A now former co-worked was let go on Friday. I can't say that I was surprised. When management communicates to you that your attendance is not up to snuff (coming in late, leaving early and "working from home"), the best plan of action normally is to adjust, accept that you cannot get away with it any more and get on with life. I have found that this philosophy has served me well in the past when applied to all aspects of my employment. I have been fired one time (I was 19 and it was a learning experience.) and as a contractor been removed from contract twice. In both of the contracting positions I was not aware that there was an issue, so I was unable to adjust to expectations. These were also learning experiences, especially about office politics and communication up the chain of command. Going to war with said chain of command is not really an advisable plan.
When you are aware that your employment is going to be ending, that it will not be your choice for that employment to end and that you cannot change this outcome, you have several options. One is to take all personal items home, preferably quietly. Another is to clear all personal information that may be on the work computer. One that I learned the hard way is to make sure you have all information on your 401k and other plans that may exist. While you can normally get that information from the HR department, it is an awkward situation.
One thing that you should refrain from doing is giving in to the rage that your situation may raise. Gorilla stomping the brand new, top of the line laptop that was recently issued to you (and leaving clear bootprints on top) is really not the brightest of moves. Taking a hammer to the new company cell phone is also not a good option. Also, taking these actions where you are on on camera is really just, well, stupid. Generally, these actions are frowned upon. Especially since they have not issued your last check to you yet. You likely will not get a letter of recommendation either.
On the other hand, it was interesting to watch the slow motion train wreck as it happened. I even had time to make popcorn.
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