My SO worked as a retail manager for almost four years before he found his current job at a bank. He just started his job at the end of July, so he's about two weeks from the end of his probationary period. He enjoys his job and the company, but he said they're already starting to talk about laying people off. About a week ago they received an email from corporate saying that they are beginning to lay people off and close down branches. His branch is not currently going to be shut down because it's the main one for our area, but the surrounding branches are cutting hours. The one branch near him went from being open 50 hours per week down to 18. They fired one teller and transferred another girl from my SO's department. My SO is worried that he will be the first one on the chopping block if they need to get rid of someone from his branch since he's been there the shortest amount of time.
In this situation, would you start looking for a new position even though he's only been there for three months? How would he explain that during future interviews? Should he just stick it out for a little bit longer, casually look around, and then start trying to find something new if it becomes clear that someone is going to be cut from his branch? I'm not sure how much notice they will give him since they gave the teller they fired absolutely no notice, but she was also having disciplinary issues as well. He is the main breadwinner for our family, and we won't be able to get by without him working for even a little bit of time as we were just starting to work on debt and an emergency fund.
I hate worrying about something that may never be a problem, but I don't want to be blindsided by a lay off. I can't stand that places will hire someone acting like their company is doing great, but then start threatening lay offs within a few weeks of starting the job!
Re: SO's job starting lay offs--WWYD?
The silver linings I see are 1) his branch isn't in danger of closing and 2) it sounds like the others who were laid off had other issues going on. At H's old job, they would do periodic "layoffs" where they got rid of all the people with little issues. It was easier, and in a weird way kinder because of unemployment, than firing them for cause.
Hoping you H will be safe for the downsizing! I know how scary it is.
Do you know if he would be eligible for unemployment if he were laid off? If he received unemployment, could y'all get by on that until he found another job?
You said he worked retail before. Could he maybe look for a part time, seasonal retail job then do that as a second job? This would be a win-win. He gets extra income if he does not lose his job, but he also has a back-up in case he does lose his job.
Could you get a second job? Even if it is just babysitting or dog sitting?
If it were me, I'd look into these other options and just wait on looking for another job. IF he does lose his job, he'd do much better in an interview when he can be honest about his reason for needing employment.
"We may be in danger of closing; that is why I am seeking a new job" is wht he can tell the interviewer.
I'm currently looking for a second job myself, so hopefully that will come through for us.
SO told me today that one of the other tellers has decided to voluntarily quit, and another is planning on leaving to go back to school in January, so that means less positions to cut. Hopefully that'll work in his favor.