When people hear HR, they often think about hiring, onboarding, trainings, or improving processes. About building teams, helping people grow, creating engagement. And yes — that’s the part I love.
But there’s another side to this role. One I’ll probably never get used to.
It’s saying goodbye.
Not the “goodbye” when someone finds a better opportunity. That one is bittersweet — you wish them well, maybe stay in touch, maybe cross paths again. I’m talking about the harder goodbye. The one that comes when a project ends. When a client decides to replace someone. When, despite best efforts, the cooperation just doesn’t work.
It’s sitting down, explaining the situation, asking for the termination letter to be signed. It’s saying goodbye — knowing how stressful, overwhelming, and personal losing a job can be. Especially in today’s world, when finding a new role isn’t always easy.
I wish I could give every employee unlimited time to find their next step before these decisions happen. But unfortunately, reality looks different. Business needs change, client expectations shift, projects evolve — and sometimes, there’s simply no other choice. Even when it’s the right decision for the company, backed by facts, handled with full respect — it doesn’t make it easier.
The truth is, I never really got used to this part of HR. And honestly — I don’t think I ever will. Maybe that’s how it should be. It reminds me this job is about people, not just processes.
Comments