Text Message Exchange Between Former Employee and Boss Sparks Debate
A recent incident involving an exchange of text messages between a former employee and their ex-boss has ignited controversy online. UK workplace expert Ben Askins, known for advocating workplace conduct, shared this exchange that has garnered attention for its surprising nature.
In the messages, the boss reached out to the recently dismissed worker, seeking assistance to train their replacement. The boss texted, "Hey, I know this probably isn’t the best time to ask, but we’re struggling with the new ticketing process. Is there any chance you could come in and run the new guy through it?" The worker’s response was one of astonishment, replying, "Are you having a laugh? You fired me last week?"
Despite the awkwardness of the situation, the boss insisted that the matter was urgent. He stated, "I wouldn’t have asked if it wasn’t important," and even offered to buy the worker a coffee in return for their help. The former employee, initially resistant, ultimately agreed to conduct a remote tutorial but insisted on charging for half a day of service.
The boss then questioned the proposed payment, implying that the task would only take a few minutes. The employee, however, firmly stated, "That is the deal." The exchange ultimately concluded with the boss expressing disappointment at the worker’s approach to the situation.
Askins commented on the interaction, noting that the boss was "really pushing his luck" by asking the worker for assistance after termination. He emphasised that the ex-employee had no obligation to help and that charging for their time was entirely reasonable. "First, let’s be very clear, he does not have to do this favour, so the fact that he is charging is just completely okay," Askins noted.
Online observers largely sided with the former employee, with many expressing disbelief at the boss’s audacity. Comments ranged from suggestions of significantly higher consultancy fees to outright refusal to engage with the former employer. One individual remarked, “Half a day? I’d charge them my ‘consultancy fee’ and it would be astronomical,” highlighting the shared sentiment that the boss’s request was out of line.
Others chimed in with their own experiences, recounting similar situations where they were asked to return to assist past employers, illustrating that this is not an isolated incident. As another commenter stated, “I also got this call from my last boss. I would want the money first,” indicating the numerous instances where former employees face similar demands, often without proper recognition of their time and expertise.
Overall, this incident has sparked a broader conversation about workplace boundaries, the expectations placed on employees, and the respect owed to those who have moved on from a company. The response to this text exchange illustrates the prevalent view that once an employee has been let go, asking for favours—or demanding assistance—can be seen as highly inappropriate, if not outright unreasonable.
