I have a strong social sense of self that can outweigh my own internal drives at times. Call it compassion, a unique perception or just an unknown which is genetic - the branding isn't that important. What I have noticed is that this goes against what is considered "acceptable" within some business models.
Sever all ties with former co-workers upon moving from one job to the next. Especially true if in the context of political turmoil or termination.
My own inclination is to do nothing of the sort. Even though there are certainly emotional ties to a workplace and the "daily grind" which sorts out our weekly schedules relationships are hard to find. That's not just said in the sense of those which are romantic but those with any person that serves as a conduit for learning. Through whichever mechanism, there are only a limited amount of people which one can encounter in a lifetime. Removing any person, unless an act is incredibly malicious, dilutes the potential for success.
In many cases, negativity can be turned towards a more productive cause. For example, when laid off from an employer one former coworker has remained, until presently, a solid friend. One friend met through the position is now forming his own nonprofit and I'm helping frame messaging for that enterprise. Most importantly, I learned to deal internally and engage in a positive attitude regardless of what others may choose as their path. This was necessary because HR was deceitful, misleading and management ousted me even as we spoke of rectifying a technological mishap. Just because others perceive dishonesty as "appropriate" workplace behavior this says nothing of my reaction. I was nearly as proud of my work for the employer as the calm demeanor with which I communicated directly after being removed.
We can learn the most from those who inititally rub us the wrong way. If someone is an ineffective manager remaining a friend, genuinely, can offer clues as to internal drives to better understand a personality trait that may be encountered again. Unclear, indecisive action can be met with development of leadership skills that faciliate upstream management.
Bottom line: There's always something to learn from everyone. Remaining focused on my needs to be humanistic and engage in clear, ethical business practices is more important than any pleasure gained short term through reactive behavior.
