Wednesday, April 16, 2008

The changing of the Guard

She sat feet planted on the orange carpet facing her boss. The puff of heat caused the blinds to dance and clang like symbols as he spoke. The warp speed of his voice droned and made it’s way into the debts of her thoughts. His response wasn’t what she had expected. He began by saying the firm wasn’t doing well and with the upcoming move there was little money left to award her the compensation she was seeking. While the other women did make substantially more money than she, they had been with the firm for many years and their experience couldn’t be compared to hers. She was told she didn’t work as hard as they. He then began to explain that while her billable hours were impressive, they were outside her job description and therefore not expected by the firm. He neglected to mention it was he who had asked her to bill for her time. He summed up by saying he would like to give her more but the senior partner felt her accomplishments were merely a part of the necessary functions of her job description. He neglected to admit promises had been made from the beginning with respect to a bump up in salary. The explanation given at hiring was that she was new, inexperienced in the field and within 6 months of satisfactory performance, a raise would be expected. Six months had led to two years of endless, unkept promises. The culmination of those promises led to the discussion unfolding before her.

Buckets of frigid water splashing her from overhead would’ve been less shocking than the unfolding conversation. She sat motionless, stunned and angry. He was unappreciative of her efforts, unnoticing of her talent and naïve in his promises. He wanted her to stay. He felt her performance was exemplary but a raise was not coming. He didn’t make a promise it would come someday. He only explained what a wonderful position she was in and how much growth potential would be supplied. He ended by saying not all decisions were financial.

She arrived home bewildered and entered the dark space of her room. It smelled of dawn musk and fresh paint. The hum of the computer droned in the distance. The cat rubbed against her legs. Throughout the car ride home she replayed his conversation. She rewound his jittery composure, quick paced words and blinking eyes. He had lied to her. She tapped the mouse, awakened her tired computer and began to type. Her resume unfolded in flawless bulleted lines. She hit the print button and went downstairs to prepare dinner for her dad. With a purr and pleading eyes the cat looked towards her food bowl. She poured the kibble into the bowl and effortlessly began chopping and sautéing. With clenched jaw she finished supper, reviewed her resume and began subscribing to jobsites. Within minutes her resume was blasted into the abyss of cyberspace and came to rest in the mailbox of someone that would change her life forever.

The call came the next afternoon shortly after lunch. It hit voicemail and was returned the following morning. An interview was arranged on her day off and life as she knew it was about to change. She found herself on President’s Day sitting across from an attractive, slim woman with sympathetic gaze. With little assessment she purred, “You are a talent, that is obvious and yes very underpaid. I’m going to get you into the best firms in the state. They recruit the best and you are the best. I’ll have you in a new position in a matter of weeks. We’ll be in touch”. In touch they were. The following weeks presented her with the opportunity to meet and greet the best. Offers began to come in but one firm held a promise unparalleled to them all. They offered an exploitation of her talent. They were prominent, smart and deliriously friendly. They sought to hire and retain the best. They felt they had found it in her. They would hire her but there was no opening. The waiting began. After 5 interviews and countless questions her life changing call rang through one late afternoon. An offer was made and accepted. It wasn’t what she had interviewed for, it was for a dream burried in a coffin and left to deteriorate into dust.

Monday morning found her typing her goodbye letter in the form of official resignation. She tapped the door and entered his office silently. “I’m giving my official two weeks notice today,” she stated nervously.

“Notice for what?” was his response as he continued reviewing the open file on his desk.

“I’m beginning a new position in two weeks”, she stated dryly.

With that he looked up. The pen gave a clink on the desk. Reggae music faintly drifted into the air from behind his desk. He sat back into the hollows of his chair. “Wow, I didn’t know you were unhappy. I didn’t know you were leaving.”

She made no response. What was she to say? It seemed obvious to her.

“Where are you going?” He asked.

She responded with the name of the largest area firm.

“Where are they located? Are they nice?”

“Yes.” She stated with little expression.

“I have to get someone immediately. I’m so overwhelmed with work. Wow, I can’t believe this. We’re moving soon too.” He began in panicked tone.

“I know, I’m sorry for the timing. I wish you the best.” she stated with sincerity.

“Thanks.”

She walked out with head held high and returned to the work before her. At the close of the day her phone began to sing the tune of her best friend.

“Did you tell him?” she questioned eagerly.

“I did. I’m so relieved. I can’t believe I allowed someone to hood wink me into working for practically nothing. How stupid am I?” she responded.

“It isn’t your fault. He seemed sincere and I believe he was sincere.” She said in comfort.

“I know. He’s not a bad person, he’s just naïve. You know what he said?”

“What?”

“That not all decisions are financial!”

“You have to be kidding me!” she nearly choked in laughter. “What do we work for, for free?” she continued.

“I know, that’s why they call it work and not ‘I’m going to my hobby,’” she continued.

“I’m proud of you. You did what you had to do and you’ve found your dream. You’re doing something you’re better at anyway.” She said.

“I know. I’m so excited!” she squeaked. “One thing though…” she said with hushed hesitation.

“What’s that?”

“I think I’m going to leave the other him.” She began.

“Your boyfriend.” She stated, knowing the answer already .

“This experience has taught me something. I’m don’t want to be employed by an employer who doesn’t realize my talent and potential and I don’t want to date or be connected with someone who doesn’t appreciate what he has. I’d rather be alone. I think I can find a lot of men that are better.” she stated with resolve.

“Umm, yeah. Anyone is better. I’m sorry he’s not good. He’s not good to you. I can’t tell you what I want for you…you know I’m not good with words but he isn’t what I want for you.” She said quietly, with reservation.

“He isn’t what I want for me either. I’d rather be alone.” She said sadly.

“You won’t be alone. I promise you within 6 months of looking you’ll find someone. Again, anyone is better than him.”

“You’re right. It’s time to say goodbye to two chapters of my life. My job and my man.” She stated firmly.

"It’s only the beginning. The best is yet to come.”

Her friend bid goodbye.

She thought back to her trip with her man. They had watched the guards in London march in perfect sequence. One set to their new post and the other to exit theirs. In flawless lines the change had occurred. It was orderly and effortless. By watching you knew it was meant to happen at certain times and during certain occasions. It happened as a matter of course at scheduled intervals. Her life was following suit. With change often comes the hardest set of goodbyes. The saying of those sets often gives way to another greeting, that of hello. Hello to something altogether new and often more refreshing.

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