If your workplace told you that you couldn't be friends with an ex employee while you work there what would you do?

[smahala1991]

Would you stop being friends with them or sacrifice your job? Or, would you refuse to compromise?

[sage2021]

I would still hang out with my friend. I just wouldn't let my boss find out about it.
I also think it's against the law. If you were fired because of it, you would probably win and get your benefits.
If he brings it up again, tell him to put it in writing. That way you'll have proof he broke the law.

[MisterDub]

I would do a better job separating my private life from my professional life. After I realize that I've done a good job at that, I would insist upon the respect for "the way I am" and that this is more than slightly deserving of the respect of others. And if it persisted, I would insist upon behavior modification of whoever thinks they are "in charge" or me. Then again, I have always been "in charge" at some level, and walked around with people being intimated by my command, assertiveness, and vitality in my own field and role.

YMMV Your Mileage May Vary.

[Pudsmucker]

I work for an engineer firm years ago. I was let go during 9/11 a good friend stayed behind. I called him and asked him for some ideas, he gave me a cold shoulder thereafter. Have not talked with him over 20 years. Too bad so sad his problem not mine.

[Bratsondanielle]

That would depend if I was the CEO at Mercedes or working at the drive-thru at McDonald's and it would also depend on how good of a friend it was

[Bluethinker456]

In work I'd keep interactions about that person strictly professional (not lying, but bot talking about the friendship either), and outside it I'd keep the friendship, they should not control who I'm friends with, as long as I remain professional in my job.

[WhitneySnow]

I think that’s illegal. I would quit and hire a lawyer to sue them. Or I would just stay friends with the person and just not tell my boss.

[exitseven]

i would ignore what they said and if they fired me I would sue them for wrongful termination.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

I'd meet the ex-employee after work and not jeopardize my job

[msc545]

Depends on why I was told that and how badly I needed the job.

[madgoat]

Keep your friend and your job separate.

[jahaims]

They wouldn't know what I'm doing outside of work.

[Anonymous]

Sue them into oblivion?

[ChiTown33]

I'd laugh.