December 2015 Moms

Needing support.

Hi all,

I searched for this through the boards, but I didn't find anything surprisingly. So I apologize if this is a redundant topic.

In June, a week after I told my boss I was pregnant, she put me on a performance improvement plan. I am someone who is always willing to improve but she made up things that weren't true on the plan. I fought it, but ended up just doing my best so I could be safe with my job.

Yesterday was the review for the plan, they told me how well I had done and how pleased they were with my work. But, after my maternity leave is over, they are eliminating my position.

I support my entire family. My husband and I are in the green card process and I am his sponsor. He can not legally work yet. This will leave us without health insurance. We struggle as it is. I don't know how, at 7 months pregnant, anyone will want to hire me. I have never been so scared in my life but I am trying to be as positive as I can. I'm searching for jobs everyday, and I remade my website.

My boss also informed me they knew of this decision in June, but didn't want to tell me. It feels really unfair.

I don't know if I am looking for an answer really, or maybe just someone who has experienced something similar. I just need some support and I needed somewhere safe I could talk about this. If anyone has any suggestions I am completely open to them.

Thank you for listening :)

Re: Needing support.

  • I am so sorry you are going through this. Do you have copies of the PIP and the notes from your follow up meeting? It certainly sounds shady, but if they are eliminating your position, not firing you for performance reasons, I don't know how the legal situation works. You are in my thoughts.
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  • I'm sorry you're going through this. It's pretty crappy that the decision was made in June and the put on a facade by giving you a performance improvement plan.

    BUT, it sounds like the bright side is that you have a job for the time being, it sounds like? And I assume you'll be eligible for short-term disability, since you're still employed there until your mat leave ends.

    This may end up being a blessing in disguise. When I was laid off 7 years ago, it ended up being the push I needed to figure out what I really wanted to do with my life. You have plenty of time between now and your mat leave ending to start networking and seeing what's out there.

    Again, I feel for you. But know that things will work out like they're supposed to.
  • Oh my god, I'm so sorry you're having to go through this! Your employers sound like royal dicks- excuse my language. I don't understand how someone could be so heartless!
    I have no advice unfortunately but you're in my thoughts and I wish you the best!
  • I don't have any brilliant words of wisdom, but I can tell you that i've been there.

    When I was 7 months pregnant with my first child,  we found out my husband had a brain tumor. Not only was that just awful in general, but it also forced him out of work (he was seeing double making it impossible to do his job.)

    Then, right after baby's birth, my company closed.  Yikes.

    We depended a lot on other people at the time. I remember one time crying in my car at the gas station because I was trying to figure out how to pay for gas and only had $9.00 in my account. We moved back in with my parents.

    However, it all worked out.  Two months after her birth, I found a new job where I am now a manager. My husbands tumor shrunk and he is doing fine and working. Some way, some how, these things work.

    "Luckily" you do have some time to start looking.  Take these two months as an opportunity to get ahead and work your butt off to have a new position secured. A lot of companies do not want you to start for a few months anyways, so they may not see your pregnancy as an issue.  You may have to go back earlier then you would have liked, but let them know how motivated you are and how ready you are to start early next year.    I was back 3 weeks after last baby (because my husband stayed home) it was tough.. but I had to.


  • So sorry you're dealing with this situation. Like pp said, at least you have some time to look for something new. Hopefully you'll find an employer that has a little more empathy and definitely better morals.

    As for your DH, is he on an EAD? Or where is he at in the green card process? He can/should also be talking to employment agencies. He can work on contract with an EAD just like he would a green card. W2 with benefits and all (if offered). Benefits won't be as great through an agency, and there would likely be a longer wait period, but at least that would be something. Even if he's not on EAD, there are ways people will work with and sponsor those on other visas.

    Good luck to you! I know it's a rough situation, but I hope it all works out for the best.

