… the HR Minion. Because even minions have opinions. And giggles.

Advice for Minions: What to do after your master is dead.


I know, I know, it’s been a long time since I did an advice for minions post. You can pelt me with rotten fruit later.

So, it has finally happened. The Hero has won and your evil overlord is dead. Some would say it was inevitable, and yet, you had always held out hope that you would see the start of a new world regime. Amazing enough that you survived… blah blah blah. Basically, you are out of a job. Boy, do I hear you. So what do you do now?

1. Allow yourself to briefly mourn the end of the dream. Even if you weren’t henching for them by choice or inclination, losing employment of any kind can be shocking and upsetting. It’s ok to feel bad, as long as you don’t forget your circumstances.

2. Dig up some optimism for the future. It sucks to have to find something new, but at the same time, it’s also nice to have a chance to find something new. Yes, that opportunity has been forcibly imposed on you, but if you focus on the negative you won’t be able to move forward.

3. Find your new direction. Whether you are interested in finding another evil mastermind to hench for or maybe want to try being one of the goods guys for a change, before you can go anywhere you need to pick a direction. Grabbing at any and every available straw out of desperation is only going to hold you back right now. Focus, select specific targets, and you’ll get better results.

4. Network. If you are part of any evil guild or organization now would be a good time to contact them. Get some benefit from your membership. Have friends henching at the secret lair two islands over? Let them know you are looking. Referrals are one the best ways to get your foot in the door.

5. Get creative. Whether it’s creativity in finding your next gig, creativity in deciding a new path, or creativity in finding meaning for yourself outside of henching, you suddenly have a degree of freedom you didn’t have before so stretch your brain and think creatively. Shake things up a little bit now that you’ve been forced out of your comfort zone.

Now, none of the above is exciting or new. But in a way, I think it does bear repeating. Sometimes you just need to remind yourself of what you should be or have been doing so that you don’t give in to the worry, stress, and fear(Yes, this is not so subtly addressed to myself).

The most important thing of all is to not stop. Don’t give in or give up. You may have faith that things will work out in the end, but you need to do something to get there. Just don’t burn yourself out before then.

January 26th, 2009 Shauna Posted in HR

3 Responses | Add your Own

  • 1 Marie :
    January 26th, 2009 saat: 4:57 pm

    Great Minion-y advice, no rotten fruit here.

    I especially like number 2: “It sucks to have to find something new, but at the same time, it’s also nice to have a chance to find something new.”

    Don’t fear “new.” If you go into it with the right attitude, “new” can be a wonderful experience.

  • 2 Steve Boese :
    January 26th, 2009 saat: 8:36 pm

    Good advice, I think. Change is sometimes scary, but many times necessary. Most of us will go though many of these transitions in our careers, and once you get over the shock and just accept it and get on with things you will be ok. Really good post.

  • 3 HR Minion :
    January 27th, 2009 saat: 7:37 am

    Marie – It’s all about the attitude, thanks!

    Steve – Even positive change is scary, thanks!