Is complaining to your boss when he lays you off okay?

[Bethany22]

I feel as though he doesn't know the whole story about why I didn't collaborate too well with my colleague. Is it okay to tell him traits about them that made things worse, or should I just figure out how to handle that same type of colleague at my next job?

Yes

No

Depends

Updates

+1 y

Should I put that job on my resume? I was only there a few months

[abc3643]

Whenever you have an issue with a coworker, you elevate it to your superiors and/or human resources.
It may instigate drama with your coworker and make it uncomfortable to continue to work there, but this does protect you a bit. For one thing, when superiors look at your performance and see that it is lacking BUT that this coworker is having an adverse impact, they will take action... usually.

Sometimes, you just need to move on though.
In 1999, I was working at a tiny software company started by my buddies. Another guy who worked there was able to get his girlfriend, straight out of school, to become our new administrative assistant. She was poison. She and I had issues and even my wife did when she joined before we were married. My wife left and then, about 2-3 months later, I did too. That woman is STILL there although my buddies split apart about 20 years ago so only 1 owns the business now. I am glad I worked for them because I learned a lot and met my wife, but I'd never work at a company that small again and realize that sometimes the environment in a company, for whatever reason, sucks, and you have to move on.

[abc3643]

Consider this a lesson in The School of Hard Knocks.
Feel free to submit a calmly written letter to your old boss, but do not make this a drama unloading. You may need your boss to give you some type of recommendation in a future job and reputation is everything. So, while you may have lost your job, defend yourself calmy and admit your failing here - that you did not raise the issue with the coworker earlier. Thank your boss for the time there and wish them well. Then move on.

If you DON'T want to contact your old boss, that's OK too but don't expect a recommendation of any type.

============
I want to give you something of a life adage:
>>> Speak up for yourself.
If you don't make public what you want, you won't get it.
Prayer doesn't work. Words and actions do.
You don't have to be a demanding asshole, but you do need something of a backbone to survive in the real world because there are demanding assholes who would just as soon kill you to get ahead if it was legal. Case in point: Donald Trump

[Bethany22]

That's really good advice, thanks! Isn't it annoying that that's often the case, the annoying ones get to keep their jobs, stay in the same apartment, while everyone else leaves to escape them.

[glennos89]

If you feel you wanne tell them your opinion then do it! Fuck them and what they about it. Better to get those things off your chest then to keep walking along with negative feelings because you didn't let them out.

I have been layed off in the past to unfairly and they pissed me off with that descision ruining my following day (s).

I was really angry so I definitly told them exactly what I was I thinking about them at that moment and I wasn't sugar coating it. They ruined my day so I was happy to give them a taste of their own medicine.

But do understand this... There really isn't anything to gain with such actions unless they keep bothering you on the inside if you dont tell them how you feel about.

The best thing you can do is to ignore them completely, take all your stuff and be happy that you can search for a better place to work now

[Screenwriter]

Let this be a learning experience for you. Excuses don't usually cut it.

Learn how to collaborate with a difficult colleague in the future. Bosses don't want a problem worker. The colleague wasn't laid off, were they? This should tell you something. Figure out why they are still on the job and you aren't.

Good luck.

[Bethany22]

I don't think my colleague should have been laid off. I just think we all should have considered their part in the situation. Other than poor interpersonal skills, that colleague is a very valuable worker, so I completely understand why they were kept.

[dustybiker]

It’s not classy. Poor reflection on yourself.

[AviatorTom]

When you're laid off, it's best to just leave... don't do anything negative, you probably won't be believed anyway, and there's always the possibility that you will meet up with your co-workers sometime in the future, so don't burn any bridges.

Be a professional, thank your boss for the time you worked, politely gather up your personal things, and leave the building.

[AviatorTom]

Re: your update. It's generally a good idea to put every job on your resume, especially when it shows a continuity of work and different kinds of experience. Prospective employers may get suspicious if there are holes in a candidate's work experience.

[Bethany22]

Thanks, that's helpful

[NathanDavis]

do not complain...

discuss it, clarify, explain... but don't complain

bosses are bosses for a reason, so it is always better to construct a dialogue rather than complaining about things... it does help to bring understanding

also, criticizing others when you failed at your task does not make you look any better

[Sparkie460]

If you think it is something they should know about you should tell them. Her traits can affect the business in the future. You should also figure out how to handle that type of coworker in the future.

I'm really sorry that you got laid off. I hope you find something soon.

[Avatar74]

To be honest, if you don't work there anymore its best to just walk away with your head held high and start or seek a new role, you don't want to stir up a hornets nest.

If in your new job you do have difficulty in working with someone, I would then talk to. your new boss about it, but I agree with other posts here do not complain, make your feelings clear and discuss the issue but don't complain.

[SnowedIn]

@NathanDavis and @Gagname are EXACTLY right. I can't add anything other than to say heed their advice for this situation and any in the future.

[Gagname]

Thanks for the endorsement @snowedin

[Jamie05rhs]

I did it once. I felt that it was necessary. The dude was an absolute monster. I felt like management needed to know.
I didn't argue or beg for my job back, though. I just wrote a letter and left it with the director of operations on the way out.

[maximumpower]

Complain if you want, but consider if it would it change his/her mind? Probably not.
THEN consider whether it make a difference in whether they'll hire you back? Most certainly yes.

[CaptainSmartass]

Nope. You don't want to shit your bucket full, in case you need to work for him again.

Simples...

[Andres77]

What’s the point? I think it makes you look weak

[Alex8736]

better off calling the HR team and appeal your layoff and mention what core values you contribute to the company

[Shy_Steve]

Your better off not wasting your time on someone who hasn't given you a chance, So your better off just to move on.

[pizzalovershouse]

Just learn to deal with the gerks an no one likes a gossip type

[legalboxers]

if you hate the job and they harass you fuck them

[OddBeMe]

I’d be civil and ask. Perhaps he could recommend you. Sometimes I have contractors who didn’t work well with my team.

[Anonymous]

No it’s not ok…

[Opinion Owner]

You should never “complain” to your boss, plus it’s too late now to discuss this situation with him.

Next time: reach out to your colleague and try to discuss how you might be able to work & get along better together.

Like you said: “Figure out how to handle that same type of colleague at your next job,” and realize that 2-people interactions aren’t about “traits” that one person has or doesn't have BUT about the dynamics between 2 people with sometimes same or similar/sometimes differing traits.

[msc545]

He does not want to hear your story. Don't make things worse.

[Sixgunsound]

What is he going to do, fire you?

[Bethany22]

I thought it might help get my job back. At worst, could ruin my reputation when he gives me references

[Sixgunsound]

In my state all the previous employer is allowed to do is give dates and job description

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Yes stick up for your rights

[Jennz6]

Depends on what kind of work that you do

[Debbie14217]

no he dont care

[Summeroflove]

Eh. Depends.

[slatyb]

It's pointless.

[eagle1951]

oh hell yes

[Iron_Man]

Give him hell