Redundant

[Harvest Moon]

Well the day has come. I have been declared "redundant" by the corporate giant that held me captive for the last 25+ years. Since I am posting this on Mock, I am not looking for sympathy, just some honest discussion of corporate America's belief that the young are always the better.

I wonder who the people replacing me are going to call/email in two weeks when I'm gone.

I decided to take the high ground and load any reports and presentations I've done on the new "knowledge management" system. At least my name will come up with most any topic employees search on.

I am not attending any farewell parties.

[ZEROSPHERES]

If this is age discrimination you have protection under the law.

[Duchess]

Since I am posting this on Mock, I am not looking for sympathy, just some honest discussion of corporate America's belief that the young are always the better.

For what it's worth, I would always hire experience over youth & I don't think I'm the only one who feels that way. I'm sorry that your boss did. That sucks.

[Harvest Moon]

They are too smart to discriminate directly. The assholes offered me another job in another state for the same money, demanding that I relocate in 3 months. No relocation packaged offered yet, but I am asking on Monday just to see what they say. My husband and I love where we are living so relocation is not an option.

[Harvest Moon]

For what it's worth, I would always hire experience over youth & I don't think I'm the only one who feels that way. I'm sorry that your boss did. That sucks.

Thanks Duchess, I appreciate your comments and agree. I am taking the high ground and doing what I can to share my knowledge over the next two weeks. I know there are several young people in the organization that have been shining because of my mentoring. That gives me some peace.

[Maggot]

Offer your services to the competition.

[Harvest Moon]

Offer your services to the competition.

Unfortunately I can't for at least a year, without being sued by the company. It might end up being two years, I am waiting for the final word from HR.

Puts an added burden in that I can't offer consulting services in my field without breaking the "competition rules".

Did I mention that I hate rules?

[username]

Offer your services to the competition.

Unfortunately I can't for at least a year, without being sued by the company. It might end up being two years, I am waiting for the final word from HR.

Puts an added burden in that I can't offer consulting services in my field without breaking the "competition rules".

Did I mention that I hate rules?

Umm, yeah, no!! Non-compete agreements are very hard to enforce. Courts typically favor allowing individuals to pursue gainful employment. Unless you're specifically violating some confidentiality rules, you have the right to seek employment in your field of choice. They can't let you go and also say "by the way, you can't work in any capacity in this field for a year (or two)".

Fuck your HR department. You have a right to seek gainful employment in your field.

Fight this...you'll win.

...says the former HR director.

[HairOfTheDog]

I have my employees sign non-compete agreements, but it's true that they are virtually unenforceable (at least in California). My employees aren't high level management staff and/or holding any proprietary information, so don't know if that makes a difference. Definitely worth getting some legal consult if you want to stay in the field and don't want the relocation offer, HarvestMoon. Don't just accept that your employer could successfully sue you or that they would even take on the expense. You really should get some legal consultation just so you know your realistic options.


Sucks to work hard and lose your position. Hang tough.