Exit with Dignity

By Thornton Crowe

Losing a job is never easy and sometimes, it can be a very embarrassing experience when made public.

Many of you know, former FBI Director James Comey now has a personal memo circulating DC about a private meeting he had with President Trump where he alleges some impropriety was afoot. While it looks dubious that this memo comes forth now that he's been fired, he is grasping at desperate straws as if to tell the world he was wrongfully terminated from his position, regardless of his ridiculous behavior during the election and negligent handling of the Clinton investigations during his tenure.

Whatever happened to leaving with grace; dignity intact?

This very situation seems to be unfolding in our own micro-government and it's a trend that really needs to stop!

Last Friday, we learned of Bob Culver's firing of former County Finance Director, Leslie Lewis. We learned the scant details through a post here -- how he asked for her resignation and when she was refused, she was promptly terminated and an announcement was made to the public about her removal. Since the posting, someone (or persons) has attempted to post derogatory comments smearing other employees and threatening a lawsuit against the county.

Really? Is this at all necessary or a sign of maturity?

Like a petulant ex-spouse, ex-employees in today's working climate seem to be fraught with turmoil and conflict. These types of behaviors are not isolated to Comey or Lewis, it seems many forget they work at the pleasure of their bosses or business owners. When they fail to perform to standards or liking, they become aggressive if they are let go.

I hate to break it to the disgruntled, but being bitter about termination or forced resignation does nothing to the former boss or employees. Instead it makes one look petty, thus losing any remaining stature left after such an event. Doesn't this say a lot about what we call the snowflakes?

All too often in today's society, we're told we have rights to things we don't and yet, we believe the hype. We believe those social justice warriors who say that not only can we be prima ballerinas but it's also an inalienable right. The fact is, when you work a job, it's good to remember you live in a right to work state and your position is not a guarantee but a gift -- government positions are no exception!

Leslie Lewis
Former Finance Director of Wicomico

Learning to leave with dignity is always better because talking ill of your ex-boss is a good way to ensure you won't find a new boss. Nobody wants to hire those who have sued or publicly vilified former bosses, because they're seen as future liabilities.

Like a messy divorce, lawsuits have a way of ginning up more courtroom angst and are often treated by others treat like the plague. Sure, at first, your friends and family are sympathetic and will often encourage some off-the-cuff action because they feel it's their duty to support the wounded; however, long about the third day of complaining, sob stories, crying, yelling and negativity, most will run not walk to the nearest exit when they see you in the food market or on the street. Why? Because, they get sick of hearing about your plight and dealing with you just brings them down.

While being fired is always a bitter pill to swallow, it's a part of life. Things just didn't work out and you, in essence, were asked to sever ties. Nobody likes it but it is what it is and no amount of complaining or legal action is going to restore happiness.

In truth, there's really no vindication unless you've been physically assaulted by your former supervisor, so why bother? Granted, there are attorneys whom specialize in wrongful termination but that's because, in most cases, it means billable hours. However, in reality for the former employee, it always ends up as a big loss - even if they win their case.  Not only do they lose their savings (and settlement money) in legal fees, they lose their dignity and possibly future employment prospects.

With everything else in the world, do we really need more drama?

Now I won't pretend to know one iota about the bad blood between Culver and Lewis. However I can say, I really don't care either. I'm probably not alone. Whatever really happened was between them and frankly, none of our business. The whole escapade on comments just looks like a huge soap opera minus the sappy background music.

My father always says, "When the fruit is gone, it's time to move on." Hopefully, Ms. Lewis and Mr. Comey will heed those words without further incident. Something tells me, neither is that terribly bright. Guess time will tell!