A
female
age
36-40,
*nt323
writes:this question i have has to do with work, i was put on a final write up because of my attendance so one of the managers from my job put me on the final write up and told me if i call out one more time im terminated so i ask her what if i have an emergency cause mind you i have twin 5 year old boys that go to school so things can happen, so i asked what if i have an emergency and have documentated prove for my call out do i still get terminated and she said yes. is that right or wrong and can i do something about it? Reply to this Question
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (29 May 2009): I agree with what the others have said. You have a professional relationship with your boss and if she needs someone who she can rely on and you can't be relied on, then it's understandable that she wants to end your working relationship!
Look, lots of people juggle work and family. Maybe, you have had too many "emergencies" in the past and should try to leave work only if it really is something serious. If they are sick, you can see them when you get home. Otherwise, try to get the help of a nanny when you can't be in two places at once. They are already 5 years old, it is unlikely that there are regular life-and-death sort of emergencies that happen at school.
People might be sympathetic to you because you are a mother and you feel like you need some slack etc. but the truth is you are getting paid for work you do, if you do not uphold your end of the bargain (regularly), then there is something wrong and you shouldn't expect to keep your job.
A
female
reader, allmd +, writes (28 May 2009):
HI,
Most companies have an "at will" employment policy that states that they can fire you at will. Which basically means they can fire you at their discretion. They don't even need a reason technically. But unfortunately you gave them some reasons. I would start looking for another job.
Good luck.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (28 May 2009): Yes they can absolutely terminate you even if you have to leave because of an emergency. What emergency could happen while your twin boys are in school? If one of them is ill then they stay in the nurses office until their dad or someone else can pick them up....for example, it does not have to be you.
You are not different than any one else who have kids you have to figure it out.
They are firing you the legal way, they are warning you and warning you and documenting it and you are on your final warning...which means now even if you are ill, you had better come to work and let them send you home, otherwise your ass is grass.
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A
male
reader, ArmyMedic  +, writes (28 May 2009):
 This is going to sound very harsh:
Why should they employ you if you keep failing to attend you are wasting the companies time and money, you have had warnings, so you could have made some kind of other arrangements.
If I was your boss I would rather employ someone who will work when they are meant to than employ someone who is going to take time off for welfare reasons every couple of days.
I understand that you have kids and as (I assume you are) a single mum the world should do everything for you, but if it was a single guy who kept making up excuses and making you work overtime because somebody has to do the work, I think you'd be pretty pissed off too.
You chose to have kids, you need to sort out your work and personal life so that if an "emergency" does crop up you can ask a nanny or relative to help you.
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A
female
reader, pebble +, writes (28 May 2009):
 If your attendance hadn't been so poor in the first place then you wouldn't be on a final warning. They have every right to fire you if you do it again after you've been warned.
How many of your other absences were absolute emergencies? Usually, employees are allowed a reasonable amount of days of during a working year due to illness etc. But you must have had at least one other warning already with no improvement for it be be at this point now.
Obviously, they have to make allowances if you have children but they can only stretch so far. They have to look after the interests of the company in the end. If you cannot cope with the demands of that particular job then you shouldn't be in it. You should be in one that is more suitable for your circumstances.
It's like the boy who cried wolf. You can't push your luck to the point where no one believes you anymore and then expect to be given special treatment when an emergency actually does happen. If you hadn't pushed your luck in the first place then it wouldn't be a problem when an emergency arises.
Maybe think about a change in circumstances, just to make it easier on yourself. It can't be nice to be in a place where you know you're on your final chance. Maybe you need to bow out and start afresh somewhere that is more suitable for you.
Good luck :)
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (28 May 2009): Well what are your reasons on why they gave you a final warning to begin w/? They wouldn't have given you a final warning for nothing?
Are you a person they takes days off just because?
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (28 May 2009): Yes, in australia that is known as unlawful sacking. Not sure if it is in the US but as far as i know she cant do that. My dad was told work or your child, he told his boss to take the job and stick it in his kulo
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (28 May 2009): Yes, they can terminate you for taking too many unplanned days in a certain amount of time.
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