I live in Massachusetts and back in 2012 I was asked to do a 12 month contract at a big corporation that makes things that blow up other things (I'll just leave it at that). Don't worry, I don't blow things up. I was a web designer and needed to eat. Still, I regret ever working for them. Anyway…
About 7 months into the contract, my Dad died. I had to split immediately and fly down to North Carolina to help my Mom. My coworkers were amazing and covered for me, my boss was understanding.
About 3 days later I get a call from a coworker asking when I was coming back. He said “Oh it's cool, I'm just letting you know the boss is wondering what's up, especially since in Massachusetts you really only get 3 days officially”. I told him it's not like I'm getting paid leave. I told him to tell everybody that I'll be back when my Mom is safe and can be on her own now that my Dad, her main provider in transportation and everything, is dead. My Mom can't drive, couldn't ride a bike (because it was too hilly), so we had to get her situated. But we also had to do the memorial and planning to sell the house. It's not something that can be done in 3 days.
10 days later I returned to work and I was welcomed back with condolences and everything. But after about 3 weeks I received a notice by my recruiter that my contract was now over. It had only been 8 months at this point. There was no reference to the original contract, and I couldn't find the original documents. I asked my boss what was up and he just said “oh… it's just ending. Thanks for your work though.” I said, “so there's no interest in extending the contract?” And he kind of chuckled and said “Oh… no.” and that was it.
Keep in mind I'd never been reprimanded or anything. But that slight chuckle indicated something to me. Disrespect. Lack of empathy. Or something.
But I was kinda done in this field anyway (I'd been involved in the web since 1995), completely burned out, and after my Dad died I knew I had to make a change in my life, so I didn't pursue it.
But years later, like literally last year, I discovered the original contract. It was for a YEAR.
I honestly don't even know if I have legal recourse 11 years later (and that's not the intent of my post). I just get really burned thinking about it and figured I'd share this experience with you all.
Sometimes I think of sending a picture of that contract to my old boss since we're still connected on LinkedIn. And maybe a video of me chuckling.