Laid Off or Fired: Which is Worse?
The company I worked for shut down the facility where I worked, and I was laid off.
Everyone keeps telling me that being laid off isn't so bad; I could've been fired, and it's all I can do to not roll my eyes because being laid off makes me so much less unemployed than if I'd been fired.
Here's my problem: I was laid off, but my supervisor and HR want me back as soon as the position reopens in the company. When that will happen is anyone's guess, so I'm looking for work. Will employers even consider hiring me because I was laid off through no fault of my own? I have a habit of staying with employers and not jumping ship as soon as something better presents itself--I've passed on better-paying positions at That Company and Other Company because I was hired on by This Company, so there's no need for them to worry.
Should I even bother applying? Everyone tells me that being laid off is better than being fired, and I'll land a job soon, but so far, no luck. Is it because I'm a disabled vet who's been laid off?
It's a no-brainer! Fired is far worse because (a) you don't qualify to collect unemployment and (b) it makes it a lot harder to find another job. If you've been fired it implies that there problems with your previous employer. The other issue is getting a good reference from the previous employer/ It's infinitely easier to find another job if you've been laid off. It sounds like since you're a disabled vet that you could get a job with the Federal Government. (They give veterans preferences.)
Dust yourself off, get yourself together and go apply for other positions, you said you don't know when you will be called back, so why wait, also, unemployment has companies that come and do interviews for people looking for work, and some hire on the spot. Now repeat after me you were laid off, no fault of your own, PERIOD.
Where I'm from, getting laid off is better. In either case you can file for UI immediately however if you are fired am investigation is done to find out why you were let go and the employer will have to opportunity to deny your unemployment. In the case of layoff, there are fewer questions asked.
If I were you, I would start looking for something else because there are no guarantees that you will be called back. What is your gut telling you about the way you exited? I was laid off once with a possible call back. That was over 15 years ago and the company has been sold and is now closed. If I had waited on them, I would be in a world of trouble. Companies will tell you anything to make the process easier on them. Only you are really concerned about you.
Everyone else here has talked about if laid off better than fired so I am going to focus on your last question. Being a disabled vet is actually a big advantage for you not a disadvantage and here is why. Any company that has a federal contract ( does work for the federal government ) is required to by law to give preference to veterans and even more so disabled veterans so long as the individual meets the job qualifications and can do the job with reasonable accommodations. This is because companies with federal contracts are encourage to have a certain percentage of their workforce be veterans and another percentage by disabled. These percentages are not technically quotas ( because employment quotes are illegal ) however failing to achieve these percentages requires the business to take other actions to boost the percentage of their workforce that fall into these categories. If things don't improve and there are other issues an employer can have their federal contact canceled. Also this says nothing about many state laws that have similar legislation concerning state contracts. This is why you should always check that you are a disabled veteran when asked on a job application. One more thing: I want to Thank you for your service to our country.
In my opinion, being laid off is the lesser of the two evils. Being laid off is supposed to be for inability to pay employees and/or keep operating due to lack of funds. I was laid off from my job of 20 years in June so I feel your pain. Being fired implies that you were inept, didn't fit the company model, or committed wrong-doing. I'm finding out that even hiring managers don't use the terms correctly. You need to look for a job and don't wait for the company that laid you off to call you back--that may never happen. May both of our searches for new employment be short-lived.
Laid off is due to no fault of your own. You can explain that in an interview and be looked at favorably.
Fired is because you did something wrong. An interviewer will not look upon that favorably.
Some states will still allow you to collect unemployment if you are fired. But all states will allow you to collect if you are laid off. It has to do with the reasons why you are not employed.
Your corporate dedication is commendable and will be recognized in an interview and on your CV.
Take the opportunity to use the employment division resources and maybe even start a certification program which enhances or strengthens your skills. You will be able to demonstrate that you are not just sitting around and expecting a call based in your past. You are engaged in the continual learning process.
It is much easier to explain being laid off than having been fired. Your being a veteran and also being disable might actually be a plus for you. Many companies ask if you are a veteran and your discharge status. In some states companies that hire veterans are given financial incentives. I suggest that you continue to look for work and if a good position comes up then take it. Your former company had no loyalty to you and your loyalty is for you and your family Good luck.
Laid off is better as you can if need to collect unemployment until you are re-hired or get a new job. Fireid is bad it can take weeks and a hearing to get your unemployment. Fired if you mention it can look bad toa new employer and they may want to know why. They can only find out through you as a employer can by law only only verify the dates you are employed and nothinge else.
Maybe you have time to see things you want to see?
You are lucky.
I was illegally terminated from a Fortune 500 five years ago. They used me as a scapegoat for embezzlement the senior leadership in my department participated in. They instead accused ME of stealing from the company.
I was unable to find any legal representation or counsel because of the powerful labor law bench the Fortune 500 has.
They will bleed you dry- I was told as a was dismissed repeatedly.
My professional reputation was destroyed. Financial devastation followed.
I’ve never recovered.
I scrubbed toilets for $11 /day at one point. And I was grateful for that opportunity.
Still contacting law firms 5 years later with 2 years remaining on my statute of limitations.
Even today everyone’s declining the case.