I hear that usually it is not okay to ask what the real reason for being let go if the excuse they give you does not add up. Almost a year ago I was removed from a school district substitute list because just one teacher from one school felt offended that I didn't respond to a request to help her. I never ignore people on purpose so if that teacher got offended, then it was an accident. She went to tell people that I check my phone during breaks really quickly, just like what everyone else does.

But instead, I was asked to not return as a sub again. I feel like that was somewhat unjust and I was told I should say something by some people, but then later on, I did some research and saw that asking for a real reason can make you look bad and trying to cause trouble. I didn't say anything to the district, I just apologized for accidently offending a teacher and left it at that. I am glad I didn't say anything else.

But sometimes I wonder if I could have said something or asked politely. Due to the weird reason they gave me, I have a very strong feeling they just simply didn't want me or didn't need me anymore and that was just a poor excuse for their reason for getting rid of me. Usually a small accidental offense would just result in a warning at first. I didn't even have that. In a way Sometimes I wish I did ask if they just simply didn't need me as the real reason.

Another reason I believe this is because right around the time I was let go, I heard there were way too many substitutes at the district I was at, while other districts were hurting. So I feel like it could have just been a big layoff and they were afraid to say it. I am currently at a new school district now as a part time paraprofessional. Same work as before, except I am not a day to day substitute. I am okay now but for future references, is it okay to ask for a real reason? Should I have asked before or was me not saying anything the best decision? Does it look unprofessional to ask? Is a lame reason that doesn't seem fire able on a first offense, especially an accidental one, a sign of an employer just looking for a reason to let you go? Just curious for future reference.