Fired. A True Story.

A few weeks ago at work, we discovered that a schedule prepared during our year end close had an error in it. I was the manager who reviewed that schedule first. My boss reviewed it and it was used in several different places during our close process. We determined that the error in the schedule, when carried through all of our work, caused a seven million dollar mistake in an expense. (This was not $7 million in cash, however.)

I was very worried because of the error, but since it seemed to not be a big deal during conversations I was a part of, and conversations that were relayed to me, I thought it was taken care of and we were moving on. Our work might be subjected to increased scrutiny in subsequent periods, but the issue was basically dropped as far as I knew. This was almost three weeks ago.

Obviously not.

I was called in on Monday morning and was told I was being fired over this error.

There are a lot of political things going on at my former workplace that I am not aware of. And some behind the scenes stuff must have taken place. Someone had to take the public blame for this error and being that the department was so small, the only person to take that blame was me. And somewhat rightful so, I was the first line of defense because I was the manager in charge of reviewing it first. As far as I can tell no one else has been reprimanded for this mistake except me.

How I could go from getting a good review and my boss telling me to keep up the good work in 2009 to packing up my desk? I have no idea.  I'm sure it makes everyone breathe a little easier that the person who was the initial reviewer and let this get through is no longer around to do anything else to embarrass and cause a close eye to be on the department. I'm sure it's reassuring to the auditors, both internal and external, that I'm no longer there.

I worked my butt off for them. I stayed all night with no complaints. I worked until I was almost sick while I was pregnant. My kids were sick sometimes, I had two hospital stays in two months, after a maternity leave during a busy time. My Dad was in critical condition and I had to take a day off. I worked Saturdays, and stayed late when needed. I did whatever was asked of me, pretty much with a smile on my face. I sat in a cube when all the other managers got offices. I worked on my desktop, when all the other managers had laptops. I started out at the lowest pay grade on the managerial scale since I wasn't a 15 year person. I goofed off on the internet when I didn't have anything to do. I took work home. I worried about my sick children and imposed upon my in-laws and family to take care of my children so I could go to work even though I didn't want to. I went to doctor's appointments and class parties when I could. I celebrated birthdays and ate cake with my coworkers. I stood in line for 40 minutes with Maddie to attend a funeral viewing for my boss's mother. He hugged me and thanked me for coming knowing he was going to be firing me soon. I dealt with the bureaucracy of a large corporation, something I would never get used to. But all that's life as a working parent.

And now I'm unemployed.

I'm unemployed in one of the worst economies since the depression. Where people can go long stretches of time without any hope of finding a job. My field is not as depressed as some others, but it is tax season, and no firms want to take a chance on someone in the middle of the busiest time of the year. Who has time to train someone on procedures and how tax returns need to be processed when they have a stack of files to take care of? Yeah, I can churn out a tax return, but the presentation of that return for review and for the client is a big part of that process, and every firm is different.

Hudson was at home sick with Tim on Monday. I had to call and tell my husband that an error, albeit a big error, had caused me to get fired. Tim's a pretty level headed person, and he isn't going ballistic like some people would. I am eternally grateful for him and his righteous indignation for me.

Here I am at 30, looking for work, after getting fired for the very first time ever.

We'll be OK for a few months. I can do some work for Nan. I can take advantage of the spring consignment sales to clean out our toy room and the bins of clothes I've been holding on to for no particular reason. Thankfully, Tim has recently had some great things happen to him at his work that has allowed us a little cushion in our budget.

I can also say with some certainty that you shouldn't been looking for the next Bitter is the New Black or Rage against the Meshugenah to come out of this little laptop.

I overheard Tim say to his best friend last night on the phone, "We're OK. Everything that is important to us is all still right here."

And he's right.

Comments

[Christy M.]

I am so sorry you got fired. So sorry. I think you are handling it in such a mature way, though, and I hope and pray you find another job again very soon.

I'll keep you in my thoughts.

[SJ]

Ugh, this just kills me. Absolutely kills me. I am sorry that you got fired, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that you find another job soon.

You are in my thoughts chica, let me know if you need anything.

[CanCan (Mom Most Traveled)]

Wow, what a cold thing to happen. I hope you find something more wonderful than you ever imagined now that you are "free" from your job.

