After 3+ years, I got fired

[TheGreatSatan]

I worked at Office Depot for about 3 1/2 years and finally got fired. I knew it would happen eventually, because I would always go the extra mile for customers regardless of what we were charging. We would do $30 setups on new PC's where we would remove all the junk programs, files, and games and tweak the OS to top speed. I would also install Advanced System Care (a FREE program) and sometimes Avast or Avira (Also FREE).

Normally you would charge $30 per software install, but since they were free and it would only take a couple of seconds to do, I would just do it. After several hundred computers sold and several hundred installs it finally caught up to me.

The manager never cared and everyone I worked with did it too, but the Loss Prevention District Manager (LPDM) who did our audits didn't like it so he fired me.

So the job hunt begins. I always loved working on computers there and the general feel of the place so finding something new will be annoying. I already have 3 interviews set up, but for places I don't see myself staying at.

Do I qualify for Unemployment? Or only if I hadn't been fired. . . .?

[Airbozo]

I worked at Office Depot for about 3 1/2 years and finally got fired. I knew it would happen eventually, because I would always go the extra mile for customers regardless of what we were charging. We would do $30 setups on new PC's where we would remove all the junk programs, files, and games and tweak the OS to top speed. I would also install Advanced System Care (a FREE program) and sometimes Avast or Avira (Also FREE).

Normally you would charge $30 per software install, but since they were free and it would only take a couple of seconds to do, I would just do it. After several hundred computers sold and several hundred installs it finally caught up to me.

The manager never cared and everyone I worked with did it too, but the Loss Prevention District Manager (LPDM) who did our audits didn't like it so he fired me.

So the job hunt begins. I always loved working on computers there and the general feel of the place so finding something new will be annoying. I already have 3 interviews set up, but for places I don't see myself staying at.

Do I qualify for Unemployment? Or only if I hadn't been fired. . . .?

I would file for unemployment and make Office Depot dispute the claim. They have to give some valid reason for firing you in order for them to deny the claim. If you have never had an bad reviews, it will be hard for them to deny any way..

[x88x]

/\ This. Let them come out and tell a judge that they fired you for providing their customers with too good service. -_^

Sucks about you being fired though. Good luck on the search.

[Diamon]

If you're going the extra mile for free wouldn't that mean customers will keep coming back to your company allowing it to make more money in the long run?

[Luke122]

Sorry to hear it, I know exactly what that feels like. Most likely they let you go so they can bring in someone at minimum wage. Loss prevention my ass.

I agree with Airbozo, go for unemployment right now while you job hunt.. it will at least fill the gap until you get another job.

Diamon: +1 on that. Happy customers will always come back, and will tell others that they are happy too.

[rendermandan]

kinda makes me want to never go there for anything ever again. THere are too many other stores to buy office supply products at for them to treat their loyal employees like that.

Good luck with the jobsearch!

[diluzio91]

if it makes you feel better, I worked at officeMax for 3 years, went through the restructuring, and as a minimum wage worker essentially trained all the new managers. when i went off to college i declined the boss's offer to transfer. He scheduled me a week beyond my 2 weeks notice and said i didnt show up for work those days. So now im on their do not rehire list... If i wanted that job back i would be pissed... Also, i list my ASM as the manager on jobs now... He actually liked me

[Luthien]

I'm sorry this happened to you. I know someone else who Office Depot screwed over. They really are about saving themselves money and not about customer service. It's a shame that big companies care more about making money than about keeping the good employees who make customers want to return to the store. You should definitely file for unemployment. Office Depot will probably try to challenge it, but since they can't provide a valid reason for firing you, the odds are in your favor.

[Ichbin]

I work as a tech at office depot now. Needless to say, I don't think you lost much. It's a pretty terrible job I'm finding.

[TheGreatSatan]

It was great when we weren't forced into providing an inferior service. When the manager was backing our actions and not letting higher end pricks get in the way of our sales. I would normally do $3000 a month in plans and services alone. The store as a whole would do about $7000. Needless to say this will affect them a lot too.

If I had the money, I would start my own PC repair business so fast. . . . . . . . and right next door to them