How to be less loyal 5

[WiSEiwish]

I hear that these days company loyalty is not really a thing anymore. When there is a crunch tough decisions have to be made and even long term employees have to be let go in addition to those who have personal friendships with the boss. I've witnessed the aftermath of a layoff of a person who had a good history with the boss. There wasn't bad blood or anything, but I could sense the hurt on both sides. When it comes down to it, management has to and will make these tough decisions no matter how tough they may be.

On the other side of the coin is the employee. I've always approached my current career jobs as though I will work for that particular company until I retire, but still knowing that it may not be a long term thing. I've been fortunate to be in situations where I have been able to befriend coworkers, and have always been on good terms, personally and professionally with my superiors. That being said, I have to look at the relationship between myself and my employer from the lens of the employer. If they are able to cut ties to better their position no matter how tough a decision it may be then I must be able to do the same...but it is hard. It would be easier if I was able to detach myself emotionally from the situation, but doing that would be to remove an important attachment between myself and my employer. I don't really like being at work all day with emotional detachment from my coworkers. There is no fun in that. How do you deal with these types of situations?

I've gotten myself into a situation where I rationally know that I should look around, but it is really hard to make that choice to jump in to the job market. The company I'm working for has been slow and I'm not sure how strong they are financially. There are a lot of red flags in that department. It is quiet here with very few opportunities to socialize and interact with other employees. My department is small with little to no mentoring (I'm young). I am relied upon heavily for there isn't a back-up plan (not a problem of my doing), so if I leave there would have to be an immediate hire. I know it is the right decision to leave, but how do I get this weight of loyalty off of my shoulders?

Any empathy out there?

 

[Panther140]

KENAT I do agree with that! Incompetency makes it harder for me to respect my coworkers enough to fully enjoy their social skills. On the other hand, seeing a coworker go above and beyond at work redeems them of social ineptitude.

"Formal education is a weapon, whose effect depends on who holds it in his hands and at whom it is aimed." ~ Joseph Stalin

 

[WiSEiwish]

Does it always have to be that way? From my experience, social skills are not necessarily inversely related to job performance.

 

[KENAT]

I never implied they were PE2012 - that was you putting your prejudice onto what I put.;-)

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[IRstuff]

"From my experience, social skills are not necessarily inversely related to job performance. "

That's true. BUT, recognition of job performance and job advancement often are.

TTFN
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[WiSEiwish]

Reverting back to the original topic. I really appreciate the personal examples! Disappointing people, or perceived disappointment, is difficult to handle on a personal level, but has to be overcome on the professional level. I suppose if we are all professionals there will be at least a mutual understanding and we will move on.