You overhear your boss talking to the CFO. You discover that you’re losing your job, next week. What’s the first thing you do?
- Delete personal files off your work computer?
- Pack up your personal items at your cube?
- Steal office supplies?
I need to know — what’s your strategy?
{ 1 trackback }
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
Tappety tappety tappety tappety tappety. Click. Send.
In innocent tone: “you mean you didn’t want your wife to know that?”
It may appear stupid but hearing that I was going to lose my job wouldn’t stop me caring about it.
The first thing I would do is to make sure that there were instructions left for the tasks only I do with a list of passwords, codes, phone numbers procedures etc. I have most of this already prepared anyway. This is presuming that someone else is going to take on my work. Obviously if my department got closed completely I wouldn’t bother.
The first thing that entered my mind was making sure my resume is updated with anything recent and making sure I have contact information for people I might want to use as references or stay close to in my network.
I’d probably also look around the company (if I liked the company and wanted to stay on board) to see if there were any opportunities in other departments, or a way I could present myself as a way to perhaps resolve an ongoing issue or tackle a project that’s been laid to the side. It might not work, but it would be worth it to at least try.
(Oh, and definitely make sure personal files get transferred to a thumb drive and all that good stuff. Just in case the alternative arrangement plan does not work out. I like covering all my bases.)
Delete the very few personal files off the computer. Already keep them in one directory, so exit is several mouse clicks away.
1. Don’t go apeshit on anyone (even if you are freaking out on the inside). Keep your cool. Don’t damage any property or delete files on the shared network or start telling your co-workers what you really think.
2. Do your best to make a list of things you need to take with you (personal files, contacts, projects that you’ve worked on). I always keep a copy of important “stuff” on my “C” drive that could easily be copied to a CD, emailed or to a external drive.
3. Don’t start packing anything up until you’ve received the official news from your boss and/or HR. Times are so uncertain right now…you could be paranoid and think you heard that you’re losing your job, but that might not be the case!
4. Don’t call anyone until the news is official. If you do get the official “pink slip”, make it a point to sit down with your family ASAP and get a plan in order (including an updated budget).
5. If you are still keeping your cool, try to remember to ask for a letter of reference or the opportunity for future employers to contact your (now former) employer for a reference.
6. Exit with grace and dignity. As awesome as the scene from “Half Baked” (“f-you, f-you, you’re cool, f-you…I’m outta here”) is, probably not a good idea in the professional world. DON’T BURN ANY BRIDGES!
I’ve already been through this (with no notice) and have made these suggestions to a few others who’ve tread the path after me…..
Priority #1, in my eyes, is to make sure you are connected, either by e-mail, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter et al, to every person possible in your company. Not indiscriminately, but whoever you’ve connected to organically. (Even that cashier in the cafeteria; who has more social contacts than someone who sees everyone every day?)
Yes, if you’re playing the game right you’ve already maximized your network. But some people take that daily contact for advantage.
Priority #2 would be: Decide how low you can go in terms of salary. When the ax drops, ask if it’s about finances, and then ask if they’re willing to keep you on if you drop to X dollar amount annually. This is a number I wish I’d thought about and had in my head. It may make a difference.
#2 could be paired with Kelly O’s good suggestion to look around for other positions in the company. Moving around in a company, especially when it’s not a lateral move or a promotion, can make for a challenging work environment. But it may be easier to keep some of something than all of nothing, not to mention keeping the same medical coverage, 401K, etc.
A big “yes” to the other items listed: get personal files off of the computer (if there are any), pack up any important personal stuff at your desk, and yes by all means steal office supplies. (Damn it, I never got that new stapler I was eyeing.)
I’d also say if there’s some way to wrap up your e-mail conversations it’s important to do it, though in the situation described it would be hard and might tip your hand.
I was literally in the middle of about 10 conversations with external contacts for articles I was writing and researching and had to try and recall their e-mail address to send an e-mail from my personal account explaining why I wasn’t responding to them anymore.
Strike “advantage” – I meant “for granted.” Oops, blogging before the first cup of coffee is dangerous!
