Help... Depressed, confused and annoyed about job

[apopolizio]

I was asked to resign last Friday from my job as a library media specialist at a high school. I was not expecting this. All year the administration seemed understanding to my medical testing and being sick. When I was diagnosed with Crohns in December, I thought my principal should know what was going on. In April had more testing after going to emergency for level 10 pain and we eventually found out my gallbladder was also not working properly. First available appointment was in July to get it removed, but the next day was called saying they had a cancelation, I took it for the possibility to get relief from my pain. This was 3 weeks ago. They were ok with me going and doing what I needed to do.

I come back and had my year end review. It was going ok and we talked about goals for next year, how to adjust them, he asked me to come up with some lists and I sent them to him. The following Tuesday I was called down and accused of something I did not do, and assumed that was all the meeting would be about. I was wrong. They had a list of many things that they were questioning about me, all they could not prove either way and how I wasn't at the level they expected this year. They said they were understanding, but that's not really true. Would you be able to be at that level when you were battling pain all year? Well then at the end of that meeting they said they would let me know by the end of the day tomorrow If we were parting ways or on an improvement plan for next year. (Before this I was doing well from Crohns... No flare or pain... Needless to say this caused a major flare from Tuesday night when I read the email to see him until today) had not slept or eaten in 3days, went into work and was asked to resign.

I think my aide, another teacher said things behind my back, as well as being diagnosed with crohns caused this. I have no proof that being sick this year had anything to do with it, but in my gut I think so.

I don't know what to do. They are giving me my medical insurance through the summer, and if I don't find a job I can apply for COBRA? And unemployment, but I just want to cry thinking about how much I'm screwed. I have been faking it I front of my boyfriend and his 6 year old, but I can't anymore. Now that it is summer I'm all alone and don't think it's going to get better.

 

[Lisa]

First, DO NOT resign - there are different rules regarding continuing coverage if you are terminated/fired and resigning!

If they had just cause to fire you, they would do it, it sounds like they may want to avoid that.....

Are you in a civil service position, or in an at-will position? The Union may have something to say also if they are available.....

 

[The Real MC]

You really need a lawyer. Sounds like a case of improper dismissal.

 

[apopolizio]

Because I was an untenured teacher, the union could not do anything and I had them helping with advice from the first email came to me. Also, I asked to think about it, and they said ok, but we want you to know that we are not looking for you to come back.

 

[Lisa]

That stinks! Again, you seriously need to consider if you resign vs. being terminated - if you resign, I believe you also cannot collect unemployment benefits....

 

[apopolizio]

They said they will not fight me about applying for unemployment, even though it may say resigned because it was a forced resign. And the union checked that before I signed it, and they were in the meeting when I was told.

 

[Optimistic]

I am very sorry.

I'm not sure if you have already resigned? You are in best place to negotiate if you are still an employee. Share your city and I'll guve you a resource for getting a legal pov.