I feel very bad because I had to fire someone today...?

Question

I had to fire a girl today for stealing money. I fell terrible about this, particularly because she's an otherwise decent person and a single mother. I had a great working relationship with her and when I caught her stealing, it broke my heart. To make matters worse, when I told her I had to let her go, she started crying and didn't argue with me. She signed her termination paper without making a statement and then left.

I feel bad for both her and her children and for the fact that she now won't be able to pay her rent.

Has anyone here ever had an experience similar to this? And if so, what did you do to find peace of mind?

Answer 1

She may have had her reasons but she still has to abide by the rules just like the rest of us.

Answer 2

Yes! I had to fire someone for misconduct once and I felt terrible about it. I'd suspected her, and mentioned the misconduct in a hypothetical situation in a staff meeting, then later when I had proof it was her, I gave her a written warning. She continued her misconduct & I had no choice but to let her go. It was a situation just like the one you described--she cried, said nothing, signed the papers and left. I felt awful. I found peace of mind in knowing that I'd given her every chance to mend her ways, and that I had no other choice. I also didn't say anything bad about her when prospective employers called to ask me about her. I just gave them the dates that she worked for me & said that overall, she was an excellent employee, which was the truth.

Answer 3

Yes I have dealt with this same thing, you have to know that stealing from the company or an employee is taking moneys and others rent, so she is also taking your rent! She knew it was wrong and should not have done it. You are right don't feel bad for her, maybe her children but not her,. A lier is also a theif, a theif is also a lier. remember that

Answer 4

This is the toughest part of your job, hands down. You feel bad, but it was not her money, and you can't continue to allow her to work there if she takes the money. It is a pretty clear offense that you both know is wrong. She put you in that position in the first place by taking the money instead of seeking help from a social service agency.

Answer 5

If you want to be a good role model for your children, then you have to work and make money the honest way. It's hurting the company if she's stealing and she obviously knows it was wrong to do. Sometimes you just have to face up to the music and deal with the consequences.

Answer 6

You know you shouldn't feel bad for doing your job. Would you rather trade with her? It was her decision to steal and she knew she could get caught. She had no regard for you or the place of employment. You should feel bad for the kids, though. They have a theif for a mom and it could have been worse if she hadn't gotten caught. Hopefully this will put the fear of God in her.

Answer 7

it really is so unhappy my dad an proper worker develop into fired at the same time as i develop into youthful for no reason and that my dad spent weeks searching for a job yet existence tosses % bumps and its how get better that makes you retain on

Answer 8

Don't feel bad you did the right thing. Think if you hadn't fired her next time she would have steeled more money or done bigger crimes. Hopefully she learned her lesson ;)

Answer 9

Very sad but she has to play by the same rules that we all do. You may have done her a favor and she won't do this again.

Answer 10

You do what you gotta do.