Career Lessons Learned From My Refridgerator

Our refrigerator turned in its resignation last night.

Without even giving a two week notice, it suddenly decided it had had enough of working for us and decided to quit.  No resignation letter, no nothing. He simply stopped working.

By the time we discovered the fridge had decided to terminate his employment, we had water everywhere since he also failed to notify the ice-maker to stop going through the motions. His team was engaged, even though the fridge had mentally and physically checked out.

Clearly this was not the way to leave a job. He served us well for almost sixteen years; still, we may have reservations about recommending him or his brand to a friend.

As an employer, I wonder how I missed the distress signals.

Occasionally I heard some squeaks and grinds coming from the refrigerator; I thought he was simply doing his job. Yesterday I seem to remember a loud noise emanating from the kitchen, one that scared the dog. Yet I brushed it off; considering it was garbage day with trucks going down the alley, or maybe it was the crews working on the house next door.

In hindsight Hubby or I should have taken time with the refrigerator, to see what was going on in his world, checking the temperature to see if the ice was, indeed, icy.

I might have been able to predict that things were not as rosy as I thought they were, and maybe would have been better prepared for this seemingly sudden turn of events.

Instead, I’m left cleaning out the refrigerator, trying to salvage what I can of the lukewarm food.

As an employee, don’t be like our refrigerator.  When you are ready to leave your job – for whatever reason – it’s always best to do so on good terms.

• Give notice; two weeks if possible.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Help your team and boss with a plan to transition work.

As an employer, it’s important to be in tune with your employees rather than assume they are happy.

• Talk to them regularly and really listen to what they are saying.
• Don’t wait until they resign to start paying attention.
• You may not be able to solve all of the problems – nor should you, necessarily – but what you hear will speak volumes about what is going on among the staff.

Bosses should be prepared for, not be surprised by, resignations. And employees should do their best to make a smooth transition for those left behind.

It’s in everyone’s best interest.