Employee is fired due to "budget cuts" but then asked to train the new intern to do their job for their last 2 weeks: 'The worst part is they acted like they were doing me a favor'

Being asked to train the person replacing you when you've been fired or laid off is just about one of the most preposterous and farcical things you can face in the workplace. It's like being handed a shovel to dig your own grave, with the added insinuation that you should be grateful for the opportunity. 

Gee thanks. 

This employee was recently informed by management that their position was being eliminated due to "budget cuts." It wasn't as if their work wasn't necessary, though; their employer figured that they'd just have the intern do it instead. You know, anything to save a buck or two.

It is true that the employer, or at least the upper managers who made the decision, may simply never care or know what is being missed by the cheaper (or unpaid, as it were) labor. Unless there is some urgent catastrophe linked to the intern doing a job they weren't prepared for, no one will take any notice of the inevitable drop in professionalism of the work as long as shareholders are pacified and the end-of-quarter bonuses are in line.

What is certain, though, is that this move will have disastrous effects on the morale of the remaining workers, who will be left wondering, "If them, why not me?"

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  • When you're faced with this situation, although it might be tempting to adopt a full-scorched-earth policy, maintain the status quo, and do as you're asked as often as you possibly can stomach. While it may be frustrating, this cold and calculated decision was made for a cold and calculated reason, and no amount of frustration will ever change that. 

    The reality is that, at some point, you're going to want that reference, regardless of how you feel about the situation at hand. Besides, now you can tag "onboarding and training of new staff" to your resume. 

    And there's no need to divulge every tip and trick you've learned to the new hire; give them the basic systems according to the process, and give them something to work on or to practice on their own so that you have time to apply to jobs. It might seem obvious, but your first priority is finding a new job, and the clock is already ticking. While you're at it, everything in writing regarding the firing or layoff, just in case you need to fall back on whatever unemployment is locally available. 

  • A blonde haired woman wearing glasses sits at her desk with a frustrated look on her face
    via magnetme - pixabay

    The image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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  • This is happening right now and I can't tone deaf believe how management can be. They called me in yesterday to tell me my position is being eliminated due to "budget cuts" but then asked if I could spend my last two weeks training the new intern who's going to take over my responsibilities (for way less money obviously) The worst part is they acted like they were doing me a favor by giving me two weeks notice. My manager literally said.
    via WoodenFlounder3560
  • "we want to make this transition as smooth as possible" like I should be grateful to help them screw me over. I've been here for three years like I've never ever missed a deadline and this is how they treat me!! The audacity is just insane. I'm tempted to just walk out but I need the reference. Part of me wants to train the intern completely wrong just out of spite but I'm not that petty unfortunately
    via WoodenFlounder3560
  • A blonde haired woman wearing glasses stares into the distance while seated at her desk
    via magnetme - pixabay

    The image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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  • Khriss1313 Tell them you will, then don't. Use those last two weeks to find another job. What are they gonna do? Fire you?
    via WoodenFlounder3560
  • Insufferable_Entity Show the intern all the systems. Share the appropriate logins. Hand them the documented processes. Then tell them. "I'm here for the next 2 weeks to answer your questions because the company wants to pay you less to do the same thing I was paid (Your wage$)." If they aren't an idiot they will run. There is nothing illegal about discussing pay.
    via WoodenFlounder3560
  • No_Signal5448 If they hired a replacement, then your position wasn't eliminated, you were. I would just "train" the new employee extremely slowly, use up whatever pto you have left if you have any, and do as little as possible before you're canned. Make the new guy as unprepared as possible
    via WoodenFlounder3560
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  • Substantial_Push_658 Don't train, just vaguely teach what to do at a minimum, so they trip themselves once you leave. Spend all the time that you're not "training" into finding a new job that pays better. Then send an anonymous glitter box to the GM of your company (once you got yourself a better job)!
    via WoodenFlounder3560
  • TravelingPhotoDude I wonder if they are doing this so if you say no, they can fire you for cause and that helps them not pay unemployment. I'd say yes and then just do a bad at it.
    via WoodenFlounder3560

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