“You’re better off,” some trite bullsh*t like that?
I’m still stunned.
Best to be empathetic. This will be very easy to do if you consider that there may be another round of layoffs coming. . .
I’d acknowledge the suckiness of the situation for your friend. Don’t mention your own relief, or feelings of guilt that you may have; if he mentions your good luck, be honest about your relief, and about any concerns you may have about the future.
Then get right back to validating his grief and anger, so he can get past it and move on.
Maybe just a simple, “I’m sorry. You’ll be miseed.”?
The difference between trite and polite is sincerity, imo.
How about, “Shit happens” and then take the person out for a drunkard of a time.
Thanks for your replies, Dopers.
Ask to take a copy of his or her resume, and offer to keep your ear to the ground. If you’re comfortable with it, and you think highly of their work, Tell them to feel free to consider you part of that person’s professional network. Tell them to keep you informed of their target companies, in case you know somebody there.
If they still have some time left before their last day, DON’T treat them like they don’t exist.
bup’s advice is all excellent. You might also consider taking the person out to lunch in a few weeks to talk about the above topics and generally commiserate. Job hunting is lonely work.
Agree with others here. Definitely try to keep in touch and offer to be used as a work reference, if you think well of your friend’s work. Maybe send a greeting card for the holidays saying you miss the person (if you do). You never know about that blade coming around again. Aside: I lost a job on one occasion, and it was interesting how many former co-workers contacted me after I started my own business, with hints like, “Maybe I could work for you.” :rolleyes:
“I’ve got this great plan. Ever see Superman III?”
What bup said. Or, at the very least, make it clear that you will be a very good reference when needed.