Job dismissal

[CC Kael]

You guys will find this interesting. I was let go from my job on Friday, a marketing position within a company. Essentially I wasn't let go due to unsatisfactory work, money is an issue for the organization and they wish to retain my services on a contract basis. Also, I didn't fit into the "culture" there.

Anywho, in the 2 hour conversation with my former boss a few things he said stuck in my mind. First of all, "your beard is a statement". A 3 inch goatee blended into a full beard. He never said anything about it before hand, but it came up then. Also, "...and then you come in here with a shaved head". It wasn't shaved...it was a no guard buzz but I guess it's all the same to the normies. I entend to take it down to the skin in the next couple weeks so that definitely wouldn't have sat well with him. Seems they wanted a cookie cutter employee who does what he's told and nothing else which lead to him saying "...and no one is going to change you."

Might be grounds for wrongful dismissal, but honestly I'm just happy to be out of there. Any of you guys ever encounter any of this outdated type of reaction?

[theman]

I have never ran into this type of crap !  But if I ever did , I would have told them to take a flying leap at a donut !     Goodthing that I am  not looking for a job.  I have had both long beard , and shaved head.  What kind of job was this if you don't mind saying ? 

[CC Kael]

It was a marketing position in a small company. It wasn't entirely based on the hair and beard as they apparently just didn't want someone with opinions or who would speak up against something they thought was wrong. But, it was obviously playing on his mind to say it. Would've liked to have told him what I thought of him and the whole organization but I'll need him as a reference when I start the job hunt, haha.

[theman]

Cool , Thanks, you are better with out him.  I never have kissed tail and never will.  Sounds like you also have the right attitude.  Maybe they can get a Robot !   

[tomgallagher]

It certainly sounds like grounds for some sort of legal action. BTW, welcome to SBG.

[Frontier Guy]

CCK, I'm quite saddened by this. It reinforces just how deeply some people choose to elevate themselves at the expense of others.

However, I genuinely believe that all things happen for a reason ... and in this case I think it's clear that this company was not well-suited for you and this gives you the nudge to find something which is ultimately better for you.

You didn't write what the company's products/services are, but the small-minded owner apparently doesn't feel that his marketing should accept/reflect the entire universe of his customer set.

Kudos to you for having the right attitude. A far better opportunity is heading your way.

[schro]

Welcome to SBG.
You need to ask yourself, what is more important, bringing suit or a potential reference? If you bring suit, you can forget the reference.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Beardman]

Some people are so narrow minded. To me it certainly sounds like grounds for an unfair dismissal case. But I personally probably wouldn't pursuit it either.

As FG said, you are probably better off out of there anyway, and something better will be just around the corner!

[Slyfive]

Welcome CCK, definitely unfair, one of the bonuses of being self-employed! I also agree with FG, the next, more fitting opportunity is just around the corner, good luck, and welcome to SBG!

[tomcj2]

Always leave a job on good terms.  Write them a letter thanking them for the experience etc etc .  Some day you may be hat in hand looking for a job from them;  when they open the old file and see that you sued them you are toast,  they see your nice thankyou and you may have a job.

[Frontier Guy]

Always leave a job on good terms.  Write them a letter thanking them for the experience etc etc .  Some day you may be hat in hand looking for a job from them;  when they open the old file and see that you sued them you are toast,  they see your nice thankyou and you may have a job.

That's a really good suggestion. That may also influence how they respond if asked to provide references for you in the future. Though - here in the States at least - most companies I've dealt with only provide job title, hire/termination dates and (occasionally) final salary if contacted. That may be less so in your case with a small company.

[CowtownBaldie]

You need to go after these guys for wrongful dismissal based on them discriminating about your apperance. Where in the employee manual does it state "no bald people" or "no beards". I understand in some jobs a beard is not allowed for safety reasons...but I doubt this matters in marketing. Sounds like a case for the labor board.

[Sir Harry]

Good Luck in your future job search. This could lead to something better.

[Laser Man]

Sorry to hear that you lost your job.  Telling you that your appearance was an issue after the fact is flat out poor management. 

As to a lawsuit, there are a lot of things to take into consideration.  First, as Shro asked, what's more important to you: a recommendation or a lawsuit?  Second, you mention the company is very small.  Many employment-related laws have exceptions for small business.  Third, a lawsuit will take time and possibly divert your attention from finding a new job and doing well at it.  Fourth, as you look for a new job, your future employers will ask about why you left your prior job and likely follow up on it, so if they see you are involved in a lawsuit, they may be wary about hiring you.  This last point is very unfortunate because many employers know that a former employee with a pending lawsuit has a harder time getting a job, so they can dismiss employees with littl concern about a lawsuit.

Good luck in finding a new position.  Remember, a shaved head and well-groomed beard are not disqualifications for a job. 

[CC Kael]

Thanks for the input guys. I don't think it was possible for me to leave under any better terms given the circumstances. He praised my work and offered a recommendation, and I know that 95% of employers will want to speak to my last boss. Honestly, happy to be out of there. It was a lay off and not a firing so it shouldn't reflect negatively on me.

That aside, I've decided to take it down to the skin from a no guard buzz when I get back from a trip home to my parents' house next weekend. In an odd way, this whole job thing has made me see that I shouldn't be as concerned what others think. And what better time than a stretch of unemployment to try it out?