Location: PA
I was just let go from my full-time job (there just under a year).
About 2 weeks ago I asked for more detailed info on paternity leave since my baby is due next month. This Wednesday I was terminated effective immediately, out of nowhere.
I asked when this decision was made and why. They told me it was for performance (missing deadlines / quality), but I never had any formal warnings or anything that made me think my job was at risk. Most feedback I received was positive with minor notes.. Nothing that seemed close to termination. I was also hitting goals on monthly reports, so the reasoning caught me off guard. Received a message from a coworker saying they were shocked and disappointed when they heard the news as well.
They said I’ll get 1 month severance + payout for unused PTO (in writing), but I haven’t received any formal agreement yet.
I’m considering asking for more severance given the timing and how this was handled.
Main questions: • Does the timing with asking about paternity leave matter legally? • Does the lack of warnings/documentation matter? • Is it worth talking to an employment lawyer? • Do I have any real leverage to negotiate more severance?
Not trying to escalate anything, just want to understand if I have any ground here.
Thanks.