Did I do the right thing Lounge?

[grace0418]

I found out this afternoon that a coworker of mine is being fired in the morning (Tuesday). She's a really good person and has worked hard for years at my company (at least 8, probably more, I can't remember). Without going into a million details, suffice it to say she's falling prey to the incredibly nasty office politics that go on at my company. It's a shame and really unfair, but nothing new here, sadly.

Anyway, as soon as I found out I decided that, if it were me in that position, I would appreciate a warning. So I made sure she got warned. I didn't tell her directly, but I know she's been told by now. I also know for an absolute fact that she would never do anything to get back at or harm the company in any way. I just figured she'd appreciate the chance to go get her stuff and personal files and backup disks.

I am a bit worried that it could somehow become obvious she knew in advance and that would be traced back to me. But I think I did the right thing.

What do you all think? Was I stupid to do it? Was I wrong?

[grace0418]

1. A kick before I go to bed.

Anyone?

[Chan790]

2. I'd appreciate the warning if I were her

so you did the right thing.

[Mojambo]

3. You did the right thing.

Don't sweat it.

[Suich]

4. I'd sure want to know.

You did fine!

:hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. I 'd say you did the right thing, my dear grace0418......

If I were in her place, I'd want to know in advance too.....

Sweetest of dreams!

:hug:

[Cobalt-60]

6. Good Man!

Of course you did the right thing.
And you did it subtly, too.

[Broken_Hero]

7. You did the right thing

in my book, I would have done the exact same thing, especially if the co-worker in question was a good worker, and a friend. Sounds like this co-worker got stiffed big time, how sad...:(

[NMMNG]

8. You did the right thing

She needed the warning before the ax got dropped.

[Jamastiene]

9. I'd say

you did what any good friend would do in a situation like that. It takes a friend to watch somebody's back like that and friends are few and far between in this world. I don't think you were stupid OR wrong to do it.

[Richard Steele]

10. You let your conscience guide you. Sleep well.

[Callalily]

11. If I was in that situation

I'd want someone to forewarn me, if for nothing else, so I could muster up some composure while getting the boot. Yes, you did the right thing.

[grace0418]

12. Thanks everyone. I'm really freaking right now because it

hasn't happened yet. And it's fairly obvious by now that she knows (she's taking stuff out to her car). My imagination is starting to run wild with thoughts of it being a trap to get me fired somehow or something else horrible. Thanks for your well wishes. I sure could use them now.

[GalleryGod]

14. Hey, Grace ! Check-in,Please.

Your last post is making us nervous..well at least me.

[grace0418]

22. OY VEY I HAVE TO QUIT THIS JOB.

Thanks for worrying about me. I sure need a hug. Or a drink.

Well, the shit is still hitting the fan as we speak. The axe did fall already, but it was quite obvious that she knew in advance. So now the hunt is on to figure out who told her. Supposedly though, nothing will happen to that person (yeah, right).

Ultimately though, the reason why I'm going to have to look for a new job is because my whole department is being restructured and instead of having one boss I will now have three. Office Space anyone? This is not going to end well.

I was really hoping to stay here until my 401k was fully vested at my 7 year anniversary but I'll probably be fired before then so I better start looking.

This blows.

[GalleryGod]

25. Holy Shiite Muslims...you shoulda told Judith Miller, too!

[grace0418]

28. On a normal day I would totally get that but my brain is not fully

operational today. Can you explain?

[NewWaveChick1981]

13. Yes. If it had been me, I would have appreciated knowing in

advance. I would have done the same thing in your place. You handled it very well. :hug:

[southpaw]

15. I would have done the same thing!

And I would have appreciated the warning had I been in your co-worker's shoes.

Ya did good!

[ScreamingMeemie]

16. You did the right thing.

If I knew something like this was going to happen for certain, I would warn my coworker/friend. MrG just did this last week with a friend of his.

:hug:

I hope all is well.

[femmocrat]

17. Absolutely!

I wish someone had warned me when I was furloughed and later transferred. Like you said, it softens the blow to know in advance and you don't feel like the last one on earth to find out. You are a good friend to stick your neck out for her. Good luck to you, too!

[Rabrrrrrr]

18. Unlike the others, I would not have said anything.

It causes a lot of stress, and one never knows: it could just be a rumor that I heard, or the management might change their minds, or it might not happen for any several of reasons. Or it could have been a set up to see if I would squeal.

But having worked in office environments for so long, I have learned that anything that I don't hear directly from the source is not to be trusted; and that until something actually happens, what people say doesn't mean much.

And if a co-worker came to me and told me I was going to be fired, it would very much stress me out and also piss me off, esp. if the firing never happened.

[ohiosmith]

19. Yes, you were wrong to involve yourself in a situation that was none

of your concern. If your actions become known you could be subject to termination.

[grace0418]

20. I understood full well the risk I was taking, and it did concern me and my

position. The more I think about it, the more I'm glad I did it. Even if I lose my job over it, I did the right thing. It's always easier to do the right thing when there's no risk involved, but I feel like I can hold my head up high knowing that I helped someone even if I risked my own job.

Sorry, but I have to disagree with you. But thanks for your input, I realize fully well that I *did* ask. :hi:

[halobeam]

21. Good for you, and this person is lucky to have had you around.

In my book, people come first... even if it means taking a risk.. maybe even especially if it means taking a risk, it just means it's that much more important an issue.



You have good karma comin' your way.

[grace0418]

23. Thanks halobeam.

I needed that. Feeling a little yucky right now.

[Gormy Cuss]

27. It's nice to have the management perspective.

That is how it will be viewed because she exposed the company to risk. Much better to have management retain the upper hand in these matters. Witnessing the coworker being escorted from the building will keep the other employees in line. :sarcasm:

[RevCheesehead]

24. You did the difficult thing....

...therefore, it probably was the right thing.

Be there for her after she "officially" gets the news. She'll need you then.

[WilliamPitt]

26. You did right, but more importantly

You made a moral decision and acted upon it. Stand behind it, and don't get frightened by the potential ramifications. You knew the risks and did it anyway, which makes you honorable. Stand on that.