Ask Mica: Work Woes

Dear Mica,

I recently quit my job for the company I’ve been working for after a long term of employment (I worked in the kitchen of a local hot spot). My bosses and I have been friends for a long time but now seem to hate me. I gave my two weeks notice to which I was told “not to bother coming in” and so now have 2 weeks until I start my next job. I HAD to quit the job (too many shifts and not enough money), but would like to keep a positive connection with them. Should I pursue keeping our friendship, or just let it go?

Out of Work and Luck

Dear OWL,

Good for you to stand up for yourself! Too many people put up with being overworked and underpaid.

My question for you is – do you want to maintain the friendship because you genuinely value them or do you just want a good reference.

If you just want the reference, then I’d suggest talking to them (as friends) and thank them for the time they spent teaching you. After that, there’s nothing else you can really do. If they’re not your friends then they will have to at least recognize the effort you put into the job and leave it at that.

If you want to keep the friendship intact because you like them as people, then I’d give them space (let them cool off) and in a few weeks get in touch and take ‘em out for a drink. They’re just upset that they’re losing you, and reacting childishly. Explain the sitch face to face, and then see what happens. Best of luck!

Email your dilemas to askmica@pinkmafia.ca.