I have a strange and maybe petty question.

24 Comments

1. Dawn CrossJanuary 1,2026 at 4:52PM UTC

   Go, focus on networking and be cordial. If someone asks about weight loss you can be honest - ‘I’ve made changes in my life that has benefited my health and well being’. Not a lie, but does not throw the prior company under the buss.

   One thing to remember, someone always knows someone - from your old company to a potential new employer. Besides, it never hurts to take the high road.

2. Melissa WatersJanuary 1,2026 at 4:52PM UTC

   Success and happiness is the best satisfaction...I used to say revenge when I was younger and petty...go and enjoy your success...

3. AnonymousJanuary 1,2026 at 5:03PM UTC

   All helpful advice:) I mean I was a part of a mass layoff so its not like I left on bad terms. Thank you.

4. AnonymousJanuary 1,2026 at 7:52PM UTC

   I would attend, looking fabulous in my not-as-big-of-a-girl pants. Just say "thank you very much" if someone pays you a compliment. You can say that you are prioritizing your health and thinking positively, and leave it at that. If you need to say something about the previous employer, say "I learned a lot while working there and appreciated the opportunity." Learning that an employer isn't a good fit for you still counts as learning, and you at least appreciated the pay while it lasted, so it wouldn't be a lie. Really, advancing in one's career involves a lot of what I call "truth enhancers"-- not a provable lie like saying you graduated from Yale if you didn't, but presenting a selective version of the truth, not bringing up anything that makes you look like a negative person.

5. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 2:41AM UTC

   If you want to go then go but I'm not sure I see the upside.

6. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 2:01PM UTC

   I would avoid going. It’s just going to open a door to a lot of anger about the layoff. You’re better off now, move on.

7. Tess AdamsJanuary 2,2026 at 2:21PM UTC

   I would advise you go out there shoulders up. It’s a new year don’t let nothing bother you.

8. Carol Brumer GliksmanJanuary 2,2026 at 2:46PM UTC

   Go. Success is the best revenge! You have it!

9. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 3:24PM UTC

   Go- be professional, focus on networking. Odds are your former employer has already forgotten about you. You on the other hand are letting them live rent free in your head if you choose to not go because of the situation.

10. MichelleJanuary 2,2026 at 8:35PM UTC

    Not the OP but thanks for writing that! I have my own "evictions" to do!

11. LisaJanuary 2,2026 at 3:45PM UTC

    Go.

    This is your career - attend the event and network with the people in your industry.

    Them laying you off opened the door to something better. You are healthier and happier. It was the best gift they could have given you. Celebrate it.

12. BarbaraJanuary 2,2026 at 4:44PM UTC

    Go! You didn’t do anything wrong and you look fab! Success is the best revenge and networking is always a good thing. Just don’t say anything negative like “I got skinny because I got out of your toxic company”

    yay for you!

13. DRKCAPJanuary 3,2026 at 12:00AM UTC

    Go to event will be awkward but don't hide in denial

14. Debra CrumbJanuary 3,2026 at 8:01AM UTC

    If the function is to your benefit go. You don't have to speak about the old job everyone will be able to see you are no longer stressed.

15. Diane KingJanuary 3,2026 at 1:21PM UTC

    I’d ask myself one simple question: If my former employer wasn’t hosting this, would I still want to attend?

    If the answer is yes because of networking value, go and be professional. If the answer is no, or if part of the motivation is emotional closure or comparison, then skipping it is probably the healthier choice.

    The most powerful thing you can do after leaving a toxic environment is to no longer let it take up mental space.

    If attending feels even slightly charged or performative, it’s okay to skip it and invest that energy elsewhere.

    Growth doesn’t need an audience.

16. A. EdwardsJanuary 3,2026 at 1:32PM UTC

    "Growth doesn't need an audience." That is profound. I need to really consider that.

17. AnonymousJanuary 3,2026 at 2:48PM UTC

    This is spot on!!!!

18. Just MimiJanuary 4,2026 at 4:36PM UTC

    “Growth doesn’t need an audience.”

    Hear, hear!

19. erica atwoodJanuary 3,2026 at 4:32PM UTC

    I would go. That place shouldn't hold power over you. And when you go looking great, you may inspire someone else to choose themselves over that raggedy work place.

20. Diane Frances Lesley-NeumanJanuary 3,2026 at 5:59PM UTC

    sounds good

21. Felicia LewisJanuary 4,2026 at 2:19PM UTC

    Go to the event. Look good, smell good. Network!

22. AprilJanuary 4,2026 at 5:31PM UTC

    Sometimes our professional worlds are smaller than we think. You know your mental health and your physical health have improved. If this event is an excellent networking event for you you should go if you’re not invited and you’re just curious there’s no need to put yourself back into a toxic environment. There will be other events. choose to go for you or choose to stay home for you.

    I did notice that you’ve already had a conversation in your head that sounds negative and one that you would not welcome. Perhaps you are not ready to be back in that environment. Just something to consider .your health matters.

23. AnonymousJanuary 6,2026 at 1:16AM UTC

    Yes, attend. Be cordial and professional if you interact with anyone from your prior position.

24. Danielle Peterson, MBAJanuary 6,2026 at 4:26PM UTC

    Yes, hold your head up high!