Ask HN: Is there anything I can do to get severance? Please help

3 points by hollaur 6 years ago | 3 comments

I'm a temp employee for Cisco.

My verbally abusive and ageist manager does not like me at all, because she's a control freak and wants a yes-woman. I'm not a yes-woman. I care too much about the work I do.

Now, my firm has let me know she's letting me go at the end of the week, with only two weeks pay (no severance), during the worst time of year to find another job.

I don't have a savings.

It kills me how little Cisco cares about its "blue badges," yet boasts about being the best place to work.

I hate corporate BS.

Is there anything I can do to get severance?

cameron_b 6 years ago |

In short, no.

Severance is built in to contractual employment agreements up front. Being a temp employee limits your options.

You have a great opportunity if you choose to see it that way. Experience at Cisco ( no matter your quality of experience at Cisco ) will likely have changed your prospects. You might be surprised to find hiring managers and recruiters who would say that this is a hard time of year to find people to hire.

So, What type of work are you looking for?

hollaur 6 years ago | |

Thank you for your response!

I'm looking for marketing positions, preferably at a startup.

omar_a1 6 years ago |

Do file for Unemployment Insurance. It might not apply to your role or circumstances, but it's worth exploring if you don't have savings. (NB: Some employers reject legitimate unemployment claims as a matter of course. It often may be successfully appealed even without a lawyer, but the appeals process can take months.)