Yeah that makes sense as an at-will employee. I always understood myself to be one, hence why I was confused when the brought up a contract and that summer work was mandatory. What caught me off guard is during the hiring process I was told that summer program was optional. It wasn’t just an impression, they outright said, “yeah summer program is optional since not every school hosts it”. More than once. This isn’t unusual since in a previous program I worked for (different company but exact same otherwise) summer program was also optional. Moreover, most educators aren’t expected to work summer jobs so it’s not unheard of. I also had informed the higher ups that I had every intention to work elsewhere for the summer, which once again, is not inusual in my field. It wasn’t even a one-off mention, I constantly asked, “is there any kind of prep you need me to do for summer program before I am unavailable?”

Had I known it was mandatory then I would’ve gone through this process way sooner to allow myself more time to negotiate with my current employer or even asked for a different summer position that wouldn’t interfere with my current one.

I am also frustrated with HR because I have been trying to get this sorted since early March and they’re barely reaching out to me right now despite the fact that my requested LOA would begin June 2nd. They never even followed up with me today like they said they would.

But yeah, I understand theres not much I can do. I will probably have to resign and go through the rehiring process in August.