I was let go yesterday from my new job.

[Gayler]

I am in shock but the attitude there was unique for a non profit. I miss my job and part of it was my fault but I think it is more of a personality issue.

I am not career oriented as I am family oriented and the main boss told me she put her career first and her children second when they were growing up. She told me that once they are gone you are left with a empty house unless you have a career. She is in her 50's and is a demanding boss but seems fair. I am used to a more relaxed atmosphere. I loved the work and it was interesting.

I did make minor mistakes. I was the third person in 2 months in the company that was let go. They held a meeting last week on who they were going to get rid of for the grants and who they were going to keep. They are not in dire straights at all they are just weaning.

She even mentioned that no one who is career minded speaks about their children. She didn't even know that the last person who held my job even had children until a year after she started.

It was a fun and exciting job and my immediate boss was not organized and it showed. The other thing is that she also told me that this job was not a guarantee at any time.

I am hoping for the best! Please keep me in your prayers and "job vibes".

[LauraG1]

Wow...that is weird for a non-profit, and just weird in general. I'm sorry you were let go (sounds like it wasn't a good fit at all though) and wish you major positive job vibes to find the perfect fit.
Laura

[Katie2]

I am sorry to hear the news, but honestly don't know if I'd have been able to work in that kind of situation. Your former boss sounds like she really has her priorities in the wrong order. I hope you find a position more worthy of your talents.

[fatcat]

I'm so sorry, but I really wonder if you are better off being out of there!!

That boss does not sound normal if she is bringing up this "no talk about children" issue so much, IMO! It makes me wonder if she even has children?? OR is she has some terrible guilt or disfunction and wants to only be surrounded by people who also ignored their family life for a job?

And 3 people in 2 months let go... that tells me that you should not take it personally.

Hang in there, something else is out there for you.

[AmyB]

I'm sorry this happened but in the long run you will be happier in a family-friendly office. I've been working in nonprofits for 15 years and I'm sorry to say this attitude is shockingly common, even at agencies that serve children. I'm very fortunate to work somewhere now that is very family friendly. It doesn't hurt that my boss has a 3 year old and a 5 year old who are far more demanding, time wise, than my 12 year old.

[SusanW]

I'm so sorry!

That boss does sound weird! Family is what is important! No one says I wish I spent more time at work, they say I wish I spent more time with my family!

You're better off elsewhere and I hope you find something that is better for you soon

She didn't deserve you!

SusanW

[Dawnn]

I'm sorry that happened to you. I have been in meetings with women in Forbes listed as most influential on Wall Streer and they take calls from their kids "during" informal meetings. That woman has it all wrong and I hope you find something rewarding very soon.

[novice5]

I'm sorry about this, but I think you can and will find something better.
I agree... or some major insecurity. I am a lawyer in a big firm and even the more senior guys here (and I'm getting to be senior) ask about my kids and talk about theirs. Not constantly but certainly with regularity. Most of their kids are HS, college or older and mine are 6 and 10, but they still talk to me about their kids. When I say talk about kids...what they are up to, sports they play, successes, funny stories and so on. We don't talk about the best kind of lunch box etc. They are guys.

[Dawnn]

Exactly. I think this is the norm with the senior managers, so I agree, something is amiss with that company and I think you will look back and be happy that it's behind you. We all have stories that we share and laugh about here. Like the time I flew from Chicago to San Francisco, and my DD had me called out of a senior management meeting because she couldn't find her bathing suit lol (not sure if I was laughing at the time, but I look back fondly at that now). I'm hoping you find something more aligned with your career path than the prior position.

[kbetty]

wow... that stinks, but it does sound like it was for the best. yes, once your kids are grown, you will have plenty of time for a career.

job vibes coming... the right job, the one that you like, but also lets you put your family first.

[sfpierce]

sounds like they have a high "churn" rate on people

I'm sorry that you miss your job and hope you find something good soon

[SueW]

I am glad that you are out of there....

That woman sounds just awful. No one who is "career-minded" ever talks about their kids, and she didn't even know one employee HAS kids? At least she is honest. At least. Once they are gone you WOULD be left with an empty house if they were not your priority...I would not envy this woman at all and would not want to work for or with her. She seems proud of her screwed priorities. I think she should be ashamed.

Sue

[mellow1]

I'm sorry you lost your job. But your boss sounds like she has issues. I'm wondering if when you talked about your kids, she felt guilty because she was so 'career minded', she pushed her kids out of her mind. And that's crazy. People have kids. They are part of their lives. And they can still work and do a great job!

But it sounds like you liked the job so that's a loss and I'm sorry for that.

I hope something better comes along very soon.

[sgsg]

I am so sorry that this happened and I hope that you find a great job that is a better fit very soon. That is definitely NOT the norm - people - even high-level executives - talk about their kids.

This makes me appreciate my boss even more than usual! He actually says that family comes first, and makes it very clear that we can do what we need to do to take care of our families when things come up. He also makes it a point to ask about my dd and her ongoing health issues. Honestly, it makes me work even harder, because I so appreciate the flexibility.

[Jeannie]

It's sad that some of the worst enemies to working mothers are other working mothers. I have encountered that attitude a lot so it no longer surprises me. But it's horrible. That's part of the reason why women have a more difficult time reaching executive level positions. Instead of other women mentoring us, they are too busy trying to make sure we have it as hard as they think they did instead. That boss sucks. Hopefully you will find someone better to work for soon.

And FWIW, if she keeps making comments like that to employees she's going to get herself sued.