Some of our readers, mostly those who are still employed, are a little fuzzy about firings, layoffs, and furloughs.
The difference between being laid off and fired is a determination of fault.
Being fired means you are terminated from your job due to something that the company believes was your fault like poor performance or violating company rules, including habitual tardiness, questionable hygiene, stealing or misusing company assets, being disruptive, personality conflicts, or not fitting in with the company culture. In many states, you may be terminated without cause. Your opportunity for re-employment with the same company is little or none.
If you are laid off, that means the company acknowledges that they are at fault and your termination is due to circumstances beyond your control — and possibly the company’s control.
If you are furloughed, you are still employed by the company, you maintain your seniority and benefits, however, you cannot work or receive compensation. In many cases you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits and return to work should circumstances change and you are recalled by the company. If you were laid off, you would need to be rehired and any position, pay, and benefits renegotiated.
Some important considerations are health insurance, retirement benefits, life and/or disability Insurance, unpaid salary, commissions due for past work, vacation time, and accrued sick leave.
No matter what your current employment situation may be, maintain a positive attitude because this too shall pass and there is a range of assistance sources and opportunities ahead.
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?