Someone at work you have sort of a "frenemy" relationship with just got fired. You want to reach out to them and express condolences and offer networking support, but are worried they'll lash out because they think you might have something to do with it (even though you 100% didn't). Would you still reach out or just let them be?

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Only reach out to friends. Let the others be.

But if you really feel compelled to do something. Wait for them to make a LinkedIn post about it then like it.

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Define frenemy. If you ever made their job difficult, chances are you did indirectly have something to do with it.

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Let them be

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Do not reach out to them

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“Liking the LinkedIn post” is not doing anything. Can’t believe that qualifies as an action.

Your hands are clean. If it were me, I’d reach out.

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Do what you wish someone would do for you. How hard is that? Eventually, it all comes back.

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Do the right thing. Forget how you think they’ll respond if you’re doing it for the right reason.

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Leave them be

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Do not reach out.

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In this industry, we all need to help each other. And we cross paths with people again at various agencies along our career. A simple “sorry to hear you were let go, if I can help in any way I’m here” kind of message is nice. I’ve been let go before - and the silence was shocking. Just a simple text to say “I hope you’re doing ok, let me know if I can help” went a long way.

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I wouldn’t touch that with a 10 ft pole. I agree with Freelance1, if they make an LI post and you’re connected, like it, but otherwise, nah.

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Do they know they’re a frenemy? Because sometimes people aren’t self aware enough to discern when people don’t like them… if you think they don’t know and you’ll likely cross paths in the future sending a nicety won’t hurt. But if there’s a chance they’re aware and they have a history of lashing out at people, then don’t bother.

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It’s really not that serious. If you were on good terms at the time of termination reach out. If not, don’t.

Competition bears frenemies, and they lost.

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If you know of opportunities, reach out on LinkedIn after they leave. Otherwise stay quiet.

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I’m not sure I’d reach out with condolences, but I’d send them my spreadsheet of recruiters I’d built up from a few years back when I got laid off. Or if a recruiter hits me up (doesn’t happen very often anymore), I’d kindly email back that I’m not interested and recommend my friend to them.

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Did help usher frienemy out the door? I’d reach out otherwise. Keep it very short. Network is everything. Keep your friends close, keep your frienemies closer.

You can help that person by finding out with the boss why they got fired. If the reason had something to do with you… express to your boss in a nice way that you care and don’t like anybody loosing their job like that. Also, a recommendation on their Linked In, highlighting their skills coming from a colleague from the last place they worked at, makes a huge difference when looking for a new job.

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