Having to Train Your Job Replacement

I was sitting at my favorite coffee shop this morning when I happened to overhear a young professional relating to a friend her recent experience of being “let go” and having to train the newbie that was going to be replace her. She was going to have to spend her last two weeks at work having to train the new recruit, (who apparently had just graduated from college), all of her current job duties.

Not only was the coffee shop patron mad about being replaced with someone younger than her and less qualified, but she had found out that the new person was also going to receive a higher pay.

My friends, there is such a thing as pride. I don’t think there is a single person out there who feels comfortable having to train their replacement under these circumstances. It’s punishment enough knowing that you are not wanted anymore and that everyone knows that you are leaving and that you are expected to train the new person.

Here Are a Few Words of Advice:

First, reflect deep into your soul and ask yourself why they are letting you go. This means being true to your self and accepting responsibility. You need to ask yourself, were you doing your job to the best of your capability? Were you a team player? Did you get along with your co-workers? Most importantly, did you really enjoy your job? If your answer is yes to all, then you shouldn’t have been replaced. But, if you clashed with your co-workers, or with your boss, or maybe you showed up late every Friday morning, that may be a true cause for dismissal. And so now you have to leave, so learn from it and let it go. Where one door closes, many others will open.

Second. If you feel that your being fired was not your fault and you don’t feel comfortable training that person, have an honest talk with your boss. Tell him or her that you accept the fact that you are leaving, but if someone else could do the training, it would lesson the stress you are going through.

Better yet, if you can, don’t stick around anymore, go onto greener pastures immediately. Walk away with a reflection of this job experience. As you look for another job, use past experiences as a learning tool and know what positive things to do in your next job, and what attitudes and situations to avoid.

Third, when interviewing for a new job, never downplay your skills. If they ask you why you left your last job, just say it wasn’t the right working environment for you. Immediately redirect the interview to a positive conversation about your positive work ethics.

And remember, every job that entails working with people is about having people skills. Learn to treat others with respect and they will respect you. Give the best of what you can do and the job is yours forever. And if you LOVE what you do, then the sky is the limit.