So, I have been working a day job at a major financial services institution since I started business graduate school in the Fall of 2007. Just a little over a year. I graduate this spring, only a couple of semesters to go. So, the position is part-time and no benefits. The only reason why I took a no-benefit job is because my other job offer was at the bank my dad works and he was feeling all weird about me working with him so closely. Anyway, my managers have treated me so bad since I started but I tried not to take it personally. Eventually, I ended up with a "demotion" about 9 months ago, but what my boss said was that they needed help in the operations department and would be moving me there in six weeks. So, I moved there and she started yelling at me about work and how things should be done. I figured that I was being "trained" since I knew very little about this side of the market. I never received a job description of my new position, however I was appraised highly on my bi-annual performance review, even though I knew nothing about the position. Red flags. Is this a case under Fair Employment?Anyway, so I have learned this harsh position (bottom of the totem pole) through and through, and have actually brought some dignity to this position. They always make fun of the guy who had this position previously. So, today when I come into work my boss ask me if I could stay until 4:30pm. Sure, i said. Then an e-mail is sent out that says there is a mandatory meeting for everyone in the conference room at 3:30pm. So, everyone goes into the meeting and the manager is talking about how we are consolidating two branches together due to revenues remaining steady and the need to cut expenses. So, all departments are pretty much full, where are we going to put these people?So, At 4:15pm, my boss grabs me and says that she would like to introduce me to a few people. This is the first time she has done this my whole entire time there (contrary to previous positions I have had at other companies). So, I get excited and follow her down the hall. I see two women looking out the window in an office at the end of the hallway. As I walk by one, someone yells "don't jump." Anyway, I get in the office introduce myself and my boss leaves promptly. The intriduce themselves as the Regional Director and Human Resource Manager. They explain about the consolidation, blah blah blah. And finally to the point, "we are offering you severance package."So, pretty much they want me to work until the consolidation is done in January 2009. Then they will offer my official letter of termination and severance package. My official severance package is about two and a half months of pay without any benefits. Not acceptable. I planned to have this job until graduation, which would only be a couple of months away. I'm wondering what I should do? Should I stay until January 2009 (wrapping up the consolidation) and leave with the miniscule severance package? Should I stay until January 2009 (wrapping up the consolidation), get emotionally and mentally tortured, and claim unemployment until grad school finishes a couple of months down the line? I don't think I could claim unemployment now because the letter they gave me states everything as a "if you are involuntary let go at the consolidation", even though they have already voiced that it is going to happen. Should I look for a new job in this horrible economy (even though with just school and work, it is very hard for me to find free time) and risk my grades faltering? Should I visit the unemployment office tomorrow and see what they have to say? Doesn't the company have to give you your official termination to have those benefits? When I left the office, the office was deserted. Nobody could be found.


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