| Your article actually makes a different distinction to the one you intended: > There is a difference between being laid off and fired. > Generally, we treat your job loss as a layoff if your employer is not replacing you, and you'll qualify for unemployment benefits if you meet all of the eligibility criteria. > If your employer is replacing you, we generally will treat you as being fired. Some companies here are firing people so that they can replace them with people willing to work at a lower salary. The article also allows the concept of no-fault firing: > If you were fired through no fault of your own, such as not having the skills to do the job, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. So I think from a dictionary definition, it's an OK title; from an emotional perspective, I can understand how someone telling you that you were fired can be jarring. However, we should remember that the shame is placed squarely on the shoulders of the company - in any case of firing, the company can always be seen as partially at fault, as it is usually caused by lack of forward thinking, agility, engagement or empathy. So remember: Whether they laid you off or fired you, it is our job as a community to stand with you. |