What? You graduated like, 3 days ago?

Well, it was only one semester of grad school, and only the unsubsidized portion. So it wasn't a lot to begin with. I know I'm fortunate to have had my parents pay for college so I don't have the huge loans others do. If it makes you feel better, the price I pay is...well, you guys hear about the price I pay all the time.

Ok. I am writing ExBoss to ask for severance. I know I'm not entitled legally, but I think it's only fair and the worst he can say is "No." What do you guys think? Would you change anything:

3/26/2007

Dear ExBoss –

Since almost two weeks have passed and you have not called me back, I can only guess that your letter said it all.

First, I want to say “Thank you” for the opportunity to work for you. I enjoyed my time there and I really enjoyed getting to know you, T, P and I. I miss coming there every day. It had been along time since I had a job that I looked forward to every morning.

In addition, I want you to know that I understand that the business has to come first for you and that your decision to eliminate my position and terminate my employment had to be a difficult one to make. I am sorry about the two contracts that you lost and hope that new ones come soon to make up for them.

However, I must admit that I was surprised that after all of the times you reiterated that you would like sufficient notice if I had ever decided to leave, you did not give me the same courtesy. With Joe temping and not making the money he was at AIG, my not working has put a huge strain on our finances. While I appreciate you keeping our health insurance going until April 30, there is no way that I would be able to find a new job and benefits before then. At this point, I will probably have to purchase private insurance so that we do not have a break in coverage, which would risk being denied coverage with our next insurance company. I took a big gamble leaving my last job to come work for you, and it was one I was willing to take. As I have said, I enjoyed working with all of you.

Basically, it comes down to this: You repeatedly asked me for at least two months notice if I were to leave and you did not do me the same courtesy. As such, I am asking that I receive two month’s severance from you, instead of keeping our health insurance. I can purchase a short-term insurance plan until I find a new position and am eligible for benefits.

Again, thank you for everything and I hope that all goes well for you. You have an amazing legacy and I hope that it continues for you.

You can reach me at this email address or by either phone number if you want to talk.

Aimee

I want to say “Thank you”

I wouldn't put that in quotes. It makes it seem fake. I think you can just "say thank you" or "express my gratitude."

A few spelling/grammar stuff to polish and make you look good:

It had been along time

along -> a long

While I appreciate you keeping

you -> your

I am asking that I receive two month’s

month's -> months'

It sounds good to me, Aims. I don't have much experience with these situations, though.

While I appreciate you keeping

you -> your

Actually, both are considered acceptable. (Grammarians fight over this rule constantly.) The other corrections are good, though.

It looks good, Aims. Best luck.

Do you need to trade the healthcare for the severance? Couldn't you have both? Also, do you get COBRA coverage?

I'm sure I do get COBRA, but it's so spendy.

so maybe not trade one for the other? I don't know. I worry!

Hi. My students are taking the MAP. I tried a new sleep medication -- Rozeram or Restoril or something like that.

Rozeram. I was taking it for a while, but discovered the hard way that I was a prime candidate for the "possible side effects of depression, lowered libido, and listlessness". You may want to watch out for those.

Actually, both are considered acceptable. (Grammarians fight over this rule constantly.)

Is there a battle? It's always been a weird thing, because it depends on whether you consider the -ing a gerund or a participle. In this case, I think it's the "keeping" that's important, the action, which would cause me to view it as an important gerund needing a adjectival modifier. On the other hand, you might want the focus to be put on the ExBoss, in that she appreciates him via his action of keeping, which describes him.

But I don't think Aimee cares.

I agree with Nora. Take out the part where you are will to trade the health insurance for severance. You deserve both.