How can I keep going when my coworker or friend was let go?
12 Answers
Last Updated: 12/10/2018 at 3:24pm
Moderated by
Maria Wasielewski, Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance, University of Arizona
Licensed Professional Counselor
I am inspired when working with clients, who are facing challenging life experiences, to be able to help them to develop the needed skills to live their best possible life!
Top Rated Answers
You don't have to let that friendship go, maybe you guys can still be friends outside of work, and you can still talk to them about work because they used to work there and they know what's going on!
Anonymous
November 3rd, 2014 1:11am
You have to ask your self what is the reason why I work here? I can see this co-worker influenced your work atmosphere, but what makes you so upset about why he or she is gone? Can you connect with this individual outside of the work setting?
This is a tricky situation. If it's a work environment you no longer enjoy, remember that there is no point in life where you are stuck, unless you are in jail. Start looking up other jobs! Meanwhile, think about what brought you to this job in the first place. Is there more to love about it besides that one coworker? Evaluate how much this job is worth for both your financial and personal welfare, and then decide whether or not you'd like to move on.
Anonymous
November 6th, 2014 12:12am
There had to be a reason that you was kept over your friend. and you giving up isn't going to help the co-worker or friend it is just going to make both of you upset.
Anonymous
November 30th, 2014 8:50am
If you work in a toxic work environment, you can bury your frustrations and trying to seek changes, or you can move on. To some degree we all have things we don't like about our jobs, but if it keeps you up at night, there is nothing more empowering than looking for a new job.
think about the bills and obligations you may have to pay. your friend maybe gone but you still need to make a living. you guys can hang out outside of work
It is easy to get caught up in friendships in the workplace. It is important to remember that your own well being is first and foremost, though. It is possible to help your friend find a new job or cope with he recent bad news. However, deciding you no longer want to work at your place of employment could spell disaster for the both of you. Be there for your friend. A helping hand is sometimes all we need!
If you really care about your job and your income, you simply do. Keep doing your job as you normally do. It's okay to miss them if you were close, but if you really need that income, that needs to be the driving factor. You need to focus on your job and go forward. That's the reality of working for an organisation, there is always a rotation, and always people coming and going. It's best to not mix your personal and professional life.
Sometimes you can form attachments at work, and it can be difficult to let go of the feelings for that person once he or she is fired or quits. I do think that someone who is feeling upset with the absence of a coworker should try and keep in contact with them outside of the work place. It is important to focus on your job, however, so perhaps seeking support within the workplace or outside of it can help with keeping focused.
Try to remember that work life naturally changes over time and true friendships can endure such turbulence. Change can be difficult, particularly when it is something you disagree with or don't like. I would suggest trying to focus on the positive aspects of your job and let the changes settle and play out naturally. If you are concerned about your own job perhaps seek out someone you trust at work to talk that through with. You can offer your friend support and compassion but may just need to allow the dust to settle for a time.
Anonymous
January 16th, 2018 11:28am
I understand it must be scary to lose a friend or Co worker in a workplace. I'm sure you feel alone or feel like your next. You have financial needs and they should be met with or without the person that was let go
You can still have a relationship with your coworker, but it will be a bit different than before. You won't have business things to talk about and you may not see them every day but you could ask them to lunch, connect after work, even go to breakfast together. Check in on them to see how they are dealing with this change and support them. Until they are feeling healthy, try not to talk about how good things are going for you out right. Be a good listener while they are going through this life change. Offer to look out for jobs and to talk to your network to see if you know someone who needs someone with their expertise.
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