Dear S,
A while back you came to me for a job interview. You did a great interview, I have to tell ya! I liked you instantly and wanted to hire you. So I did.
Later, after working for me for a month or so, you came to me, very upset, because something that happened on your previous job was now coming to a head and it was important that you told me. It was something that could have killed your chances of ever working again. Something you did, breaking the law, and now were having to pay the consequences. You never told me this at the time you applied for the job I had open. Now, after hiring you, I saw that you were actually a good employee and trying really hard to keep it all together.
That day you cried in my office, begging me not to fire you. I had to go to HR with what you told me and ultimately the decision would be theirs. But...
I also thought you deserved a second chance. You admitted, albeit later than you should have, that you were going through something awful when your actions took that turn for the worse. In the time you worked for me, I only saw a good employee, a team player, someone intent on doing the right thing and working your hardest. I also took that to HR. So when the question came, "do you think we should let her go?" My answer was "No!" Second chances don't come around very often. You just don't get them when you need them and you don't often get the chance to be the person doling one out.
But that day, I did. And you got your chance. And you didn't let me down!
Later, when our agency moved onto another program and you were faced with finding work again. I was more than happy to give you a glowing recommendation. I was honest with those who called and they told me that you had already been upfront with them about the other trouble you had dealt with. I was happy to hear that you learned from our experience together.
I don't know where you're working now but I hope your life is in order and you are in a good place. And I hope someday you get the chance to pass along a second chance to someone else. It really is worth it!
With good thoughts,
Mary Beth
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