Seeking Experience & Strength From The Experienced & Strong

[b]Hey everyone,


Not sure if this is the right place for this question but I will give it a go. I was let go from my job today. Almost had a year. I hated almost every minute of it. It was just like the movie Office Space. I accepted the position out of pure desperation. This was not my calling. A friend of mine was an interim CEO at the time and got me the position as a favor. I was paid more than 75% of the people there because of my affiliations. Once he bailed the company because it wasn't making any money, I was called into the office and told that I could willfully leave because the position was going to be eliminated (not really they just weren't going to pay me what I was making) or I could accept the same position at five dollars less an hour.

I accepted the offer because at the time I figured something was better than nothing and I really needed the medical insurance. As time went on, it became harder and harder to come in. I was having a hard time finding that gratitude. I was sick of the gossiping about me behind my back, and I was sick of the micromanagement. I refused to quit because I knew if I did I wouldn't be eligible for unemployment.

They finally let me go today. They said my work performance was too slow. I was basically set up. Given more responsibilities than I could fulfill in my eight hour shift to justify them letting me go.

My question is this, has this happened to anyone else, and if so, how did you come out stronger and on the other side? Also, since I was at odds with "management" there, how am I supposed to respond to future employment opportunities when asked "why did you leave your last position." Do I tell the truth and say I was fired or do I say I was laid off. Also, is it "OK" to use HR as the point of contact on application since basically management hated my guts and would probably jump at the chance to sabotage me. Thanks so much all.!

1st off Welcome to the forum.
Unfortunately you story is very common amongst some of us.
The issue with dealing with how to exlplain why you left your last job is a very touchy situation. In my opinion honestly is the best policy.

These days many companies are looking at any reason they can to let folks go and hope to not have to pay UI.
I would redirect to other jobs you have had int he past and use those references if you have them. I would not focus too much on the negativity of that job nor do much bad mouthing.

Like I said its a touchy situation. A few years back it wouldn't be a big issue, but these days they are just looking for reasons to disqualify candidates.

I wish you the best.