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Tip #106: “Goodbye is Forever”
You will probably never see these people again. The bigger the metropolis or industry you work in, the truer this is. You can follow each other on LinkedIn or exchange emails and phone numbers, but you have moved on and so have they. Few care about staying in touch in any meaningful way unless you became friends who did things outside of work together before one of you exits the job.
Tip #107: “Employers Lie to Unemployment Offices”
An employer is not above telling the state unemployment office that you were fired for conduct when this is a lie. If it’s the company’s fault that you are out of work, the state unemployment premiums that they must pay may rise, just like being at fault in a car accident, so they can save money – and cost you a lot – with this stunt. Your state may investigate, demanding proof from the employer that you were warned in writing about your supposed misconduct before being terminated. Without this proof, they are likely to rule in your favor.
Tip #108: “Don’t Visit”
After your last day, it’s considered weird to drop by for any reason other than official business, such as picking up or returning an item through HR. You can be looked at as an unwelcome interloper, a ghost from the past, or even a threat if you left on unfavorable terms. When you walk out that door on your last day, you should never return unless invited. Even then, expect a shocked, almost disgusted, suspicious look and, “What are you doing here?”
Tip #109: “Rate Them”
There are sites where you can leave a review about your experience at a company. Try to be as generic as possible so that the company cannot tell it’s you. It’s also wise to wait six months, especially if you have anything negative to say. They can’t publicly identify you even if they figure out who wrote the review, but avoid giving HR an axe to grind about you if there’s any chance a potential employer will be contacting them.
Tip #110: “Lose the Baggage”
A bad experience can give you an attitude that you carry forward into a new position like a poison you may not realize is in your system. Try to reflect on what went wrong, learn from experiences, and most importantly, don’t let any problems cloud your attitude, outlook, and work performance going forward. This is giving bad actors too much influence over your present and future. Leave them behind in every way, not just as someone you don’t interact with anymore, but as someone who doesn’t continue to be an adverse influence on your happiness, fulfillment, and prospects.