It would start with tears I am sure.
I keep all personal files in one folder so it would be easy to put it on a flash drive.
I would make sure all cookies and temp internet files were deleted and anything else that could store passwords.
Then I would move on to looking and what projects weren’t completed and putting together checklists and folders for whomever would be taking them over. I don’t want to to stick it to other employees, clients, etc. If my job didn’t get done it would be my coworkers and employees who would suffer not the company. I already keep a folder on my desk called VAP: Vacation Action Plan. Since I am HR and office manger it has lists of phone numbers, account numbers, who to call about what in the corp. office, etc. It also includes step by step instructions for my key job duties payroll and accounting.
Anecdote: I was an office manager of a Chiropractors office. The boss was probably the moodiest person I ever met. I was only there 6 months and I think he hired me on the same kind of whim he fored me on. He had asked me to take on additional responsibilities just the week before becuase his sister/insurance billing department was actually having to work 8 hours a day. Anyway, he had the poor, sweet assistant doctor come tell me at 4:55 that my employment would end at 5:00. I was shocked and as I thought about what needed to be done, I asked her if someone atleast wanted to know how which cabinet the taxes were in. She said I guess not, he said you were to be out by 5:00. I think I felt worse for her than for me.
I actually had a new job within a week and the doctor called to ask me to come train the receptionist to do my job duties. Since he wasn’t willing to pay her overtime and I already had a new job it wasn’t feasible. That office is still open so I guess they went back to the way were doing things before me.
“The first thing I would do is to make sure that there were instructions left for the tasks only I do”
I had three month’s notice of my layoff. I spent that time trying to finish all my projects and prepare documentation so someone else could do my work. My sister called me at work one day and told me I was an idiot to be working late for a company that had just laid me off. I suppose she was right, but it wasn’t my co-workers’ fault and I didn’t want to make their lives any harder.
In retrospect, maybe I should have just said, “Fine. You don’t think you need me? Whatever.” and started leaving early or, at the least, used the time to look for a new job.
Unfortunately, I’ve been through this twice before (merger take over, nepotism) so now I have my strategy down….I wouldn’t do a damn thing….because….everything is already done…..I have my resume up to date as every few months it’s being reviewed. I already have my “important files” automatically backed up on a disc, I don’t want to wait until the last minute as they may not give it to you (escorted right out the door). I keep tabs on my networks on a constant basis, sending out emails, helping them out with their search, passing on advice etc. etc. etc. I have all my contact info ready on the jump, thanks to Linkedin, facebook and the old school rolodex (yeah I keep the business cards in it). My personal pictures (just 2) fit nicely in my purse…..Once it’s official….I just walk right out the door with a big fat smile on my face, not taking anything personal…hey man, its just business as usual. I long time ago, my mentor gave me the advise to “Always be ready to walk right out the door in 5 minutes flat, because today your have a job and by the end of the day you might not” and unfortunately, in my line of work, you see really good people being shown the door for good and not so good reasons. The ones that do well are the ones that are prepared.
This happened to me in January so it’s still pretty fresh. No notice was given to me, I was just called in at the end of the day and told that my position was being eliminated. My bosses gave me two options (while both were crying), I could either come in the next day for a little bit and try to clean up my desk and take care of handing off projects or I could just be done and pack up my things after I left my boss’s office. Being the kind person that I am (I loved my co-workers), I came back the next day so I could be there when my bosses told my co-workers that my position had been eliminated. After all the tears, I started to get things together for the rest of the team so they could continue on with my work. I got a list of passwords together for all the things I was responsible for etc. I didn’t want to burn bridges even though I did not like my immediate boss. I asked these people for letters of recommendation which they were happy to oblige with. It was a fair parting on both parties…minus all the tears that were shed. So, I would agree with most of the posts already and don’t go out in blazing glory using every swear word in the book. You most likely will have to use these people for references one day so don’t burn the bridge
I like to think I would remain calm and do all the things mentioned above but in reality, I’d have a private freak out session. After I had repaired my mascara I would update all of my social media outlets that I’m looking. As far as the office goes, I would hold my head high and smile and everyone. The last thing I would want my boss to know is how upset I am. The loss would be theirs. In the event the “we’re letting you go” meeting did not take place I would still continue to seek other employment because lets face it, there’s doubt in my mind now about how long I would be employed.
