Manager Leaves Employee

Q: I was hired late last year at a mid-sized company. I enjoy my job. I was hired by a former manager who had started working at my current employer last summer, a few months before me. I loved working for this woman in the past. We just clicked. At this company, it has been more of the same. We work really well together. I found out last week she is leaving our company. She lured me away from my old company. I am a bit ticked off but don't know how to express it. How should I approach her?

A: How wonderful that you found a strong manager and were able to work with this woman twice. Companies change, employees change, customers change and how we conduct business changes. Change is inevitable. Change can be hard. You may never know why your manager is leaving. Perhaps she was asked to resign? Maybe she found a more challenging role? Or her job was being eliminated? Maybe she is moving across country?

Employees and managers have to make the best decisions for themselves when considering career options. There are many variables as to why people choose to changes jobs from location to a better opportunity.

My guess is that when you accepted the role at your current company, your manager did not promise she would remain employed there indefinitely. Change is inevitable.

Take the high road. Avoid approaching her in an annoyed way. Instead, ask her about her next career move and if you can remain in contact and use her as a professional reference.

PS - Happy Labor Day! Do you know when the first Labor Day was celebrated? Visit this link for more information on the history of Labor Day. http://www.dol.gov/laborday/history.htm

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.