lost job cause of drunken performance at Xmas Party
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: toronto
Posts: 15
lost job cause of drunken performance at Xmas Party
This was a dream job that took me 4+ years to get back to. I am concerned how I would explain to future companies as to why this job ended.
I was totally smashed at the Party and was told at least 3 people complained.
I also called in sick the next 3 days.
The day I came back at our 10 am staff meeting was about to start, the Managing Director came over to me and said "Can you please come with me, I need to talk to you".
I walked with him to his office and it was explained because of my Outrageous Performance at the Xmas Party, and because of my being absent, they had decided to give me the boot.
I was walked to my desk, I gathered my things, and escorted out the door.
I am only 2 days sober writing this, cause I went on the longest bender of my life.
My question is, "how would I ever explain that in an interview" ?
Any and all comments appreciated.
I was totally smashed at the Party and was told at least 3 people complained.
I also called in sick the next 3 days.
The day I came back at our 10 am staff meeting was about to start, the Managing Director came over to me and said "Can you please come with me, I need to talk to you".
I walked with him to his office and it was explained because of my Outrageous Performance at the Xmas Party, and because of my being absent, they had decided to give me the boot.
I was walked to my desk, I gathered my things, and escorted out the door.
I am only 2 days sober writing this, cause I went on the longest bender of my life.
My question is, "how would I ever explain that in an interview" ?
Any and all comments appreciated.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: east coast
Posts: 1,711
Sorry to hear that happened to you. IMHO I think you should just focus on staying sober for now. As your mind clears the rest of the answers will follow. Do you have at least one person from that job who could give you a good reference if needed?
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,504
I'm sorry that this happened.
Right now the best thing you can do is to focus on your recovery.
How long did you work for the company? If it wasn't long, then possibly you wouldn't need to mention it on your resume.
The main thing is to know that you need to make some big changes in your life and use this as an opportunity.
Right now the best thing you can do is to focus on your recovery.
How long did you work for the company? If it wasn't long, then possibly you wouldn't need to mention it on your resume.
The main thing is to know that you need to make some big changes in your life and use this as an opportunity.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Boopville
Posts: 122
Originally Posted by xristoff 
This was a dream job that took me 4+ years to get back to. I am concerned how I would explain to future companies as to why this job ended.
I was totally smashed at the Party and was told at least 3 people complained.
I also called in sick the next 3 days.
The day I came back at our 10 am staff meeting was about to start, the Managing Director came over to me and said "Can you please come with me, I need to talk to you".
I walked with him to his office and it was explained because of my Outrageous Performance at the Xmas Party, and because of my being absent, they had decided to give me the boot.
I was walked to my desk, I gathered my things, and escorted out the door.
I am only 2 days sober writing this, cause I went on the longest bender of my life.
My question is, "how would I ever explain that in an interview" ?
Any and all comments appreciated.
I was totally smashed at the Party and was told at least 3 people complained.
I also called in sick the next 3 days.
The day I came back at our 10 am staff meeting was about to start, the Managing Director came over to me and said "Can you please come with me, I need to talk to you".
I walked with him to his office and it was explained because of my Outrageous Performance at the Xmas Party, and because of my being absent, they had decided to give me the boot.
I was walked to my desk, I gathered my things, and escorted out the door.
I am only 2 days sober writing this, cause I went on the longest bender of my life.
My question is, "how would I ever explain that in an interview" ?
Any and all comments appreciated.
Talk about going out with bang.
You probably could have survived after the Christmas Party but those three days laying out sealed your fate. First have you filed for unemployment? You should and if they deny it you should still appeal it I can direct you to a forum about this if you would like.
You need to come up with some reason for being out those three days. Did you call in each day? If not that is grounds right there. As I said you need a reason. So I think if you provided a bit more background others could chime in as well.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 56
Agreeing with Anna. And for many litigation reasons these days companies will not give information regarding personal performance, the just say you worked from date one to date two. I had a short duration employment, left of my own accord but still leave it off for the look of more stability.
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,564
Welcome to SR xristoff. I'm sorry you're going through such a painful time. Everything will get better when you get some sober time behind you and begin to heal from the bender.
If you're asked why you left I don't think you should lie - but I wouldn't volunteer any incriminating information unless asked. Where I used to work, we were told to say only if the person worked there, and how long they were there - nothing more.
Also - when I had my problems with drinking, my boss was told he couldn't fire me until he first gave me the opportunity to seek help. Not sure if all states have the same laws.
If you're asked why you left I don't think you should lie - but I wouldn't volunteer any incriminating information unless asked. Where I used to work, we were told to say only if the person worked there, and how long they were there - nothing more.
Also - when I had my problems with drinking, my boss was told he couldn't fire me until he first gave me the opportunity to seek help. Not sure if all states have the same laws.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: toronto
Posts: 15
I was there for about 9 months. It was a contract position and at the Party i found out that the girl i was covering for (during her maturnity leave) had decide she was not coming back to work as this was her 3r child.
I had an excellent evaluation on my Performance Review, so I was celebrating the fact that I basically would have been made FULL TIME
ISN'T THAT IRONIC.......
I had an excellent evaluation on my Performance Review, so I was celebrating the fact that I basically would have been made FULL TIME
ISN'T THAT IRONIC.......