As far as office supplies go, I plead the fifth as I have an unusual fascination with post it notes, paper clips and pens.
Find a way to go on FMLA leave until I find another job. Keep the benefits nice an cheap, use up my vacation to keep getting paid. Talk to family about the new “budget.” Return to work after I’ve secured a new position that starts two weeks out. Hopefully get a severance on top of my termination, rake in two salaries for the duration of my severance. If for some reason they don’t sever, then quit without giving notice in favor of the new job.
Nah – I’m not that conniving. I’d probably just walk out the door.
I’d get references and just walk.
@Laurie didn’t mean to offend on the last post– it was said in jest— I guess it’s my inner bohemian coming out!
At first I would be pissed but once I sat down and thought about it, I would make sure any personal files are moved to my flash drive and any documents I made to use at the company were also moved there as well. In the case this is NOT a layoff/department closure situation, I wouldn’t bother with instructions for the next person. Obviously, management didn’t like the way I was doing things so why would I leave them instructions for the “crappy job” I was doing?! Then I would make sure my resume was updated and I was hooked into Facebook, LinkedIn, and any other social media outlets I needed to be to find my next great job. OR I would just be happy it was happening so I can move 100 miles to the same city my future husband lives in and become a housewife with time to think about starting my own business, and not having to deal with the bullshit of Corporate America anymore.
I might finish up projects, but seeing as I was no longer needed I doubt any outside hours or Herculean effort would go into any of those projects.
I would spend the majority of my time packing up, making sure my contacts were up to date, and of course saying goodbye to those who’s company I enjoyed or would like to work with again.
A lot of people thought I was a fool for tying up all of the loose ends that I did – I was emailing people from my personal account a few days after (if I could find a way to contact them).
I didn’t finish the tasks for any credit or praise from my former company, though. I did it because (a) it’s my work ethic and it would haunt me to not do a thorough job, and (b) not wrapping things up was just as likely to bite ME in the ass, since it was my name that the contact/client/source had. I didn’t want my name to be connected with their bad experience.
One thing that folks have touched on indirectly is how they were treated by those who had to let them go…
When given the opportunity, we try to coach our clients on how to treat employees with respect and dignity when laying them off. Employees remember whether or not their employer was kind, showed empathy, or just didn’t seem to care at all!
Escorting a former employee out of the building with cardboard boxes is just asking for it! This is how lawsuits are often started and companies are given a bad reputation.
So for all the HR folks out there who have had to let someone go (and I have!), remember the Golden Rule and treat others like you would want to be treated if the situation were reversed.
That is, of couse, unless the employee comes to work intoxicated and then says he has a knife in his car (has also happened to me!). Then you call the police, change the locks and send everyone home early!
I’ll get recommendation letters from my bosses then leave the premises. I don’t keep personal stuff in my hard drive so leaving would be easy.
I’d keep the expletives to myself. I’m not going to burn any bridges. Regardless. I need the reference in the future.
I’d clear my computer and office; network/update contact info with coworkers, partners, clients, etc.; and put together a page of basic instructions (passwords, etc.) for my replacement, assuming there will be one.
And start sending out resumes and scheduling (and attending) interviews.
I’ve lived through enough of those painful discussions with employees to have thought about this question. I am prepared for it as a possible karmic payback for my HR career.
If I decided I didn’t need my employer anymore (hello lottery winnings!) I’d let them know I was letting them go and offer a brief period for skill transfer if they would like. If they make the decision with no warning, I’d move on.
Having said that (Laurie, isn’t that as overused as ‘at the end of the day’?), as recently as 5 years ago I would have had more of the “clean up and go home” type of reaction as described above. I would be angry, fell betrayed, and been bitter about it for a few days. Today, not so much.
