On: Ask HN: I just got fired for being a junior developer. What do I do now?

[zhte415]

Perhaps a different business culture:

Staff are given a record of their employment history, and companies have to follow strict rules when dismissing employees:

* Fired is a big negative. It goes in the government sealed employment record. But you do get 3 months salary on the spot. * Chose to resign gets a month's salary and (usually) no need to come to work and get on the job hunt. * Released (made redundant), a pain for employers but great for employees, as they get the 3 months' benefit plus it is not their fault.

Focus on the 3rd option, especially when getting a contract signed. Powers out of your control are out of your control, don't get blamed for them.

[ruraljuror → zhte415]

>you do get 3 months salary on the spot

That doesn't sound right. I think it's up to the employer's discretion. If you're fired, I think you're far less likely to get a severance package.

[bsima → ruraljuror]

Yeah I looked into this. At least in NY, I don't get any severance package or benefits. I only worked there for 5 months (6 is required[1]) and I'm still under my parent's health insurance and never bothered to sign up with my company's plan.

However, this is definitely something that people should know. If someone is reading this and aren't clear on what their rights are, it's super beneficial to read up on this stuff before you get let go.

[1]: source: NY Unemployment office http://labor.ny.gov/ui/claimantinfo/beforeyouapplyfaq.shtm#0

Edit: I misspoke. I might be eligible for unemployment benefits from the state (I'm putting in an application), but I certainly don't get a severance package from the company.

[zhte415 → ruraljuror]

A different culture (country but more than that - approach to labour management). There's a probation period when the employer can dismiss instantly (3-6 months' in duration), after that period the company is seen to have 'approved' you as a regular worker with worker's rights defined in law.