Georgia
I need some advice... of course, why else would I post here.
I am 31 years old and workED for the same employer for 12 years. In late 2003 our company was aquired by a fortune500 Title Insurance company.
Beginning in 2004, and after a break up with my girlfriend of 4 years, I began to self destruct. That much I am willing to admit... all of the deterioration was self induced. I struggled with alcohal addiction, drug addiction and gambling addiction. All of these demons were in plain site. My good friend and SUPERVISOR advised me *after hours and outside the office* to seek help/counseling/god/etc. However no formal or professional gestures of help were ever extended.
My work began to suffer. I was frequently late and occasionally absent.
In September of 2004 I was called to the carpet. My supervisor(and still good friend) and the Human Resources director were present. I was advised that my performance was less than expected and warned that if I was late again I would be terminated. I fully complied and agreed to really try harder. After a discussing my 'path back to the workplace' I was asked to sign a written warning.
************ In the section open for my comments I wrote the following : " I believe that I suffer from one or several mental illnesses which impede my ability to be punctual. I have a problem with drugs and an addiction to gambling".
I then signed.
My supervisor, thinking this was an attempt at comedy, laughed and told me to stop being 'funny'. The HR rep shredded the document and asked me to sign a copy sans-written comments. And I did ( big mistake?)
So.... I, of course, was once again AWOL. And was fired on the spot the next day.
There are no minutes of the probationary hearing, however 2 witnesses were present and furthermore, it was common knowledge throughout the office of how and why I was screwing up so much.
MY QUESTION -finally!
Can I sue for wronful termination? Do I have a case?
The employer basically ignored or denied my claims of substance abuse problems. I cried out for help... they helped by throwing me out on my ass.
FURTHERMORE - It has been difficult to find new employment because of the negative nature surrounding my departure - being terminated.
After 12 years with the same employer, the only job I've ever had, I can't get a decent or positive referal from them(at least not from the *new* owners)
I have since relocated to Ohio - being close to family and friends has been the treatment program and system that I needed. I am sober and don't gamble anymore.
Thank you for reading this lengthy dissertation. I haven't talked to anyone about this so maybe that's why I'm gushing.
Any advice or feedback or job opportunities are appreciated.
-m@
I need some advice... of course, why else would I post here.
I am 31 years old and workED for the same employer for 12 years. In late 2003 our company was aquired by a fortune500 Title Insurance company.
Beginning in 2004, and after a break up with my girlfriend of 4 years, I began to self destruct. That much I am willing to admit... all of the deterioration was self induced. I struggled with alcohal addiction, drug addiction and gambling addiction. All of these demons were in plain site. My good friend and SUPERVISOR advised me *after hours and outside the office* to seek help/counseling/god/etc. However no formal or professional gestures of help were ever extended.
My work began to suffer. I was frequently late and occasionally absent.
In September of 2004 I was called to the carpet. My supervisor(and still good friend) and the Human Resources director were present. I was advised that my performance was less than expected and warned that if I was late again I would be terminated. I fully complied and agreed to really try harder. After a discussing my 'path back to the workplace' I was asked to sign a written warning.
************ In the section open for my comments I wrote the following : " I believe that I suffer from one or several mental illnesses which impede my ability to be punctual. I have a problem with drugs and an addiction to gambling".
I then signed.
My supervisor, thinking this was an attempt at comedy, laughed and told me to stop being 'funny'. The HR rep shredded the document and asked me to sign a copy sans-written comments. And I did ( big mistake?)
So.... I, of course, was once again AWOL. And was fired on the spot the next day.
There are no minutes of the probationary hearing, however 2 witnesses were present and furthermore, it was common knowledge throughout the office of how and why I was screwing up so much.
MY QUESTION -finally!
Can I sue for wronful termination? Do I have a case?
The employer basically ignored or denied my claims of substance abuse problems. I cried out for help... they helped by throwing me out on my ass.
FURTHERMORE - It has been difficult to find new employment because of the negative nature surrounding my departure - being terminated.
After 12 years with the same employer, the only job I've ever had, I can't get a decent or positive referal from them(at least not from the *new* owners)
I have since relocated to Ohio - being close to family and friends has been the treatment program and system that I needed. I am sober and don't gamble anymore.
Thank you for reading this lengthy dissertation. I haven't talked to anyone about this so maybe that's why I'm gushing.
Any advice or feedback or job opportunities are appreciated.
-m@