It depends a little on how it’s done. I’m an admitted hot-head, which is a big reason why I LOVE my virtual job. I swear, scream and moan as much as I like, then write and send the calm professional email.
The right thing for me to do would be to share the list I keep of our service providors, contacts, passwords and appropriate payment information. But the way it’s done makes me angry/hurt, I might not do the right thing, even though I know it would cause some very real and potentially serious damage to the company.
Step 1: Prepare yourself for the moment. Be ready to act professionally because first reactions carry the strongest messages.
Step 2: If there’s anything on my work PC that I need that will help me find another job (e.g., performance evaluations), I want to make sure I have access to it.
Step 1: Make sure you have all your contacts (critical) and other stuff you may need from your computer office etc. Get rid of anything (emails, pictures, etc) that may embarrass you if someone finds later. just sayin..
Step 2: Set up a sexy date for after work that day to help you forget about the bad day you had and to remind you that free time is good thing and doesn’t have to require a lot of cash.
Step 3: Have the best last week ever, create great memories and let the people you care about there know it.
….and there was me taking a light hearted approach to the question….
Oh come on!
Sounds like I want to swipe all the goods Ive been eyeing and then make a mess of everything before I go – change passwords, rearrange files, “misplace” favorite items, delete the most recent updates so work has to be re-done. Assuming the co deserves it, which lets face it, they probably do. If they really, really deserve it: clog the toilet, duct tape something smelly underneath that annoying coworker’s desk, mail all your bills with company postage, jam that fax machine one last time (Office Space anyone?!)
Stick it to the man and don’t get caught, that’s how I roll, yo! (for you L)
If I had a week’s “head’s up,” I would retrieve any work I have done and make a copy for myself. I wouldn’t delete anything, or mes anything up. I would most assuredly use up as much of my sick leave as a I could- what are they gonna do, fire me?
When I got laid off last month (just before my birthday), I didn’t have a week’s notice. i was simply done (though I knew it was coming for months, I just didn’t know when). I already had everything I needed and simply walked out. I was surprised at how civil I could be. I even shook hands with my axeman and said I enjoyed working with her. Then I went for some beer.. a lot of it!
First, leave early. Second, hide under the covers and nap, I mean, think deeply for an hour. Third, get off your butt and start working on getting a new job.
*Holy Crap*
This might be my favorite, most creative set of comments ever. Thank you all. I’ll personally respond (later tonight) to everyone.
I would be tempted to walk into the CFO’s office and say, “I overheard your comments about my job status. I’m losing my job, eh? You know what? You are a fucking idiot. Here’s a good idea: keep your voice down. Thank god it was me who overheard your discussion and not some psycho. Next time, shut the fuck up and communicate this information with some discretion. Dickhead.”
LOL! I think Laurie is cranky today!
YAY Laurie!!
I got a new computer earlier this week and it was a frantic trying to save to an external hard drive all the music I’d amassed during my employment (iTunes always LOOKS so appealing until you realize you spend about $1,000 a year on it…I don’t even want to go there).
I already have everything I work on saved to a public drive with instructions for everything, so at least that wouldn’t be stressful.
I think I would then take the opportunity to be one of those irresponsible children and squander away my inheritance with travel and late-night impulse purchases of things that will make my gold jewelery brighter and whites whiter.
@TheHRD You are evil. Yes!
@Rebecca Wow, you are a good person.
@KellyO I like how you take a responsible & comprehensive approach!
@RMS exit is several mouse clicks away Love that.
@Abby You are so level-headed. Don’t call anyone until the news is official. This is true. You might have misheard your CFO. Good call.
@Patrick Dude, this is a blog post. You could give out advice to the unemployed and make a little money on ads. DO IT.
@Jen I always start with tears. You are too kind and the chiropractor can suck it, IMHO.
@Class Three months? You are a good employee. Most people can’t manage that kind of ambiguity. Good for you.
@LatinaHR The ones that do well are the ones that are prepared. That is so true and so sad. Should we all be prepared to be let go? (yes.)
@AB I’m so sorry. Sounds like you handled this totally well. The letters of recommendation are a good idea.
