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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Not to help out former colleagues with work related stuff?

26 replies

Icecreamstick · 22/05/2025 18:34

I left a job at the end of March. I did a pretty thorough handover and left some notes, but the person taking over is very competent but very inexperienced - actually they haven't replaced me, she's acting up 3 grades until they do.

I did the usual "if you need anything..." and I have answered a few queries by text and phone.

She's now asking if I can go into the office to help with something specific. It's audit related and I know it will be causing her a lot of stress, but it's not actually the big deal she thinks it is. It's probably true that I could have seen it coming and helped before I left, but it's not due until now.

I like her a lot and she was an excellent "assistant" to me. I'd like to see her succeed. However, I have no loyalty to the organisation or the leadership, and was glad to see the back of them (as, I suspect, they were me).

I'm not inclined to find the time, even though I could....

OP posts:
murasaki · 22/05/2025 18:35

I'd want consultancy rates for doing it...

Coconuthotchocolate · 22/05/2025 18:36

No definitely not. You are no longer employed by the company. It is a risk that you would be blamed. But more importantly, it’s not your problem to solve anymore.

babystarsandmoon · 22/05/2025 18:38

Would they even allow an ex employee to come back and help out?

LadyMacbethssweetArabianhand · 22/05/2025 18:38

It would be unprofessional to go in and help.

DoYouReally · 22/05/2025 18:40

No, you can't be on your former employers workplace just because your replacement is struggling.

It would be a complete breach in terms of confidentiality. You shouldn't have access to things now that you have left etc.

socialdilemmawhattodo · 22/05/2025 18:49

murasaki · 22/05/2025 18:35

I'd want consultancy rates for doing it...

This. Proper rates and contract. Make sure rates are so high the company will only agree if they really need your help. Do not do this as a helping out by phone/email etc.

Gundogday · 22/05/2025 18:51

You left nearly two months ago. Not your problem anymore.

Dunnocantthinkofone · 22/05/2025 18:53

Absolutely not!
Unless paid for and officially sanctioned consultancy work

IchiNiSanShiGo · 22/05/2025 18:54

YANBU - if its audit related, surely no auditor would be happy to hear that the work is being done by someone who is acting up THREE grades with the unofficial help of an ex-employee??? If her superiors aren’t capable of helping her then that’s not your problem, and actually probably should be highlighted as a failing.

BruFord · 22/05/2025 19:09

No, you can’t go into the office to help out.

A simple question such as where are certain documents saved or whom should I ask for xx is one thing, you can respond with a quick email. Actually working on or looking through company files two months after you’ve left is another. Unless they employ you as a consultant.

Toddlerteaplease · 22/05/2025 19:09

Not your circus, not your monkeys!

LlynTegid · 22/05/2025 19:10

Not a chance would be my response. Perhaps expressed slightly differently, the confidentiality angle seems to be the best idea.

AnSolas · 22/05/2025 19:27

I would speak to the employee and point out that she will not be given the job. But she is entitled to be supported in the acting up role.
Plus that she needs to understand when to hand off ownership of a problem to senior management. By bringing a "small" issue to them she can show she has ticked off other more "important" tasks.

If senior management cant resolve the issue they can pay you a day rate to have a smooth audit process.

sonjadog · 22/05/2025 19:27

No, I would be cautious about going back into a workplace and doing their work when I am not employed there. Should you be handling this kinds of data if you are not an employee? I would find an excuse.

Richiewoo · 22/05/2025 19:45

Absolutely not. Tell her to speak to the manager.

50lbstolose · 22/05/2025 19:54

Are they planning on paying you?

LaurieFairyCake · 22/05/2025 19:54

I would say no and frame it like ‘it would look like I’m undermining you and I have every confidence you’ve got this, here’s a few pointers why it’s not that big a deal - do x/y/z’

ShowMeTheSushi · 22/05/2025 19:55

Definitely not, unless they’re paying you for consultancy. You’ve already been more than generous with your time and support. It’s not your job anymore. If they need you that badly, they can make it official (and pay you accordingly).

Pigeon123456 · 22/05/2025 20:31

Good grief, no.

MoreChocPls · 22/05/2025 21:14

Helping via email or phone occassioanlynisnone thing. Going into the office is another - no way!

Original poster
Icecreamstick · 22/05/2025 21:25

IchiNiSanShiGo · 22/05/2025 18:54

YANBU - if its audit related, surely no auditor would be happy to hear that the work is being done by someone who is acting up THREE grades with the unofficial help of an ex-employee??? If her superiors aren’t capable of helping her then that’s not your problem, and actually probably should be highlighted as a failing.

Tbh, that is my thinking. I'm sure they'll manage to frame it as something I've let them down on, but I'm not sure I care.

OP posts:
Original poster
Icecreamstick · 22/05/2025 21:26

AnSolas · 22/05/2025 19:27

I would speak to the employee and point out that she will not be given the job. But she is entitled to be supported in the acting up role.
Plus that she needs to understand when to hand off ownership of a problem to senior management. By bringing a "small" issue to them she can show she has ticked off other more "important" tasks.

If senior management cant resolve the issue they can pay you a day rate to have a smooth audit process.

I think she probably will end up.dping the job permanently. Not at the grade I did it at, but still doing the work.

OP posts:
NoSoupForU · 22/05/2025 21:33

I think it would be absolute lunacy to even consider going and working voluntarily, for free, for a company you aren't employed by.

It isn't your problem and they've had 2 months to find a way forwards!

Gundogday · 22/05/2025 21:36

Isn’t there a GDDR element to this as well? You know longer work there, so should you be viewing confidential information?

AnSolas · 22/05/2025 21:41

Icecreamstick · 22/05/2025 21:26

I think she probably will end up.dping the job permanently. Not at the grade I did it at, but still doing the work.

Show quote history

Thats where your advice will be valuble to her. She needs to understand the importance of asking for help (shifting responsibility and blame upwards) and not taking on the risk of blame when she is not been given the pay nor the role. At least that way if things go wrong she can show a history of asking senior management for signoff.