were not born to work only in this company, and the world is vast. Your skill sets should help you find the next job, even though it may take some time. Be patient until you secure a better job.

3. Employees should never rely on any one company for a lifetime, as the era of long-term employment patterns is gone. Nowadays, companies keep only "running horses" due to their economic goals and competition.

4. Do not mind if any company does not appreciate you. You should have the conviction to rise up, stand tall, and elevate yourself by becoming a freelance expert or by taking up the next job that aligns with your skills. Prove that you are not dependent on any company but are a true professional. This may sound unconventional, but it is the best way to proceed.

5. This is the time to showcase your abilities and embark on a new venture.

6. Safeguard your earnings in secure government deposits for a regular income and then transition into the next phase of your life. After a few years, you will see your life shining, and you will become an independent-minded professional without any attachment or dependency on any particular organization.

God bless you, Brother!