Clean up in aisle six!

I just started a new job today. I almost always joke that pretty much every job I've had has been "clean up in aisle six." Usually it's because someone leaves employment involuntarily or unexpectedly or the position has been vacant for a while. You never know how bad things will be.

I don't really mind. It's a good way to make the job my own. The only times I'd been frustrated was finding out my predecessor had been derelict in their duties, which in turn jeopardized quality assurance or accreditation. Unfortunately, it happened a lot. Either they no longer cared, or they never did in the first place and were at risk of being found out, or they were found out and they had to go. That is always a very sad commentary.

So, reader, I am asking for your stories. Have you had to take over from someone and thought to yourself, What is going on here? Or, what else am I going to find that they didn't do?

As always, please keep it civil and relevant. I promise I will refrain from commenting on your experience, but I might be curious enough to ask questions to better understand your story.