How did you lose your best friend?
I hired him.
My best friend had been going through a stretch of unemployment after a catastrophic career mistake. He had many great interviews that went nowhere after the reference check. He was unemployable and suffering.
I was opening a retail franchise and I knew he wasn't a great fit but I hired him to be the manager anyway. I thought he could get the store off the ground and then move on. I was sympathetic to his situation and knew it was a risk to the friendship.
After six months he was unable to make it work. I stayed well back and let him totally run the operation but too many things fell in the cracks. Inventory wasn't managed, staff weren't managed and the purchasing was all over the place. I was bleeding badly.
He tried very hard but it wasn't a good fit. The position was very tough and he didn't have the right foundation to make it work.
After 6 months I had to do something. He really excelled at marketing so I tried to redeploy him. He didn't like getting cut down to 34 hours a week so he handed in his notice immediately.
Today he barely talks to me and won't engage in any social conversation. I miss hanging out. I miss having someone to understand me 100%.
I wish I had helped him find a job and stayed away from employing him. I lost my best friend because I tried to help him.
NEVER hire your friend or family unless you are willing to sacrifice the relationship.
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