People who exploited loopholes in the most clever ways

14.

“In a month and a half I would have worked at my company for 20 years and fully retired. But then I received notification that I would be laid off in four weeks. They gave several reasons for this, but I knew the real reason. The company’s new president was previously the CEO of an operating unit for which I was assigned to troubleshoot a production problem (I worked for a company as a “firefighter”) He offered me a job within three days, but he gave me a position in an operational one Unit offered It was just a 4% raise. I respectfully declined the offer – and my company boss was so happy I stayed that I got a 22% raise!”

“Well, the CEO was made president, and he went through his list of people who had gotten in his way. I was low on his list, but I was still on the list. My boss too. But my boss was old enough.” I was 45 years old and nowhere near retirement age, and now it seemed like I was going to be kicked out of my pension.

A friend who happened to have some HR experience heard that I was being laid off and gave me some pointers. I called the HR manager and asked if my position would be eliminated or if I would be terminated. I was told the position would be eliminated. This was very important information because under my state’s law, a person who is being terminated must be given two to four weeks’ notice. However, in the event of the position being eliminated, the person must be notified at least eight weeks in advance. Hmmmmm.

Apparently HR realized what I wanted, did some research, called me back and told me they would give me those eight weeks, which meant I would turn 20 and receive my full pension.

Luckily, I had a good reputation with HR. After all, we worked in the same office for many years. I also received an annual severance payment. Cool, I could roll for a year now.”

–Tom C., Quora