and only did it for things like theft and extreme absenteeism.

Insubordination was how I knew I was getting on somebody's last nerve, certainly not a firing offense.

rec

and disliked it.

Sometimes it's necessary. I never found it to be enjoyable.

Interviewed for weeks for a position.
Finally hired.
My first day, as an incoming manager, my superior hands me a list with three names.
He tells me that they need to be fired, and want me to do it.
No reason, don't even know what they did and why. Just fire three total strangers.

"I'm sorry, but Mr. _______ was too chicken-shit to do this himself. I do not know you or why this is occurring, but you are being let go."

Almost twenty years ago and I still remember the words I told them. I did eventually get Mr Chickenshit fired for altering budget numbers and took his job.