How are things? Sorry to hear you've been laid off.

January 10, 2008 3:29 PM

I worked at a newspaper for five years. I quit three years ago. Now, about 25% of the staff is getting laid off, including some friends. I don't have a problem talking to those friends about any of this. But then there are other people I liked but haven't kept in touch with (at most, I've seen them at a few gatherings). What do I say to those former co-workers I liked who are now getting the ax? I figure they could use a kind word and a vote of confidence.

There are some people I like very much and who are talented, hard-workers who are getting canned and I'd like to be able to say something to them, but I can't quite find the words. Maybe someone who has been in this situation received a note they appreciated and could share ideas.

posted by veggieboy to work & money (6 comments total)

Tell them something like "Hey, don't sweat it. I've made it, you're far more talented than I am and it's a better market for Job X and Y these days. You're gonna love it." Regardless of whether it's true or not.
posted by ten pounds of inedita at 4:40 PM on January 10 [1 favorite]

For any of your more cynical and/or bitter former colleagues (cynics in a newsroom? Never!), might I suggest "Congratulations!"?

Lemme 'splain. I've been at places - most recently, a publishing company - where layoffs loomed for many months before they started. Management didn't handle communications issues very well, so the rumor mill worked three shifts. All of this contributed to a workforce that was demoralized and sad and angry. By the time the last day rolled around, for most people, it was kind of like the last day of high school: you were glad to finally get the fuck out, and also nostalgic for better times (which acquired a remarkably attractive glow in hindsight). We settled on "Congratulations!", said in a kind of fake-but-real cheery tone, and took each other out for booze-ups.

This technique works best in person, though, and depends somewhat on your own (un)employment status.
posted by rtha at 5:22 PM on January 10

As someone in a newsroom where this is happening the universal sentiment is always, always congratulations. Don't even bring up the idea that they might need support. Phone up, say "you lucky bastard", and arrange booze.
posted by bonaldi at 5:42 PM on January 10

What do I say to those former co-workers I liked who are now getting the ax?

You say, "Bummer, friend. I'm buying beers, wanna come?" And let the general commiseration take it from there.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 6:01 PM on January 10

Yah I work in banking where these things are depressingly common.

A bunch of friends just went through this, and I sent them all an email with an introduction to a very good recruiter that I know. I mentioned what she did for me, and suggested they contact her as well. The email also included a URL to my LinkedIn profile to be used to help them build their own networks and access mine.

A positive message intended to help them move forward.
posted by Mutant at 12:32 AM on January 11

Thanks for the answers. The situation is complicated a bit by the fact that I'm thousands of miles away, so going out for drinks isn't really in the cards.

And I would love to say "congratulations," but like you say, rtha, it works best in person.

In the end, I think I'll be sending an IOU for free drinks when I'm back in town.
posted by veggieboy at 4:13 AM on January 14