About this Blog

The Curmudgeon's Office blog is a spin off from my personal blog, Too Young To Be A Curmudgeon, which is full of random rants and thoughts I have on a whole host of topics. In an effort to be more organized, and also to attract a specific niche of followers, I decided to start a separate blog for my professional postings. At this blog, I'll post my tips, rants, and random thoughts on a host of professional topics from setting up a home office & office gadgets to 5S practices & time management.



Sunday, January 20, 2013

There's A Reason You Were Fired For No Reason

Recently, at the day job, a little "house cleaning" took place. Two employees were fired. Both had been with the company for many years and there really was no shock that they were let go.

Both put very little effort into their duties and both do not work well with others. One spent more time trying to  look busy, than actually being productive. The other spent most of the day gossiping and complaining about the company and the job.

As no surprise to me, the one who spent most of the hours at work complaining is now telling the world that she was "fired for no reason." That is a statement I, and I'm sure you, have heard many times. Fired for no reason.

The simple truth is people are rarely fired for no reason. Any small business owner, HR professional, or recruiter can confirm that the hiring (and firing) process is a huge expense. Just the man hours alone in setting up payroll and benefits. The time invested in training. The fees involved  if a temp or recruitment service. Not to mention the dip in productivity and other expenses occurred until the new hire comes up to speed.

That investment does not want to be wasted by any company large or small. When a employee is not working out, most of the time every chance is made to improve things. From candid discussions on what is expected to changes made in the job description, usually something is done to prevent a firing. Besides, firing some one is a huge expense in itself.

Both of the people that were recently let go had several chances given to them, but things did not change and they were let go.

Now, just because some one is fired from there job, doesn't mean they can no do that job. Just not at that company. Companies can be compared to professional sports teams. While some do the same thing, they do things in their own way, capitalizing on their strengths, resources, experiences and skill sets.

Just as a Quarterback or a Pitcher can struggle on one team and be a superstar on another; an accountant, machine operator, or salesman with two different companies.

Yes, this is no absolute and there are some times when someone could be fired for no reason. And if you feel  that has happened to you, considered it a lucky break. Because know you are not wasting your talents at a place you weren't welcome at.

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