My Old Boss

I’ll always remember what it felt like, the day my boss metaphorically squished me down into the ground, with his thumb – and spit in my face.

I’d been working my tail off trying to show the company what I was made of.

Getting to work early, going the extra mile while I was there, staying late.

It was so frustrating to see management trainees, fresh out of college, getting hired right out of school, into superior positions above me with higher pay.

So, when I saw that they were FINALLY going to allow existing employees to apply for the management trainee position, my heart jumped inside.

Maybe, this is my chance, I said to myself.

The day of the interview came and I was wearing my best shirt and tie.

I was ready, to be interviewed by the company owner’s son.

(my boss).

During the interview – the boss asked me

Paul, what are you strengths?”

I told him,” I’m passionate.”

We continued on through the interview and after an hour of him poking, and prodding around my life – to size me up and judge me…

(like they do in most job interviews)

With hope still in my heart, we finished the interview and I waited with eager anticipation.

“Did I get the promotion?”

“How did I do?”

“I wonder if he liked my answers?”

It was then, when he lifted his finger and

pointed it at my chest and said…

#1 – You don’t get the job.

And #2 – “Are you open to some feedback Paul?”

‘Sure, I told him, with a twinge of sadness”

“You

……..don’t

…………………..have

…………………………….passion”.

..he said with a look of superiority in his eyes.

So not only was he to tell me that I didn’t get the job…

He had to insult me as well?

It felt like he was spitting in my face.

It was then, when I said to myself, I don’t care what I have to do…

I commit to myself, now – that I will find a way to be free!

And I did.

I look back on that experience and feel gratitude for that man because in that moment of ruthlessness – he sparked a fire inside me.

The fire of freedom.