Let’s be honest — there are few things more stressful for a business owner than having to terminate an employee, especially for the very first time. It’s not just a legal matter — it’s emotional, personal, and often overwhelming.
Recently, I got a call from a client who was in exactly that position. They had an employee who was no longer a good fit for the company, and after exhausting all other options, they realized termination was the only path forward. But when the time came to actually take that step, they were completely overwhelmed. Nervous. Stressed. On the verge of talking themselves out of it. That’s when they called me.
I could hear the anxiety in their voice. “What if I say the wrong thing? What paperwork do I need? Am I even doing this the right way?” They were spiraling — and that’s completely normal. My role in moments like these isn’t just to be an HR expert — it’s to be a calm, steady presence and remind them they don’t have to figure it out alone.
I talked them through the entire process, step by step. We discussed how to approach the conversation professionally but compassionately. I helped them prepare what to say, and just as importantly — what not to say. I provided a termination letter customized to their situation, along with all the supporting paperwork they’d need to close the employment relationship cleanly and legally. By the end of our conversation, they weren’t panicking anymore. They were prepared. Confident. And incredibly relieved.
After it was all said and done, they reached back out just to say thank you. “I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without you,” they said. “You made one of the hardest days in my business journey manageable.”
That’s what I’m here for. Whether it’s onboarding your first employee, handling a compliance concern, or facing a tough decision like termination — you don’t have to go through it alone. I’ll be right there with you, every step of the way.