[The Happy Housewife]

I am so sorry this happened to you, although after reading how they treated you maybe this is a good thing? I hope you are able to get things done at home and find a job when the right one comes along.
Toni

[Tricia]

I am so sorry to hear about this. You deserve to be upset and frustrated. BUT if you ask me, there is no time like now to start your accounting business for bloggers! SERIOUSLY! There really is a market out there - I think! I am sure there are also small businesses out there that need help handling their finances too. You would be GREAT at that!

[Metalia]

Oh, NO! So, so sorry, hon. Big hugs to you. xoxo

[CPA Mom]

Well, we've talk ad nauseum about this on the phone and email but I wanted to tell you once again how much I think this sucks. And I'm PISSED. Feh! Your meshugener ex-boss is the epitome of an asshat.

Ugh!

Tim, on the other hand, is a WISE, WISE man.

[Donna B.]

This makes me both sad and mad. I know you'll land on your feet; take some time for yourself -- you need it and deserve it -- and make this into an opportunity. Let me know if I can do anything to help.

[Nic]

Ugh, this just stinks. I'm so sorry you're dealing with it. Fingers crossed that something new pops up soon!

[Brian]

I'm sorry to hear that, Kelly. I'm sure you'll land on your feet soon.

[samantha jo campen]

Again, I'm just so sorry. Bryan has been out of work since July so I know the stress. OH I KNOW. Thoughts and prayers are with you that you find something in the meantime!

[Amy W]

I absolutely hate the politics at work, and the whole "someone has to be blamed and fired" for every mistake.

We are freaking HUMAN.

Get back in touch with a recruiter...I know there are a ton of accounting jobs here in NC :).

[Bethany]

Damn girl, this just sucks. You know my number- use it if you need to (or want to). I can give you tips on how to feed your family for a dime or not go nuts at the 887th viewing of NiHao Kailan.

[Stephanie]

I am SO MAD for you. Gah!

I have said a million times, "If you never make a mistake that means you aren't working!" We are human beings. Gah.

((HUGS))

[Claire]

I am soo soo sorry. I know I have made mistakes before as everyone has. I just can't believe they have taken it to this level. I know you work hard and will be able to find a job in the meantime. Hopefully you can enjoy some time with the kids while you are off. You really worked hard for that company..pulling that all nighter not too long ago. Take care and know that we are all pulling for you!

[Claire]

Can you tell us what company you used to work for?? I am just curious :-)

[Melinda]

That sucks SO MUCH. But glad you have Tim and the kids and some awesome perspective. I believe a truly amazing opportunity is right around the corner for you.

[Andrea @ Mommy Snacks.net]

I am so sorry to hear about this! Uggh.... You know, to hear all of your hard work with the, too really is disappointing! I've seen so much from being in HR, that you could be the world's most valuable employee one day and gone the next! The loyalty only comes from US - not the companies by any means!!

I'm really truly sorry this has happened! I will say a prayer for you that His will is shown in your future direction. But, until then you got a couple kids to squeeze to death!! :-)

[cadiz12]

that really sucks. normally i'd say in the meantime you can relax, but as an unemployed person myself, i have found that to be impossible. but i do hope you get a lot of extra quality time with those you love. all the best!

[Joey Brannon]

I'm sure you know this but I'll give you my perspective from an employer's point of view. Firing someone who makes a mistake, albeit a big one, is a very expensive proposition. Once someone screws up they tend not to make the same mistake twice. Not so of your replacement who doesn't have the benefit of that hard earned experience. It's also expensive from the standpoint of morale. Your co-workers and colleagues left behind will be more than a little gun shy going forward. Productivity gets killed and loyalty goes out the window. All of this to say your mistake was more likely than not an excuse to trim payroll in a tough economy. Nothing more, nothing less...but classless and careless on the part of your former employer.

If you've ever had an entrepreneurial itch in your life now is the time to seize it. Use your financial discipline and training to build a sound business model and resolve to never treat your future employees the way your former employer treated you. All the best.

[Krista]

Goodness. I'm very sorry to hear that. I hope you find a fabulous job that is more tailored to you - and soon.

[Emily from Mommin It Up]

I'm so sorry, Kelly. That really sucks :(

[Jessie]

That truly sucks! You and Tim seem to have the right attitude, and I'm sure because of this it will all work out in the end.

[Kellie]

For the love of crap, this SUCKS!! I'm so, so sorry. Keep us updated on how things go with the job search.

Sending good thoughts your way :)

[Carrisa]

This sucks hard. I'm sorry you have to go through this right now in this crappy economy. And I also hate that you are the sole fall guy for this. I hope you are able to draw unemployment.