Helping out former coworkers?

[Axtman]

It's probably only a matter of time before I get laid off my job. I have been there almost 10 years so I know that people will contact me for questions.

Should I refuse to answer any of their questions? Should I answer all their questions regardless? Should I ask them to hire me on contract and charge them my time for helping them out?

What would you do?

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Depends on how much of your time they end up trying to use.

I'm a fan of not burning bridges, you never know when contacts can be useful.

[Axtman]

I guess if is a question like "Where do I find this?" or "What do you remember doing on this project?" I will answer them. But if the questions get to the point where I have to do a lot of research for them or put in a lot of time, I cut them off or send them a bill.

I too am not a fan of burning bridges but neither am I a fan of free labor. If they have problems after I leave, well then maybe they should have thought of that before I was let go.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Aye, it is completelly dependant on how far the questions go. A few simple ones here or there, fair enough.

If it starts getting a bit much, just tell them it's using a lot of your time and you aren't working for free, see if you can get a consultancy contract.

I guess it depends on the individual case, but a lot of places are having to let people go, even if they don't want to. Just the way things are right now sadly :-\

[MJ5150]

I'm about to leave my job as well, and face the same issue. I will continue to help the people I consider my friends at the former employer.

-Mike

[Phalex]

What would you say it is you do there??

I'd answer the "where can I find this?" kind of questions for a week or 2, but I'd want a "Consultation fee" for anything I may know that others may not.

[Axtman]

I write architectural specifications. So I have a ton of knowledge about products, systems, material, installation methods, precautions, contract law, etc. Plus I have a ton of stuff "squirreled" away.

I have honestly come to the conclusion that I am not appreciated at work. Nobody notices what I do unless I make a mistake......just like playing the bass

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by Axtman

It's probably only a matter of time before I get laid off my job. I have been there almost 10 years so I know that people will contact me for questions.

Should I refuse to answer any of their questions? Should I answer all their questions regardless? Should I ask them to hire me on contract and charge them my time for helping them out?

What would you do?

Well, technically you are still employed there, so I think you have a certain obligation to uphold your job, and if that means fielding questions from your soon to be replacement you should probably oblige.

[Lazylion]

Originally Posted by Axtman

It's probably only a matter of time before I get laid off my job. I have been there almost 10 years so I know that people will contact me for questions.
Should I refuse to answer any of their questions?..
What would you do?

If you DO get laid off...
Get a new phone number. And a new email address. Keep them private if possible.

[jive1]

It's the employers responsibility to plan for your leaving if they are letting you go. So I'd go by the axiom "Poor planning on your part, doesn't constitute an emergency on my part".

[Strat-Mangler]

Plan it like this ; if they lay you off, it's due to budget reasons or some other out-of-your-control reason, request a letter stating you worked well & hard during your entire stay.

If they ask you questions, be polite and firm by stating that you're no longer an employee and that if they wish for you to work for them, they should pay you for your time and knowledge. Suggest to them that you have no problem working on contract for a set time and salary, but make sure everything is in writing before even bothering to perform any task.

My dad taught me that everything can be said ; it's just the way you put it that can either be well taken or be interpreted as insulting.

Just because you don't want to burn bridges doesn't mean you should let them treat you like dirt (i.e. fire you and then have the gall to want your help... for free, to add insult to injury?!!!!??!). You can do this without burning bridges.

As I said, be diplomatic, but firm. Let them chew on it if you need to.

[Strat-Mangler]

Originally Posted by Axtman

I write architectural specifications. So I have a ton of knowledge about products, systems, material, installation methods, precautions, contract law, etc. Plus I have a ton of stuff "squirreled" away.

I have honestly come to the conclusion that I am not appreciated at work. Nobody notices what I do unless I make a mistake......just like playing the bass

That's the very reason I have decided to not work for big companies ever again. Did so for the better part of 8+ years and that is the same conclusion I came to, myself.

You're expected to your work absolutely perfectly and when you don't, they'll use that mistake (no matter how small) against you in more ways than one, ranging from being denied promotions to a salary freeze. It's insane & illogical.

Now, I work for a small company that doesn't micromanage and respects me as an employee. It's a hell of a change, I have to say, but it's a good one and all positive.

You'd never catch me applying for huge companies ever again. I had my fill. No thanks.

[Axtman]

Thanks guys for the advice.

On a side note. Do you think that I should "rally the troops"? That is many people do not know that I will be let go. Should I try to get their support in order to keep my job? I am thinking that if management sees that many people want me to stay (as opposed to 2 that want me to leave) they might think twice about letting me go. If for anything else I know that many project managers would not want me to leave in the middle of their project.

Thanks!