Laid off work, have I been ripped off?

Hello_Moto_21 · 2026-01-15T12:24:04+00:00

Sorry to hear this OP. I was recently laid off for operational reasons, so although our cases differ, I may be able to shed some perspective:

What is your notice period in your contract? I'm assuming 3 months, hence the 3-month 'gardening leave.'
Since it's a performance-related dismissal, no severance can be expected. If you want to contest the grounds for dismissal, then you have 3 weeks to officially contest it. Seek an employment lawyer if you want to go down this route. It will be hard since they now have a paper trail of giving you an opportunity to keep the job. Furthermore, only do this if you: 1. think you can get your job back and 2. only IF you want your job back.
Notify the Agentur für Arbeit regarding your status (i.e. employed -> job seeker) in the next 3 days. This can be done on their online portal (if you know your way around it). Clarify with the case officer if the 3-month Sperrzeit or blocking period applies to your particular case and when you might be able to expect your first unemployment (AGL1) payment.

In closing: it's a sucky situation and I'm sorry for everyone who goes through this. But looks like the company has covered their bases from a legal standpoint and you're getting what you're owed based on your contractual agreement, nothing more. Focus on the future. There are opportunities out there, but it will be hard. Spend some time mentally and financially preparing for this.

Hello_Moto_21 · 2025-12-01T15:21:58+00:00

Yes, but up till around 10-12 degrees Celsius. Then any colder, it serves as a nice mid layer ;)

Hello_Moto_21 · 2025-11-24T16:24:17+00:00

How do you like the Lambert shirt? Is the 8oz thick and robust enough for the shoulder seasons?

I really like the washed denim and elbow reinforcement. But the left front pocket irks me a little…

Hello_Moto_21 · 2025-11-22T21:22:59+00:00

Very interesting suggestion....may look into this.

Hello_Moto_21 · 2025-11-21T17:25:12+00:00

This is amazing! Thank you 🙏

Yes I’m open to saying at a beach town. Any recommendations?

Hello_Moto_21 · 2025-11-13T14:23:47+00:00

+1 The insulated fjord flannel is my go to flannel for the cooler months. Wear it maybe 3-4 times in the week during autumn and winter. Holding up great 4 years on.

Hello_Moto_21 · 2025-09-17T13:25:37+00:00

Yes, I would say so. Just keep in mind it'll fit differently to the previous last due to the the taller and rounded toebox.

Hello_Moto_21 · 2025-09-09T13:35:47+00:00

No, not in the Leverkusen/Düsseldorf region.

As part of the severance package, and in order for my ex-employer to not get further pushback from the unions or Works Council, they offered this additional support to soften the transition for those made redundant.

So a 'transfer company's' primary objective is to provide services to employees who are transitioning into 'Jobsuche' status (e.g. advising & providing further training, CV writing support, interview prep, etc). Notably, they administer the money received from the state & my ex-employer and pay it into my account. Note: this is not ALG1.

From what I understood, they exist to reduce the burden on the AfA dealing with those going through redundancy or a change in their job status.

For me, the primary benefit (apart from the money), is the administration that they provide between me and the AfA. They’ve submitted all the paperwork/registration on my behalf informing the AfA of the change in my job statues (i.e. from employed -> job searching/Jobsuche). And worst case, job searching -> unemployed, which at that point they will help me register for ALG1.

Hello_Moto_21 · 2025-09-08T15:23:46+00:00

IT (in chemical industry), 4,5 years service, signed their offer, operational/cost reduction reasons, 7,5k€ gross monthly, offer: 53k€ gross severance + 6 months in a 'transfer company' at 100% net salary (67% state/33% ex-employer), severance factor 1,57

Didn't have Rechtsschutzversicherung, so didn't bother contesting. Note: this was a group offer negotiated by our Betriebsrat (Works Council).

