The paralegal who works in our department was terminated today, for performance and (I was told) personality issues. She's been a thorn in my side from within a month after she started. We've worked together for, I guess, almost two years, and have a strong clash almost every month, mostly because she keeps trying to get me to do pieces of her work and tries to treat me as if she is one of my supervisors (which she isn't)- and *tells* me, rather than asking me if I have time and am willing to do some task. Each time that happens, when I say no, I don't have time or I won't do it, she has a fit, the partner in charge of our department speaks with her, and it doesn't happen for another month. So, bottom line, I'm not going to miss her.

At the same time, I feel very badly for her. I know being terminated is a major blow to her ego and feelings of self-respect (as it would be to me)- not to mention the financial issues and the hassle of job hunting. I think the firm probably had good reasons for terminating her, and I know the partner and associates have been working with her for a couple of months on the performance issues. But still, I feel badly.

Really, I'm not sure how I feel, except I know that as much as she's been a thorn in my side and the cause of much venting at home, I feel badly for her.

By Tink on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 08:54 pm:

If I remember correctly, you mentioned having problems with this paralegal quite a while back. Hopefully, her job search goes well and she finds a position that is a better fit for her personality. Along those same lines, I hope your firm finds a new employee that is better able to respect you and your time. I'd have mixed feelings about her termination too.

By Hol on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 11:18 pm:

Ginny, I understand your mixed feelings, however, she brought it on herself. It sounds like she has had more than enough opportunities and warnings to straighten herself out. It is sad to say, but many people are their own worst enemy.

Is she the one who gave extravagant gifts to the partners last Christmas?

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 05:47 am:

Christmas before last, and a generous gift to me, and I had to scramble to find a gift for her. This past Christmas I got her a wall and pocket calendar with pictures of the breed of her dog, but she gave me nothing - don't know what she gave the attorneys.

By Kaye on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 08:11 am:

Ginny, it shows your character that you aren't dancing with joy

However, being fired can be hard, but if she was doing that bad of a job, she was probably really unhappy. So this is probably a boot to move into something she likes more. Hopefully she can find something soon that is more fullfilling.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 09:18 am:

Let it go.. (((Ginny)))