“You Have Nothing to Worry About”
I worked for a management consulting firm for two years. During the Fall of 2008, I was concerned that my job may be at stake as so many of our clients were conducting layoffs, meaning less revenue for our firm. I decided to voice my concern with my boss, who called me into her office. At this time I was also searching for an apartment since I was making a killer commute, and naturally thought that I would not commit to a lease if there was a chance of layoffs occurring. I was repeatedly told:
“You have nothing to worry about. Our company typically does well during tough economic times. We’ll be okay.”
Senior leadership also made an effort to diffuse any rumors that might have been circulating about layoffs. So, I went ahead with my apartment plans and signed a lease. One month later, I was called into an office for a couple minutes, was told my position was being eliminated and to leave immediately, only to return the next morning to hand in company equipment (laptop, etc.). I tried to explain this to my unsympathetic manager, but had no luck (not allowed to sublet, not allowed to break the lease). So here I am, watching my savings deplete, having terrible luck finding another job and paying a pretty penny for an apartment I don\’t even want, all because I was told that I had nothing to worry about in terms of job security.
"You Have Nothing to Worry About",This post was submitted by Anonymous.
July 12th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
I am so sorry. Probably my lowest moment in life (or one of the worst) was beingliterally standing out in the sunshine, with cold heartless people driving by in their cars, while I was unable to pay my rent after job loss. I had to use a credit card for instant cash to pay my $400 rent. Still paying off the card today.
July 13th, 2009 at 6:15 am
Sounds like you could have a wrongful termination suite or a breach of contract suite. If you have some proof like anything in writing, an e-mail, witnesses who were told/heard the same thing. Recoup the cost of the unwanted apt.
September 1st, 2009 at 8:41 am
The only thing that I can suggest is to get someone to take over the lease somehow, or get a roommate.
October 19th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Hey you lost your job. Don’t go broke paying for an apartment you don’t even want. I would just move out, hand in the keys and be done with it. Don’t pay another dime and don’t let pride kill your finances.
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:39 am
I got laid off last August after working for 7 years. I was prommised that my job was secure when I accepted the promotion. It was secure until someone who is friends with my old employers Senior VP needed a job. So they gave him mine and laid me off instead. I should have lost an 11 million dollar account, then I would still be working.
March 23rd, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Dump the apartment.
Just let the leasing office know that you were laid off and that you can’t afford it anymore. They should work something out with you in this economy.
November 29th, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Hope things worked out for you. Go with you gut feelings thats why we have it. Get promises in writing when youre dealing with your employer. That makes it a legal binding. If they cannot commit to you in that fashion then by all means do not make a personal financial decision for them especially when you will be the victim of circumstances.
September 24th, 2015 at 4:31 pm
Now we little people have to play like the big boys. Request/demand a contract. 6 months or you don’t take the job. If they get nervous, the company is not worth it and probably going out of business.