@adowling As far as office supplies go, I plead the fifth as I have an unusual fascination with post it notes, paper clips and pens. Do I look like a woman who has paid for post-it pop up notes during the past two years? I have my Pfizer stack. I won’t lie.
@HRPuter Dude, you are so right about the FMLA. Do you know how many people suddenly get an illness (or an injury) before a layoff?!
@MattyMat We are so good. No worries. I tried to email you from the address you provide on this blog but the email bounced!
@Sara You live 100 miles away from your future husband? Shoot, that’s tough. It’s time to get laid off.
@JohnC Measured and responsible. Also, I totally approve of the word Herculean. Love it. Not enough people use it.
@Abby Holy crap, people can get emotional and scary. I’ve laid off thousands (I’m not joking) of people and I’ve never been threatened. Knock on wood, I suppose.
@Mari You’re right — don’t burn bridges. (Napalm them! LOL, just kidding.)
@Elise Very responsible of you!
@Tim Having said that, at the end of the day, it is what it is.
@vikki Note to self: do not fuck with nikki.
@Rick Good advice. I never kept a copy of any of my performance evaluations. Isn’t that weird? In retrospect, I should have because I want to remember what it was like when I was actually good at HR!
@Amanda You give the sexiest, smokiest advice. Smoldering! (& so wise)
@KFP “PC load letter?” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ8SefiNEcs
@George I love the advice of being done & having beer. Yes!
@Minion Tell me more about these naps!! Love them!!
@Jenn We are california dreaming around here, aren’t we?!
@Kristy I had that same iTunes problem and I had to use my iPod like a thumb drive, in steps, and txfr files from one computer to another. It was a ginormous pain in the ass. When will everything be wireless?
Your scenario actually happened to me, and this is the truth: I was a manager of 15 people in a $12 million marcom department for a Fortune 500 company. When I “overheard” what was looming for me, I had maintenance immediately deliver a big, empty crate on a pallet and park it outside my cubicle. Then I waited.
At 4 p.m. on the next day, my evil manager summoned me to deliver the bad news. He told me I was canned, to leave the building and to not say a word to my staff about it.
Yeah, right. I went directly back to my cubicle and proceeded to empty my several file cabinets of all information pertaining to the many projects my excellent staff had completed, my own project files and everything else of mine this big company apparently considered worthless. The crate was filled to overflowing. Then I, like Elvis, “left the building.”
Four days later, the powers-that-be realized a “terrible mistake” had been made and offered me my job back. So, I went back to my desk, my great staff … and the empty file cabinets.
The real lesson I learned, Laurie, was that I didn’t need those precious files at all. In the subsequent three years that I held the position, there were only two — yes, two — times when I missed anything I’d thrown out during my layoff retaliation.
I’ve had much cleaner offices and more peace of mind ever since.
First, I’d be pissed to high hell! WTF??? Why is it that I even overheard it in the first place!!!! I always tell associates that (WARNING: Ancient reference alet!!!) information is handled like that old Pantene shampoo commercial. You tell two friends, they tell two friends and so on, and so on. Everyone has someone they trust and for some reason they feel they must share this information with someone immediately.
I do like the fact that my current company gives no less than 30-days notice for reductions in force so while it can be a shock and surprise there is time to sort things out a bit and get your mindset into looking forward.
Final thought: Position eliminations are like earthquakes – you know it’s coming, it may be today or in 5 years – have your emergency supplies ready (see LatinaHR comment) so you can take care of you and your family when the ground starts shaking like hell. (disclosure: I do live in CA and my earthquake kit includes many bottles of tequila, salt and limes).
your my favorite. thanks.
Great question. Great comments.
This isn’t exactly what happened to me, but it rhymes.
I recognized the customer facility we were supporting was in trouble and determined that when things went poorly there, it would not be because either myself or my company had in any way failed them. I assisted the poor guy (a good friend and… one of my references) who had to get up to speed on and then remotely cover my former position.
In the end, the facility closed anyway. FYI: I’m not gloating.
Clear my computer from personal files, make a list of tasks for my manager, start looking for a new job.