When I left my job of thirteen years, I left on my own terms. I was fine. I made the decision that day and immediately felt the weight lift.  I was lighter.

I had a few co-workers reach out asking if I was okay. I said that I will be, as I am not sure how many really knew how my health had declined in the past few years.

Many did not know that my leaving that day was my choice, they only knew I had left unexpectedly. They didn't know that I had actually made my decision long before I even reached HR's door, as I had declined a meeting that day and was invited to a "coaching". I knew the minute my sixth leader of my 13 years of employment there, asked me to take a walk with her. I was done with this behavior and mentality.

It was time to heal. It was not about anyone but me that day. I chose me.

When I left my job that day, an email went out to all employees to let them know that I was no longer employed there and that I was pursuing interests elsewhere. Nothing was said that I was pursuing an opportunity to be happy again, just "interests elsewhere".

A two-time recognized “high performer”, as well as given the best employee review just two weeks prior to my leave, was escorted out the door.

It still to this day was the best day ever. I recall being asked if my husband should be called because my reaction was not what was expected. I was so happy. I was asked if I would walk to my office and leave without making a commotion.I guess skipping would have been too much. I was sent a text later in the day asking if I made it home okay. Seriously?! I've lived at the same address for most of my adult life.

All belittling and demeaning to the state of how I was feeling about leaving.... so much lighter. I guess most people are sad? I haven't felt that, yet.

It only goes to show that even those that may be considered a good employee can become weary and "broken”. There is no shame in making the decision for yourself and for your family. There is no shame in leaving an employer that does not value you. Period.

Since that day, I have had co-workers/friends that have reached out to me. Some in the first weeks, months, and even in recent days, letting me know that sadly, they did not all leave on their own terms. They were given an ultimatum. Resign or be terminated.

Many of these people I knew as hard workers that were dedicated to their jobs. Many of them had put in so much of their time and had given endless hours to their jobs. Long-term employees that may or may not have known that an ultimatum was going to be coming.

My message to all of those that once were recognized as “high performers” and then one day were walked down a hall to Human Resource’s office, YOU are a good person.

You very well could be possibly a subject of poor management.

You carried the skills, the passion, the drive but lacked the direction and ability to do your best, the ability to use your "strengths" in a productive way because your leadership lacked the ability to build you up, so they tore you down. 

It is not always a bad employee. It sometimes is a bad employer.

What a few people’s opinion of you that have been placed in positions of authority, is not what other’s opinion is of you nor should you think of yourself any differently. You should never feel any less or unimportant.

When people are placed in authoritative positions, whether they are qualified for that role or not, they may feel threatened by employees that may have more knowledge and skills than them. They may feel challenged or intimidated, if they are questioned. They are embarked with their own insecurities, they may write an employee up just simply from ignorance.

it is the only power that they truly hold, as they are not true leaders, nor is everyone meant to be. They may have been given that "title" or given that role, but does not mean they are qualified. We all know the difference between good leadership and poor leadership.

A person that is a “high performer” for their company, does not just one day stop being a “high performer”.

Many things happen to change how an employee performs or feels about their job and employer. Many times, they are still a high performer, but the leadership has changed and with change in the leadership has changed the direction of the employees.

When an employer has a very noticeable turnover, there is probably a very good reason: Poor leadership.

People in the community and surrounding area become aware. If asked where you previously worked, the reply is usually one of great understanding and not foreboding shame as it has become such a commonality.

Corporations have a way of presenting their data to look good for shareholders.They have a way of tweaking the numbers to look good and to make everything look better than it may be, this is a reason that board members or shareholders may not feel concern in regards to staff changes.

Sadly, some employers think of their employees just as numbers on a spreadsheet, not people, all while labeling them as "team" and "family", although, we wouldn't treat our teammates or family the way some company's do their employees.

Workers are more than a number they are humans. They have dreams. They have feelings. They have potential when given the opportunity and also have a leader that can help them to succeed, it makes all the difference.

When I was in college, an instructor once said after well over half of his class had failed his exam, he said that the failure was on him. He took ownership of his students' failure and offered more opportunities to seek his help outside of class. He changed how he presented his review prior to testing. I always admired him for being in the role that he was in. By changing his method of presenting the information, his students were able to to succeed. A profound professor and leader in my eyes.

Employees that have been given the ultimatum; you are a good employee.  

A turnover rate says more about the company that it does about the employee. Employees can only be as good as their leaders allow them to be.

If you have ever been escorted out of your place of employment, you may feel mad, if you will; you may need to grieve, even if you find that it is a relief. No matter how you feel, reflect on yourself as an individual.

Remember to relax and spend time with your family and friends; you are not replaceable to them.

Don't start searching for a new job right away. You're not ready. In many cases, an employee may have years of being belittled, unsupported, and devalued so healing is needed.

Relearn your worth and if your job made you unhealthy, take time to get well. Rest.

Eventually, the weight will lift and you will know. You will just know when you are ready for that next step.

You are a good employee and for the right employer, you will again do good things.