"Not a good fit"

[Elismum]

I came back from maternity leave two weeks ago to my boss telling me I have until April to find a new job.  I'm a lawyer and was told I'm not a "good fit" for partner.  I'm so pissed. Not that I won't make partner because, frankly, it's not something I want.  But I asked for an alternative track/arrangement and they said no.  Instead, they just decided when I was on leave that I have to go. I've been job hunting as my full time job and have been rejected from the one place I've interviewed.  I'm really nervous that April will come and go and no job will appear.  My husband works but his salary doesn't begin to pay the mortgage and for child care.  I need a job at about my same salary and everything I'm seeing is way less.  Ah!! Tell me this will all work out!

[Ellien C]

I'm so sorry. It will work out. Maybe you can get more a part-time job and have less need for day care. That will help out somewhat on the bills. Can you take your day care down to the bare minimum to still keep your spot? That will help with short-term expenses. Will you get any severence? 

[Super~Single~Mama]

Honestly?  I would consult a lawyer - it sounds as though they are letting you go b/c you have children - which is illegal discrimination, so maybe consult a lawyer.  lawyers, as you know, are well worth their keep when you need them.

[justKate]

Well, you're going to be laid off.  So you'll be eligible to receive unemployment, at least.  Look in to how much that will be in your state.  You won't need childcare, so scratch that.  Keep your head up.  It WILL work out.  That being said, is it a small firm?  It seems strange to me that they don't have a "mommy track."  What about working for them on a contract basis (especially if you have benes through your DH)?  Just brainstorming, but maybe they haven't realized that you both could potentially benefit from changing the employment agreement....  Is there anyone else that you could talk to about it?

Good luck.  It is a crappy situation to be in, but it will work out.