Can I collect unemployment if I have been fired for missing sales quota in Georgia or anywhere for that matter.

by Tracey

(Gerogia, USA)

I was fired this week from my IT sales job after 5 1/2 years for failing to make quota since the beginning of this year. I was written up twice for this over this period of time and was instructed to make more phone calls and work over 40 hours a week. I was also told to continue working my accounts and to continue to add new accounts. I did all of these things. My account base consisted of the auto industry, building, aeronatical and communication. Due to the economy over the last year these businesses had taken major hits: laying off employees, closing facilities and cutting spending budgets. It took me over 4 years to obtain the quota I had and I feel like i was not cut any slack due to to sluggish economic conditions. During the past 15 months my company also changed their name 3 times which caused massive amounts of additional work. I never was given a formal plan of action and always did everything I was instructed to do. I never called in and my attendance was always perfect. I also found out that they demoted a manager in to my position the day that I left. I was always a proven producer with no write ups or reprimands for any misconduct. I am in the state of Georgia and I know it is an “at will” state. I just want to try and draw unemployment until I am able to get back to work. Anyone out there with any thoughts?

Hi Tracey,

I seem to be the only one willing to share my thoughts:) I have addressed this very issue so many times. Employers firing people for failing to make quotas during the worst economic downturn most of us have ever seen.

What’s wrong with this picture? I always try to add something new when I do answer this question, but I’m running out of things to add.

Apply for unemployment. Focus on the economy as being the factor, that despite all efforts made which were requested by the employer, you could not attain the goals. Misconduct has to be a willful, knowing, intentional thing. It will be difficult for an employer to combat this as such.

It’s common sense. Even in good times, it can be a tough one for them to win .. they basically need to prove neglect to show misconduct. The economy factor’s in your contention that the reason you could not attain goals were due to “inability” due to circumstances outside your control.

Let me know if you have more questions.