Interesting Dilema

[T.C.]

When I was made redundant by the same firm for the second time earlier this year, rather than work my three months notice, I walked out in disgust and spent a few weeks on gardening leave whilst I sorted out a new job. Given the circumstances, I didn't even bother saying goodbye to anyone as it had all become very clique', so I simply cleared my desk and walked, although I was allowed to keep my company car for three months and I was paid three months salary.

A few weeks later, I am working for my current firm, from home on a batter salary, in an area of law that is in my area of expertise (Bike accidents) and I am happy

Imagine my surprise when yesterday a letter lands on my doormat from my old firm asking me to meet up with a couple of the partners for lunch and catch up on matters generally.

My first reaction was to say "Sod em!" But then my wife mentions that there is a free lunch, and it may be interesting to see what they are fishing for, not that I would ever go back.

So, do I stay with my first thought and ignore, or do I meet up for no other reason than I get a free lunch which might save my good lady having to cook an evening meal?

Actually, I can guess what they are after, (motorcycle expertise) as I brought in quite a bit of work for them, but I feel no sense of loyalty towards them after they screwed me despite them making certain promises.

As I say, an interesting dilema

[HisNibbs]

Made redundant a second time.... why go back for a third?

It doesn't hurt to talk but I'd be , and you sound very circumspect.

[HowardQ]

As the old saying goes TC.............
There's no such thing as a free lunch.

Then again you could just go for the free meal and liquid refreshment.

I would still be very wary third time around though, as HisNibbs has already said.

[T.C.]

As the old saying goes TC.............
There's no such thing as free lunch.

Then again you could just go for the free meal and liquid refreshment.

I would still be very wary third time around though, as HisNibbs has already said.

Oh believe me, they are not going to catch me out a third time. As I said, the dilema reallly is do I go and let them spend some money of some decent food, or do I just ignore, I don't owe them anythinng after all

[Kwackerz]

I personally would turn the offer down. You work for another firm and it would bring the good name of your current firm in to question for a relative newbie to be out to lunch with his old firm... all very eyebrow raising stuff...

I'd maybe go after asking whether its alright to bring an acquaintance along..


..and take the boss!

[T.C.]

I personally would turn the offer down. You work for another firm and it would bring the good name of your current firm in to question for a relative newbie to be out to lunch with his old firm... all very eyebrow raising stuff...

I'd maybe go after asking whether its alright to bring an acquaintance along..


..and take the boss!

Good point well made

This had also crossed my mind. It would be very disrespectfull to my current boss and the firm, which is why I think I am swaying more towards your point of view.

[HowardQ]

Either alone or with a friend I think, I would be tempted to go for the lunch.
Especially if they do make you an offer and you can tell then them that you are now much better off and working from home in area of law that you enjoy most.

[D-Rider]

If it were just "lunch and catching up" I doubt they'd have gone to the bother of sending a letter.
If you go, there will be that little part of you thinking that you are in their debt - if only for the meal.

There again, curiosity can be a compelling force and it may just get the better of you.

If you really wouldn't go back to them under any circumstances - which is what I'm hearing - then probably best to avoid the situation completely.

[joecrx]

i would think twice about the lunch , ok i have , go , and see what there up to , if they have a job offer on the table id think twice, again they want somthing you have , you wont know till you go

[Samray]

They are sure as hell trying to arrange it for their own benefit and not for yours.
Fuck em!







Of course they might be going to ask you for a job , or offer you a partnership. Like I said, their gain.

[scorpio24v]

Dont be too concerned about loyalty to your current employer. If you want loyalty get a dog

Remember there is no such thing as a free lunch so they will be after something. Choose the most expensive thing on the menu, be on your guard so as not to tarnish your professional integrity, by divulging any intellectual property you may have from your new company, and or, client confidentiality. Law society takes a dim view etc. Consider a small pocket voice recorder or take contemporanious (sic) notes. You never know they may overstep the mark, remember a verbal contract aint worth the paper its written on, recordings though....

Treat it as part of the "game" you never know, they may offer you a partnership!

Finally, revenge is a dish best served cold, if they are fishing, and owe you no more pay and allowances/bonusses, you can have the relish of telling them exactly what you think of their shabby little ambulance chasing operation.

Lets us know how it goes

[lazarus]

Go to the lunch. Be civil and friendly. You never know when you might need them or they can do you a favour. Only a fool makes unnecessary enemies.

[T.C.]

I decided to decline the invitation.

It suddenly dawned on me why they wanted to "Catch Up", but I also forgot until last night that I have also taken my daughters personal injury claim off them and given it to my current firm. The letter would have arrived this morning

I don't think that will go down too well, and it would not surprise me if the offer of lunch was withdrawn anyway

[GregD-UK]

Hi all,

There you go T.C. it was your first gut feeling that you relied on After all, it isn't about you or your current job that was in question. Maybe a slight niggling feeling or interest or even an inquisition on your part to see what was their way of thinking.....

"Gut Feelings," can be quite an interesting dilemma, it is your sub-conscious reply to your own thoughts

Well done though....

[BikerGran]

I'm amazed that they thought you'd meet them (ok, no I'm not, I've been on the recieving end of that kind of arrogance) and I'm even more amazed that you would consider it even for a minute!