How do I cope with this situation?
This past Thursday, after only 9 weeks, I was let go from my job. I was 1 of 2 AutoCad Drafters for a family-owned food service company, doing commercial kitchen floorplan layouts (I graduated in December w/ a BFA in Interior Design, and kitchen design was something I’ve always been interested in).
Long story short, I was let go because I didn’t have all the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing knowledge that was needed for the position…but the thing is, they KNEW this when they hired me. And they hired me anyway, with the understanding that they would train and teach me in everything I needed to know, acting like it would be no problem whatsoever. Now I’ve been let go for that same reason, with my now ex-boss saying that “the company is falling behind on projects” and, “never in the history of the company have I had to pay to outsource these projects so we can get the mechanical and electrical part done. I’m spending a lot of money and the learning curve is just too big, and I need someone in here who can come in and do it from day one.”
While I fully understand his reasoning, I was blind-sided and didn’t see my being let go coming at all. I did everything that was asked of me, everyday, for my boss and all the other design sales people, and was being told by everyone all throughout my time there (except my boss, who was an a-hole anyway, and I’m not/ wasn’t the only one with that opinion) how I was doing a good job, learning quickly, and how “I’d get it all eventually”. I don’t think it was right to be hired, only to be made to feel 9 weeks later that I’m bringing the company down and the design salespeople are at risk of losing their livelihoods b/c I didn’t have 100% the scope of knowledge, esp. when the company said they would teach me.
Part of me also wonders if this was wrongful termination, but I’m still trying to process what happened and ultimately just focus on my next step…
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10 Answers
You and that job were not good fits for each other. The boss overestimated their ability to get you proficient in everything, and they couldn’t spare the time to do so.
So back to job search for you. And put this job on your resume, but be honest that you were hired by them expecting a different skill set than you have.
Before you consider legal action, I think it vital that you inquire from your boss about a possible reference. Be prepared to pay close attention to his immediate reaction. If you are on good terms with the other autocad drafter you should ask him/ her for a frank assessment of you as a worker. Let him know that he will be doing you no favors by buttering you up. You want his honest opinion.
What you should now do is try your best to get the extra qualifications that were lacking. I am certainly not condoning the boss’s behavior but the “benefit” that comes out of all this, is that you can now do you best to get the necessary qualifications. I agree with the previous posts regarding a resume and assessment but what you have to do next is focus on getting yourself ready for the next position. Good luck and I am sorry you had to go through so much disappointment so early.
Most jobs have a 90 day probationary period. It does sound like you were misled or that their expectations weren’t correct but there is nothing illegal in what they did. Chalk it up to a bad experience and start looking for your next job. These bumps happen in life.
This is not the first time in history that someone was hired and then the company realized it was a bad fit, and it won’t be the last. this is why they have the probationary period (as @janbb said). I work for the government, and we have a 1 year probationary period, and during that time they don’t need to have any type of reason why they’re letting you go, and the union can’t do much to assist you.
The good part is that as long as you worked a certain amount of hours in the past year, you can get unemployment and it will be based upon your salary at this company. Every cloud has a silver lining. This is the silver lining.
”…but the thing is, they KNEW this when they hired me. And they hired me anyway, with the understanding that they would train and teach me in everything I needed to know, acting like it would be no problem whatsoever. ”
Depends on the wording used in the hire. Was there a point that they stated that they would try and train you and then what would be the consequences IF you didn’t learn it by a certain time frame?
If that was not stated you have a case..talk to a lawyer…BUT realize that you will forfeit the right to use them as references, understandably.
I suggest that you walk away, but get a letter of reference on the work that you did do and then go back to school to brings up your skill set or find another employer who may be able to place you in an apprentice position until completed.
So basically in this job YOU WERE AN APPRENTICE.( ask for reference letter before leaving and thank them for letting you train.)
@Inspired_2write Or she could get another job that requires CAD and interior design skills that she has but not the mechanical and plumbing knowledge that this one requires.
@Inspired_2write I was hired as a full-time employee, Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm, and they never stated there would be consequences if I didn’t learn it within a certain time-frame; it was a “learn-as-you-go” type of process.The other CAD drafter has been there for over 17 yrs. and he told me he’s still learning too…design is a constantly changing thing. I asked for help when I needed it, but I was honestly able to do a good majority of the work (changing equipment schedules, laying kitchen equipment into the floorplans and making changes as my ex-boss or other design salespeople requested) by myself.
@VirgoGirl826 Well then you may have a case..but consequences would be harsh…references would impair future employment. Better to ask for a exit letter in good faith.
Up to you though?
Is the employer not allowed to change their minds in reference to the requirement for the job?
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