Backstory: I worked at an orthodontist office full time for a year with no benefits. I took a month off to visit family and get some personal stuff sorted out, before planning to return part-time to work while I started a new grad program this week. I coordinated with my boss to make sure she had PLENTY of time to figure out coverage for the time I was gone, and it was established multiple times that I would be returning to work for her part-time. I let her know back in February that I'd have to change my schedule and she acted like she would accommodate me the whole time. She had other people on call ready to fill in as needed. Now, I've just sent her my class schedule and she told me I'm replaced.
I live in IL. Is there anything I can do? I don't really have much of a paper trail. I haven't been there since May. I feel like she just fired me without outright doing so, and I'm feeling slighted.
Here's the email I sent her:
Hi [BOSS],
Hope you had a good month. [PERSONAL DETAILS ABOUT MY FAMILY, PLEASANTRIES, ETC.]
I wanted to let you know I'll be starting [PROGRAM] and I scheduled my classes to be available for you on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, to the best of my abilities. I'll also have some Fridays available as well.
It takes me about half an hour to get from campus to the office.
I have a dentist appointment on Tuesday at 2 pm. Other than that, my schedule is set. Please let me know how you'd like to proceed. Tuition is due for fall quarter in September so I'm hoping to have a consistent work schedule sorted out by then.
Looking forward to seeing you all again soon!
And here's what she wrote back:
Hi ZORDON,
Thank you for reaching out. It is so nice to hear from you. I did not realize that your dad was having surgery. However, I am elated to hear that he is recovering well. I do appreciate you letting me know that you have scheduled classes around our working hours. However, we have had to make a few changes since you've been away. Our needs in building the practice were growing, and I had to hire someone to cover those immediate needs. Unfortunately, I do not have those part time hours available at the present time. If anything changes, I will be sure to let you know. Thank you again for your time.
Kind Regards,
[BOSS]
___________________________________
I don't know how to reply. I don't know what my options are. I live in Illinois, and this is pretty much the only paper trail of the conversation I had. Do I have grounds for unemployment? What if she denies it?