“Hey, quick question. Can you just answer one thing for me?”
Anyone who’s been suddenly let go knows the confusion that follows. I remembered all the late nights, skipped dinners, and weekend emails I’d done just to be “reliable.” And yet, I was disposable the moment it was convenient for them.
A second text followed: “Sorry to bother you on vacation. It’ll only take a second.”
Choosing Silence and Peace
In that moment, I realized they didn’t miss me—they missed convenience. I typed several angry replies, then deleted them all. Instead, I sent one simple message:
“Since I was terminated before this trip, I’m no longer able to assist. I hope you understand.”
No anger. No emotional labor. Just the facts. Their response was short and awkward: “Oh. Right. Okay. Enjoy your vacation.”