Answer the Phone or Not?

[theknight571]

Looking for opinions...

Recently I was laid-off. I was given a month's notice... but am not to report to work for that month.

So... I'm technically still employed and receiving pay checks, but don't actually work there anymore.

So far I've taken two calls from people I used to work with about work I was responsibile for before being let go. (There was no transition period... I was escorted out for info security reasons)

My family is giving me a hard time, saying that I shouldn't even answer the phone when they call, let alone answer any of their questions.

I'm bitter at being laid off, but not bitter at the people I worked with... it wasn't their decision... just don't get me started on my boss.

What do you think?

BTW... after my "notice" period is over... it's a no brainer to not answer them.

 

[2Xtreme21]

Would these people be calling you to make you do work?

 

[theknight571]

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21
Would these people be calling you to make you do work?

They've called and asked about procedures and some documentation I was working on.

Both conversations total maybe 10 min.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: theknight571
I was escorted out for info security reasons

Sorry, what? You're gonna have to expand on that one...

You stole data you had access to? Or you gained access to data you weren't supposed to ahve access to? Or you just did some relatively innocent bit of hax0ring on the company network and got buttfucked for it?

 

[jagec]

Well, technically you're still working for them, so I'd go for the "don't burn bridges" line. Now, if they were calling you 24/7 for help on a job that they fired you for...well, that's different.

Originally posted by: Atheus

Originally posted by: theknight571
I was escorted out for info security reasons

Sorry, what? You're gonna have to expand on that one...

You stole data you had access to? Or you gained access to data you weren't supposed to ahve access to? Or you just did some relatively innocent bit of hax0ring on the company network and got buttfucked for it?

Probably because they figure that if they don't escort you own IMMEDIATELY after telling you you're fired, you'll h4x0r teh Gibson and steal all their megahurtz. I doubt it had anything to do with anything the OP did.

 

[theknight571]

Originally posted by: Atheus

Originally posted by: theknight571
I was escorted out for info security reasons

Sorry, what? You're gonna have to expand on that one...

You stole data you had access to? Or you gained access to data you weren't supposed to ahve access to? Or you just did some relatively innocent bit of hax0ring on the company network and got buttfucked for it?

LOL... I didn't do anything wrong.

Part of my job involved rights to the Novell Tree, backup tapes, client information, etc.

It's become standard practice to escort the laid-off people out so they can't do any dammage before leaving, should they choose to do so.

I wasn't fired... I was laid off in a downsizing.

If I had been fired there would have been no "notice" period.

 

[Capt Caveman]

It's normal for many company's to escort people out the doors right after being given your notice.

If it's only for short questions and you're friendly with these co-workers, I would talk to them.

 

[SludgeFactory]

As long as it's only a few calls, I don't see a problem. Depending on the industry and the size of the town, burning bridges can come back to haunt you.

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: SludgeFactory
As long as it's only a few calls, I don't see a problem. Depending on the industry and the size of the town, burning bridges can come back to haunt you.

Besides, no needs to screw your workmates over.

 

[FeuerFrei]

You're still getting a paycheck. Better pick up the phone.

 

[jjones]

As long as the calls are short and relevent, I'd accept the calls. It doesn't seem to be much of an inconvenience and you never know if you'll ever need a favor, or to be looked upon favorably by one of these people, or someone in the company who was aware of your situation. In other words, no point to burning the bridge at this particular moment.

 

[jjones]

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
You're still getting a paycheck. Better pick up the phone.

He's been laid off. Refusing to take calls would not effect whether or not he continues to receive his severence.

 

[her209]

My advice: Don't burn the phones (just yet).

 

[Balt]

For the purpose of having backup references, I would stay on friendly terms with your former coworkers.

 

[sgrinavi]

Been there, done that -- don't burn any bridges that you might NEED to use later.....

 

[bctbct]

I would take the calls. They are paying you severance which is better than most would do. Too bad you didnt bargain for a lump sum severance check, you could be collecting unemployment.

 

[poopaskoopa]

If you're still being paid, I don't see why you wouldn't do some work with/for these people.

 

[spidey07]

Answer the calls to see if there is some information that you may need.

If they ask for ANY information or instruction regarding work immediately say you're avalable to consult via phone at 150 an hour.

Be firm. I'm serious. Do NOT talk business unless you're getting paid to do so.

 

[OrByte]

do you have another job already lined up?

If not then you should be on your best behavior. You only hurt yourself in the long run if you act like a dick.

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Answer the calls to see if there is some information that you may need.

If they ask for ANY information or instruction regarding work immediately say you're avalable to consult via phone at 150 an hour.

Be firm. I'm serious. Do NOT talk business unless you're getting paid to do so.

I'd wait a month before doing that, unless you get a job offer before then. Odds are that they'll tell you to pound sand once you start asking for money (I know that my bosses would!), and you'll lose some good references.

 

[MazerRackham]

If it's only a couple minutes each time, I would answer. Like others have said, no need to piss a whole bunch of people off, because you never know where/when you'll see them again (i.e. at another job).

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob

Originally posted by: spidey07
Answer the calls to see if there is some information that you may need.

If they ask for ANY information or instruction regarding work immediately say you're avalable to consult via phone at 150 an hour.

Be firm. I'm serious. Do NOT talk business unless you're getting paid to do so.

I'd wait a month before doing that, unless you get a job offer before then. Odds are that they'll tell you to pound sand once you start asking for money (I know that my bosses would!), and you'll lose some good references.

Nonsense. It's business and I wouldn't do any favors. It's just business.

You're not being a prick or difficult with this approach. But time and knowledge is money and I for one wouldn't give it up without compensation.

Sounds like OP got fired with some severance but they're still calling him. Nope. Call and you'll get billed unless company is calling to provide information, not request it.

 

[bearxor]

I'd answer the phone. Don't screw your workmates who didn't fire you if you're friendly with them. I've answered a call or IM from an old co-worker a year after leaving job.

 

[BoomerD]

The company laid you off...fuck them.

This has nothing to do with co-workers though. If you want to help them because you're still on friendly terms, then help them, otherwise, set the answering machine to say, "Gone Fishing, be back in a month, leave a message." If one of the bosses calls, (or if you suspect a co-worker is calling at the request of a boss) then ask for consultant fees of however much you think you can get.
Once you're laid off, (even if you're getting severance) you don't owe them anything.

 

[theknight571]

Bump for the workday crowd, since I posted the original message last night.