Part-time bookkeeper refuses to train replacement after company director fires her, demands to be taught her job: '[They] have no idea what I do'

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Dec 13, 2025 9:00 PM EST

There are times when getting fired can be a blessing in disguise.

Yes, it is an awful feeling to not know where your next paycheck is coming from, and the shock can be a lot when it is something that you are not expecting. Still, there is every chance that the role was one in which you were not fully appreciated, and under management that caused far more problems than it solved.

Even when there are positives to being ousted from a job, that doesn't stop it from being a painful and often insulting experience. Everybody wants to leave a position on their own terms, not be told that it has been decided for them by somebody else. Depending on the situation, there can be ways to act that allow the ex-employee to retain some of their power, but that is not always possible. The best thing to do is move on quickly.

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  • In this story, a bookkeeper who worked 12 hours a week for a childcare center faced an unwelcome shock before Christmas when the company director told her that management had decided to eliminate her position. She expected to be trained by her to take her place during her final shifts.

    When the bookkeeper talked with her family, they agreed that she shouldn't go ahead with this, and the woman also felt that her workplace had little appreciation for what she did. As a result, she decided that she wanted to resign instead, leaving them without the training that they wanted. She wanted reassurance she was doing the right thing.

  • AITA for leaving my job without training my replacement?

    I was originally hired at a small childcare center, working ~ 12 hours a week doing their bookkeeping. On December 1st I was notified by the Director that she and "the board" decided that my job should be eliminated and she would be taking over my responsibilities. She stated that I would need to train her and I have 9, 5 hour days to do so. After the initial shock wore off, I consulted with my family and they all stated that I would be crazy to stay and train someone else.
    via NeedleworkerNo825
  • a middle aged businesswoman leans on a table to write notes with an open laptop in front of her
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  • This center will not make it unless someone is trained on how to do my job. The person who trained me has refused to train anyone else and stated they will quit if asked to do so. The new Director and the board have no idea what I do and I'm convinced that's why they are eliminating the position. They think I just write checks, generate reports and balance the bank account and process payroll. I do so much more than that.
    via NeedleworkerNo825
  • I'm turning over my keys and giving them my resignation tomorrow, which will be equivalent to a two-week notice. AITA for wanting to be done and let them figure it all out? I feel so disposable.
    via NeedleworkerNo825
  • two people put their hands on the table, one writing something and one typing on a calculator while holding a pen
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • NHhotmom They're firing you at the holidays. How unacceptable. Take your keys in tomorrow. Spend the next 2 weeks before the holidays doing your own thing.
    via NHhotmom
  • Positive-Promotion54 If they feel like your job is not important enough to stay, then show them it is. A board member wants to take over, let them do it unless you really need that money they offered to train someone else.
    via Positive-Promotion54
  • OP Needleworker No825 I don't need the money. My dilemma is more of an ethical one rather than economic, I suppose. It just sucks. Thank you for your comment.
    via NeedleworkerNo825
  • Old_Cry1308 they fired you and still expected free training, nah. walk away. finding decent work now is hell. actually the system punishes effort, only rewards gaming. i got results once i used resume software to adjust each application.. jobowl is what i used, try it, they got a free trial, was enough for me
    via Old_Cry1308
  • OP NeedleworkerNo825 Thank you and yes, finding work now is brutal. I know a place that might be hiring in a couple of weeks, →
    via NeedleworkerNo825
  • Coriolanuscangetit They will outsource it to their cpa firm or bully the other employee into doing it. They will be fine.
    via Coriolanuscangetit
  • OP NeedleworkerNo825 No one else knows how to do what I was doing, and wouldn't do it for what they were paying me. They can't afford to outsource it.
    via NeedleworkerNo825
  • BaseHitToLeft I would be mad at you if you DID train them. Just make sure you update us when they come crawling back begging you to help them. Make sure your consultant rates are exorbitant
    via BaseHitToLeft
  • PoisonWaffle3 I would personally make training them conditional on some sort of severance. You're only a part time employee, but still.
    via PoisonWaffle3
  • OP Needleworker No825 I considered offering to help them, but I felt cutting ties all together would be best. They really don't know what they've done. Payroll is coming up next week and the Director just hired two new employees. Nothing has been input into our payroll system for them. The Director doesn't know how to set anyone up. I figure I'll be getting some frantic messages next week. Too bad I'll be out of town, living my best life.
    via NeedleworkerNo825
  • Bucky2015 then fuck that I'd walk.
    via Bucky2015
  • OP NeedleworkerNo825 I walked.
    via NeedleworkerNo825

  • The employee stayed true to herself.

    Update: I turned in my resignation this morning. The Director began crying and tried to hug me. I put my hands up and told her I was good. I emailed her a copy of all accounts with passwords, etc. An hour after getting home I received my first text asking me how to sign on to my computer. I don't have high hopes for their future. I could be wrong.
    via NeedleworkerNo825

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boss employee fired work workplace reddit thread Reddit entitled people
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