Employer Type: Foundation / Trust (United States)

After working at a retail custom framing and art store for thirteen years, I was fired. I had started at this job as a part time framer after moving from another area, and worked my way up to assistant manager after only two years. I was made store manager after another year. When I had been there for almost nine years the owners closed our branch, but offered me the management position at their other store, which was about a thirty minute commute.

Things never seemed to improve after the first store closed; the economy was slow, then 9/11 hit all retail in our area a big blow. (We weren't in the affected area, but it still hurt) I made many attempts to improve the look of the store, which I felt was much too cluttered. All of my attempts were rebuffed by the owner, who seemed to want to pack as much product in the space as possible, instead of making it look like a classy gallery. He was more interested in keeping cash flow going than retaining long-term customers, thus always promised more than he could deliver. I felt that this was bad judgment, that he was lying to people and risking the reputation of the store. I tried for a long time to work alongside him and cooperate for the benefit of the store, but after a while it wore me out trying to cover for his lack of integrity. After we made an agreement to switch my salary status to hourly, he hounded me in every task and felt that I was wasting time just to get more hours; this was not true. He just knew that I was doing the same job I had been doing, but now he wasn't going to get my services as freely as when I was on salary. After a month being an hourly employee he fired me, so I felt the problem was that he couldn't afford to keep paying me rather than my "unwillingness to cooperate."

My advice is not to let it get you down when you are fired, because it's possible that other positions, better positions, will open up to you. And if you honestly know that you were doing your best in a bad situation, something better is bound to come along. I went back to school after this incident and found that I loved being there! I had a work/study job to help me out, and ended up graduating with highest honors. I'm still looking for work at the present, but considering the economy in our area I know I'm not the only one. There is a position I'm being considered for, and it is my DREAM job, so things should stil work out. Hang in there!!

I have a 33 year career history, with no prior negative apsects (always 4+ on evaluations, never written up) and in the course of the last year, I have been written up, had something called a "last chance agreement", which I was forced to sign while under duress, followed by numerous "investigations" which were unfounded by managments investigation, but never apologized for; suspended, and then terminated; without due process permitted (the suspension/termination: " was, is this you ?; you did this on this date ?; you're suspended pending further investigation: then terminated, without allowing me to give events from my side." My advice: Remember three things : -1.) you are a GREAT nurse. (lawyer/accountant/whatever). -2.) you are a GREAT person. -3.) you LOVE yourself. Repeat these three things 10 times upon rising each morning. Additionally, you must go forward. -find another job; whether permanent or per diem (to keep you financially afloat.)So you do not have to take a payout on your investments. -create a "plan that works best for you." And above all, I hope everyone who goes through what I did, has a supporting mate, and remembers this is not the end of the world. Look at your options, what can be done to resolve the issue amicably, so you may list the former employer, for future jobs. Good Luck to all !!