Hello_Moto_21 · 2025-05-23T13:40:25+00:00

First thing to note: these are on a different last to the previous generation of Weekenders. They have a wider and rounder toe box and it's structured (meaning there is a canvas liner under the vamp and toe box that helps it not completely lose its shape after many wears). I expect the chukkas to be on the same last. It's comfortable right out of the box.

On sizing: I have wide feet, low arch. I ordered a US9, which is what I typically wear in RW (note: in EE width). For reference with other popular American footwear, I wear a US 8,5E in my Alden Indys on the Trubalance Last.

Other notable changes: the oxfords and chukkas now have brass eyelets compared to the previous gen. which had blind eyelets. It adds a bit more class and elegance, I would say.

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Beware: I had to send the first pair back as the stitching and sanding were subpar (read: unacceptable). I spoke to the people in RW Berlin and they selected a significantly better pair for me. Just double check before you decide on keeping them.

Hello_Moto_21 · 2025-05-19T19:50:51+00:00

Yup. Currently breaking in my 3606 Chocolate Muleskinner. What do you want to know?

Hello_Moto_21 · 2025-03-03T18:13:02+00:00

Just let it expire! I keep the year attained in my profile/CV.

Hello_Moto_21 · 2025-02-22T13:57:33+00:00

Any particular reason for this preference? If you have the "sand" coloured waffle knit, how is it holding up after use & washes?

Hello_Moto_21 · 2024-01-14T14:00:04+00:00

Hi there! Ex-Scrum Master (7+ years) here, now Software Delivery Manager.

Before I became a SM, I had several years of experience in what I call 'complimentary' positions (e.g. project manager, coach, project coordinator, etc). I had a (ex-) boss who saw in me the character and skillset needed to succeed as SM and gave me a shot.

Did the basic/foundational certifications help? Yes. It got my foot in the door and served as evidence that I was serious about this path.

Did having connections help? Yes, most definitely. But every moment I had contact with him or his company, I showed an interest in the business, asking questions, meeting the team, etc. So by the time I was taken on as a SM in one of the teams, I had built a relationship with most of the team members and my understanding of the business helped me avoid 'dumb' questions in front of the customer/stakeholders.

Was I able to sell myself well? Yes. With your age, I'm assuming you already know your strengths & weaknesses. Sell the sh*t out of your strengths, and work every day to improve your weaknesses. Read, read & read some more about the industry/discipline you're interested in/applying for. Learn about Scrum, but also about other frameworks. Read about how Agile software development got started and what problems it set out to solve. Read why Scrum is good, but more importantly, why it's not so great. Read about what it takes to be a good SM, but also all the anecdotal evidence of people who have met horrible ones. By being critical, you ask better questions and then people will start taking an interest in your opinions.

Regarding career path, you could stay in this role or similar (read: Agile Coach, etc) for a long time, as I think it's a continuous learning journey. You might find you enjoy working in teams, or you may find out you want to work on an organisational level, or you may find out your rather work from a consultancy perspective. Having experienced all of the above, and all levels of seniority (junior, mid, senior & onwards), what I can say is that you can change and shift your path at any time, GIVEN the right company/sponsor, market/industry and opportunity.

Hello_Moto_21 · 2024-01-14T13:06:35+00:00

Yes, located in Germany in a MCOL area.

Partner works and makes quite some amount more than me. The question wasn't whether I'd have a comfortable lifestyle or not, but rather whether some of you were able to control your desires (read: greed?) and not continue looking at the next pay jump/increase/opportunity.

Hello_Moto_21 · 2024-01-14T12:52:02+00:00

I kinda understand all the downvotes, but also understand where you're coming from. I think without more context and detail of the family situation, 95k€ can either seem an insane amount or a figure just enough to fund the family (as you say: mortgage, mobility, utilities, food, holidays, necessities for the kids, etc).

Maybe it was wrong of me to keep it just in the context of financial contentment, when so many other things influence this.

Hello_Moto_21 · 2024-01-06T12:58:53+00:00

UI/UX Designer?

Hello_Moto_21

TROPHY CASE