A work in progress
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 16,633
Yeah, totally ironic. Or it would be, if this sort of thing weren't a typical consequence of alcoholism.
All you have to do is to say that it was a contract position. You don't have to say that you left before the contract was up.
The bigger, more important question is, what are you doing to recover from your alcohol problem? Or do you feel you don't have one and were just unlucky?
All you have to do is to say that it was a contract position. You don't have to say that you left before the contract was up.
The bigger, more important question is, what are you doing to recover from your alcohol problem? Or do you feel you don't have one and were just unlucky?
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 275
It is unfortunate but please do not let this destroy you.
Could you not ask for a meeting with your ex employer and plead that this was an isolated incident, 9 months good conduct prior to that has to count for something?
If they were to agree you left voluntarily it may not have such a detrimental effect on your future employability?
Could you not ask for a meeting with your ex employer and plead that this was an isolated incident, 9 months good conduct prior to that has to count for something?
If they were to agree you left voluntarily it may not have such a detrimental effect on your future employability?
Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,195
Hi Xristoff,
I live in Toronto too and have also been fired for alcohol related issues. As for how to explain in job interviews, you can easily say your contract came up. They don't know that the woman on maternity leave didn't come back.
I live in Toronto too and have also been fired for alcohol related issues. As for how to explain in job interviews, you can easily say your contract came up. They don't know that the woman on maternity leave didn't come back.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: toronto
Posts: 15
i am detoxing and have contacted recovery organizations for support ....I know that this is alcoholism without question,...they did pay out the remainder of my contract, giving 3 months pay, to help with the transition.... I am also worried if it will affect my ability to obtain EI.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: IL
Posts: 7
Xr -
I can relate to your scenario. I too lost my dream job for similar circumstances related to those you outlined above. I went on a major bender for a few days, coke and all, and took off 3 days in a row. Game over. At least they were kind enough to not contest unemployment.
My best advice to you right now is to take this as a blessing in disguise. I know for me it was the wake up call I need and that I am, in fact, an alcoholic. I'm five months sober now, still without a job; but I'm confident once I do get that chance again I will perform above and beyond my performance of when I was in the midst of my addiction.
I was at my job for about 9 months, and have to leave it on the resume. Everyone asks about it, but I just say the department downsized. (Which is not totally false when you think about it). If you're confident in your answer to them, they usually won't ask follow up questions.
Best of luck to you.
Eri
I can relate to your scenario. I too lost my dream job for similar circumstances related to those you outlined above. I went on a major bender for a few days, coke and all, and took off 3 days in a row. Game over. At least they were kind enough to not contest unemployment.
My best advice to you right now is to take this as a blessing in disguise. I know for me it was the wake up call I need and that I am, in fact, an alcoholic. I'm five months sober now, still without a job; but I'm confident once I do get that chance again I will perform above and beyond my performance of when I was in the midst of my addiction.
I was at my job for about 9 months, and have to leave it on the resume. Everyone asks about it, but I just say the department downsized. (Which is not totally false when you think about it). If you're confident in your answer to them, they usually won't ask follow up questions.
Best of luck to you.
Eri
A work in progress
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 16,633
Well, I'm glad you recognize it as alcoholism. THAT we know something about, here. 
I know that I found AA to be tremendously helpful in my recovery. And if you work at your recovery, you will someday look back on this as the most important turning point in your life.
It's great that they gave you some paid time. Use it wisely. You have the opportunity to get very focused on your recovery--something that can be tough when trying to hold onto a job at the same time.
I know that I found AA to be tremendously helpful in my recovery. And if you work at your recovery, you will someday look back on this as the most important turning point in your life.
It's great that they gave you some paid time. Use it wisely. You have the opportunity to get very focused on your recovery--something that can be tough when trying to hold onto a job at the same time.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 210
Well unless u tell on yourself they're not going to find out. However they will find out soon enough if you continue with the same behavior. Stay sober and get a job, keep sober and keep your job. I think it's totally fair of them to show u the door. That being said whomever placed you there should be able to help you into a treatment center or else check yourself into one
SR Fan
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 7,910
Welcome xristoff!
I think I'm pretty safe in saying that we all have regrets about things that happened when we were drinking. Using it as motivation to get sober is the best thing you could possibly do. Like SoberinChi said, you may look back on this as a blessing.
I think you'll find that time sober brings better clarity (and calmness) about things. If you get some sober time behind you, you might even want to call your former boss and tell him you've gotten help and are starting a new life, but that you're a bit worried about recommendations. It might make a difference in how they would respond if someone contacted them. Just a thought....
Give yourself time to solidify your sobriety, though. That's more important than anything! :ghug3
I think I'm pretty safe in saying that we all have regrets about things that happened when we were drinking. Using it as motivation to get sober is the best thing you could possibly do. Like SoberinChi said, you may look back on this as a blessing.
I think you'll find that time sober brings better clarity (and calmness) about things. If you get some sober time behind you, you might even want to call your former boss and tell him you've gotten help and are starting a new life, but that you're a bit worried about recommendations. It might make a difference in how they would respond if someone contacted them. Just a thought....
Give yourself time to solidify your sobriety, though. That's more important than anything! :ghug3
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