In my life, this was an aggressive employee we hired who was not performing but also passive-aggressive to everyone, and at the beginning we were obligated to give them the benefit of the doubt (due to their explanations that they're struggling with the pandemic, civil unrest, family emergency, elections).

Then even after gathering evidence of their poor performing, they will just keep arguing their case, and would protest to everyone who will listen, and pit people against each other. They will claim they never knew those things were their responsibilities, that they were working hard on it, and that they were just about to address the performance issues, etc.

I’ve spent most of my life as a member of an extracurricular organization that has “helping others” as a Principal plank in its platform.

Most folks that need help aren’t “pinkie-extended Earl Grey drinkers.” Can be a rough lot.

But I have an amazing bevy of really deep friendships and relationships with folks that I would never had met, otherwise.

Totally worth it.

You don't always get a choice.