It was a beautiful Spring day, with the bright sunshine pouring through the windows. I quietly went through my morning routine as I had for the past year, but I had a sinking feeling and tightness in my chest. I would be taking the 10 minute drive to work for the last time today. I was fired over the phone, but needed to show up for the paperwork to be processed. As usual, I was the first employee to arrive. Normally I would swipe my ID card and go up a flight of stairs to my bright and cheerful office. Today, I chose to sit in the lobby and wait for my ex-boss to arrive. There was a new security guard on duty, and she chatted on about the difficulties of her job and how she needed a change. I could only listen and smile. Two of my co-workers who were very friendly with the boss glanced at me, and turned away in embarrassment... evidently they knew my fate. When one of my senior colleagues arrived, he asked why I was sitting in the lobby. I told him I was terminated. In disbelief, he said, "that's just ridiculous, you're one of the top performers... he can't just do that. Go up to your office and start working and I'm sure the whole disagreement will blow over." Reluctantly I followed him to my office. I logged into my computer and deleted my personal contacts, password files, and then emailed my personal files home. At 9:00 I was summoned to my boss's office to meet with him and an HR rep. She asked me to give my version of the story, which I did as calmly and honestly as I could. My boss would not look at me, but glared out the window. When I finished my story, I was told by the rep that since my boss felt I was so unhappy, it would be in my best interest to leave. I told her that I loved my job and would not leave voluntarily. I was then escorted into a private room with her, where she asked me if there was any information about my boss that might change my situation. I stifled the impulse to blurt out my grievance regarding his lack of professionalism and moral judgement, and instead offered, "I can't work for someone I don't respect." The HR rep looked visibly upset, as she had remembered that I had sent her a birthday card just a month prior ( it was something I did for all the employees whose paths I crossed in the company I was proud to work for). She then offered to help me pack my office, and together we went to work. The office outside my door was very quiet; there was no usual morning banter or trips to the coffee pot. I was thankful no one came to watch me or say good-bye, as I would have probably cried... these were my friends. As the last of my office decorations were loaded into my car, I thanked the HR rep for her help and professionalism in what must have been a tough task. With tears in her eyes, she hugged me and wished me the very best of luck... with a reminder, that perhaps God had a better plan for me. I left inwardly defeated, but with my head held high, smiling in the brilliant sunlight.
After a year of regroup and reconnect (and the unwavering support of a loving husband), I think perhaps she was right.