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  • I'm really sorry you are in this situation :-(  It makes no sense that they knew your position was being eliminated, yet they put you on a PIP.  I know that some companies will assist employees with finding another job within the same company when positions are eliminated.  Maybe this is something you can talk to HR about?  Just a thought.  Start looking now, hopefully something will work out sooner rather than later.  
  • I'm so sorry you are going through this. It sounds like you are a very hard worker and have a good head on your shoulders, hopefully you will end up finding something even better. No advice but sending prayers and support!
  • omg I am so sorry you're going through this. I don't have any experience but I would just like to offer some support and maybe a shoulder to cry on ::virtual hug::  Are you eligible to collect unemployment once you leave your job?
  • You can call the EEOC! I def. Would if they hire some one else and not eliminated truely! And you should be eligibile for unemployment!! I'm sorry this is happening :(
  • I'm very sorry that you were misled and hope that this all works out for the better. I don't have any knowledge or experience on this matter but will be thinking and praying for your family.
    Lilypie Maternity tickers
  • This is so stressful and I'm sorry you're going through this. I think PPs gave really good advice. How long is your maternity leave and is it paid? It can give you that time to look for something else and hopefully secure another job. And like @megstark said, depending where on the green card process your husband is he could potentially find work with benefits while he waits for final approval. I'm a Green Card holder myself and I was on temporary work authorization before getting my GC, and had full benefits. I definitely understand the stress of being the main provider - although my husband and I are both working, I'm the main breadwinner so the pressure is high to keep job and benefits. At least you'll be covered with insurance both for when you give birth and when the baby is born and the first couple of months of doctors' visits. If you have 4-5 months I'm confident you can find a much better job with much more empathetic employers. 
  • I don't even know where to begin. That is terrible and I wouldn't wish that on my mortal enemy. Please keep ALL documentation of this bs. From when you informed her to now. Is it in writing that they are eliminating your position ? You may have a leg to stand on if she put a lot of this info in writing. Especially if she cannot produce any incidences that lead to the pip. My husband used to be a supervisor that had to write pips, and before he got laid off, they tried to do the same thing to him. He and I caught their every mistake. I don't know your company policies, but to my understanding, a pip cannot be given if there isn't a paper trail of the supervisor trying to correct and inform the subordinate of what they are doing incorrectly or poorly. If she never notified you or gave you anything to sign that you got notice on any issues....she's in the wrong. This can be an HR issue to handle and maybe even further. Also, I'd have someone look over my info and ask about possible pregnancy discrimination, only because this all "occurred" once they knew you to be pregnant. Prior to that, there was no mention of this and even more so, your boss told you that the decision to let you go was made in June. It's one thing to practice private enterprise, but it may be a legal issue for them if they gave you the impression you were keeping your job if you improved based on the pip and protocols they gave you. Lastly, look into your rights for maternity leave. Technically, depending on your state and certain stipulations, it's possible that you are supposed to be able to return to your position or a position. Double check. You never know where you can find a loophole. Either way, they sound super shitty. I hope you find a new job that treats you better and with respect and that it all works out for you. I know things suck right now, as when it rains it pours. But just remember it can't rain forever... the sun had to come out. That's how life works, even on a scientific level. I know I'm cheesy, but hopefully you found some comfort in my words.
    Lilypie Pregnancy tickers
  • Omg thats awful! I will pray you find a good job after baby is here. Hang in there and dont lose faith!
  • I would contact legal aide.  This sounds scetchy.
  • Yep. Call an equal employment opportunity lawyer. I'm pretty sure they have to keep your position open for you until you return from leave under FMLA...would give you the next two months plus twelve weeks to figure something out. The EEO lawyer may even be able to negotiate severance and/or extended health insurance coverage.
    Pregnancy Ticker
  • It is very odd that they would go to the trouble of placing you on a PIP if they had already made the decision to eliminate your employment.  I would definitely google "employment attorney" and get in touch with a plaintiff's side employment attorney in your area who will discuss your situation with you and perhaps file an EEOC Charge on your behalf. 

    In the meantime, it would be worthwhile to look into your state's unemployment compensation program, as there is a good chance you will be eligible for unemployment compensation, since you will be out of work due to no fault of your own. 

    Good luck, and I'm sorry you're going through this. 
  • A friend on mine had to look for a job mid-pregnancy 2 years ago. She actually was really opened about it when she did interviews. She could not have a long maternity leave but ended up with 3months and had to start her new job right after. 
    It will depend on the position, if they need to feel the post right away or not. At least by having the baby already, they know you won't be having another one for a year or so afterward :)

    If you feel up for it, I would start interviewing for new jobs. It is a pain though. 


  • This is absolutely horrible, especially the fact that they have known and didn't tell you. Maybe they were trying to spare your feelings, but you could have been looking for a job a long time ago. At least it seems like they are keeping you until after the baby is born so you will have insurance for the birth. I also think this doesn't sound particularly legal, especially the fact that they withheld the information from you and prevented you from being able to find a job in time. So sorry you are dealing with this.
    Pregnancy Ticker
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