I'm posting under a new account, since my old (Atlassian account) got deactivated. Most of you already familiar with the story, but it's not about Atlassian who fired me. Just a reflection, because... 1 year ago my spouse was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. It was right before Christmas. We got home, "and the very next day..." we were just crying and trying to understand what we need to do. We're ~40. But the stress was so high for me, so my all of my teeth were aching for a week or two. In the first couple of weeks I lost 22 pounds only because of stress. But we decided to fight back with modern medicine - with pretty much what our insurance was offering, and in the hospital 15 mins from the place where we live. We started right away, there was chemo for 8 sessions (or 12? thank God I'm forgetting these things). Then radiation for 30 consecutive days, excluding weekends. Then 2 surgeries. There was 4 surgeries in total (2 of them are minor). I got fired by Atlassian when we were between surgeries. My wife was barely moving in bed, so I was making soups and taking care of her, and household (we have no relatives in the US, so nobody was here to help us, our parents, sisters, brothers just don't have visas to visit). My FMLA was over at that time, and it's pretty much the pattern in the US - once your FMLA is over, you're getting your termination. We have 8 year old child, and looking back I was like on auto-pilot. It was hard. But we did it. We're now chilling in Mexico, my wife is still recovering, but doing great. You probably will not notice what she went through if you don't look at scars at her body. I wanted to thank everyone who supported us, especially here. And if you're in the same boat one day, remember - it's all doable. You don't need drugs, or alcohol, and sometimes you don't need a job - it's possible to go through all of this today. Work-wise, Atlassian terminated me closer to the end of the year. And once I got offers, some companies were saying that they don't onboard in December. So I'm starting my new job in January. I had E5 offer from Facebook - rejected because of WLB concerns, and got similar offer in 2-nd tier corporation with good benefits, fixed PTO, and no PIP policy. Atlassian didn't pay me for my unused vacation, neither they paid referral fee, pretty much there was no any support after termination. If you're wondering, COBRA is $1800 per month. In the new year I wish you the best of luck, and if you're struggling in life and navigate difficult times, you must know that they will pass, as they always do.
Wow wow did atlassian fire you?
They did. They put me on 6 week PIP, and fired 2 weeks into PIP saying "we don't believe anything's gonna change". This is what I heard from them on the exit interview. Oh, and I forgot - I was eligible for bonus (the end of financial year in Australia is in August), but they applied zero bonus multiplier for me. Despite the fact that I've gotten some recognition from HRs and other team (security), one of these was even monetary. This year I also made it to Atlassian "security champions" (internal thing), got the place in the top, but... they just don't care.
Didn't see the old thread, sorry if this was already covered, but... Lawyered up yet? That's shady as hell.
So glad to hear things worked out. Happy holidays to you and your family!
Good for you, you knew what was really important in life F Atlasian
Glad you’re doing good. All the best for nee gig.
I went through similar situation with my wife . She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and JPMC fully supported me . Took short disability for 5 months , WFH for few months to take care of her before Covid hit. I got promoted to a new position after few months. Everyone at work including my CTO asked me if I need anything. I will never forget that gesture. Since, then whenever I try to leave I always think what I will be leaving and will I be able to get that at new place. Blind tax TC - 220k
Blind tax: TC $0, new TC $300k
I was not aware of your story but this post is inspiring. I am glad you have got a new job and that your partner is healing. I will say a prayer for your family today. I know what is like to have a family member go through this kind of diagnosis. Strength to you.
F Atlassian! Company is cancer
So happy she is doing better now! Also that you’ll be in a better position with a better company!!
:)