I've had to fire people during my 45 years as an employer

[CC27]

PCIntern (26,159 posts)

I've had to fire people during my 45 years as an employer
and I’m going to confess that not only do I recall each individual and the circumstances, but I can conjure up with ease the horrific guilt I felt for doing so, even for grossly incompetent work product or inappropriate behaviors or actions, even for people I manifestly disliked.

For when you fire someone, you are altering his or her entire life. Aside from a relatively few individuals, this person is now unsure of everything: whether they will be able to pay rent or mortgage, eat, put gas in the car, pay utilities, maintain a relationship… anything. Nothing is as it was. All the interactions within the office are also terminated: the camaraderie, friendships, day to day routine, support from coworkers is instantly removed as though it never existed.

It’s a landmark moment in anyone’s existence . No matter what the situation which led to the dismissal, it will be reflected upon for the rest of the employee’s life. And it won’t be a series of positive thoughts. It will pervade the memories, rising to the surface on seemingly random occasions.

So when these RW “billionaire” assholes joke about doing this, firing someone, it demonstrates that they have no idea, zero concept, of the significance nor do they care in the least. And it is important that the electorate who is “undecided” understand this.

“Undecided”. These are attention-getting, needy people. Nothing stimulates conversation as much as the statement: “I still don’t know who I’m gonna vote for. Whaddya you think?” Guaranteed to take center stage wherever you happen to be, but particularly if it’s in a so-called “swing state”.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100219334737

Nobody gives a shit

[DefiantSix]

I call bullshit. 

Janitors don't fire anybody.

 

[67 Rover]

I call bullshit. 

Janitors don't fire anybody.

 

They do replace old mops on occasion.

[Texacon]

I’ve fired many people in my career. Never felt guilty or bad. It’s because they earned it all by themselves. They were given multiple opportunities to overcome what was causing issue and they either ignored the warnings or didn’t care. Or possibly they were placed in a position above their skill set.

In all cases they earned the termination. No guilt on my part.

I’m thinking if you fired someone and have actual guilt, then very possibly you fired someone who hadn’t earned it. Maybe out of spite or, in some cases, you felt threatened that person could replace you.

Just my opinion.

KC

[Old n Grumpy]

He just loves to bloviate or should I just say bull shit to make sure everyone knows he’s a legend in his own mind.

[67 Rover]

I’ve fired many people in my career. Never felt guilty or bad. It’s because they earned it all by themselves. They were given multiple opportunities to overcome what was causing issue and they either ignored the warnings or didn’t care. Or possibly they were placed in a position above their skill set.

In all cases they earned the termination. No guilt on my part.

I’m thinking if you fired someone and have actual guilt, then very possibly you fired someone who hadn’t earned it. Maybe out of spite or, in some cases, you felt threatened that person could replace you.

Just my opinion.

KC

Wrong bumper sticker or yard sign perhaps?

[Ralph Wiggum]

So when these RW “billionaire” assholes joke about doing this, firing someone, it demonstrates that they have no idea, zero concept, of the significance nor do they care in the least. And it is important that the electorate who is “undecided” understand this.

Cool story, PC Janitor. Would you say the same to the Left-Wing Silicon Valley billionaires who also joke about firing employees?

I think not.

[Old n Grumpy]

I’ve fired many people in my career. Never felt guilty or bad. It’s because they earned it all by themselves.

They’re also known as DEI hires 

[SVPete]

I've seen managers lay off people due to business conditions, having been among those laid off. Even the one less-than-honest mangler out of my six such experiences wasn't laughing ... he knew he wasn't being honest with the guys he laid off.

As for actually firing someone for cause (once, not me), I saw no management laughter or regrets.