This happened about 20 years ago, but when I think about it, I still chuckle about how it all turned out. I hope this is the right place for it. It's kind of long.
This was my first real job, working as a receptionist/secretary. Pay wasn't great but put a roof over my head and food in my stomach, and that was enough for me. I've always been a fast learner so although I had many duties, I got them done quickly. I had expressed to the owner (small company) that I would like to learn more of the technical side so I could maybe advance. He made vague promises but nothing ever happened. After a while I started to get bored with the job, as it was honestly too easy. I did enjoy interacting with clients, coworkers, and vendors. Heck, even filing paperwork was fun. I was good at finding parts at the lowest price possible and upsell it to the customer at maximum profit without making the clients uncomfortable.
First year everyone got a decent bonus.
Second year, I know the company made decent profit, since I was dealing with all the AR & AP as well. I knew roughly how much we made with each repair. But at year end, everyone got a $40 gift certificate to a chain restaurant, while the owner bragged about renovating his house.
Because the job was really easy, and I didn't know how to pace myself and slow down, there were days that I literally ran out of tasks. So I began reading things online. And that gave the owner the ammunition against me.
My third year there, I finally took a proper vacation. The first two years, I barely called out. I think the first year I didn't call out at all. Second year I maybe called out sick once or twice. Prior to going on vacation, I typed up all the procedures of everything I did, as instructed, “in case he needed to step in”, he said. I was also expected to check my emails at least once every two days while abroad, in case something comes up. I was so young and naïve that I actually would look for an internet café to check my emails, and even paid for international call when the boss asked me to call if possible. I was stupidly dedicated to that job.
The owner really didn't like me calling in sick, which I barely did. The few times I needed time off for personal reasons, he would give me attitude shout it.
Then it happened, I was robbed on the way home the day after Christmas. Luckily the cops were nearby, heard me screaming, and caught the guy. I filed the report, and few days later received a letter to appear in court as witness for the preliminary hearing. I called in sick the following day (12/27) since I was at the police station till close to midnight then ER till 3am (I had hit my head on the ground). When I informed the owner, he was not happy that I called in sick despite having a relevant reason, and that I was going to miss another morning to attend the hearing.
Two months later, without warning, on a Friday afternoon, he called me into his office to let me know that he was letting me go. I was shocked, needless to say, and began to shed tears. He “gently” told me that I can apply for unemployment benefits and he would sign off on it. Gee, how kind of him.
Naturally I started looking for a new job right away. A few days later, I got a call from the owner, asking me to go in a train the replacement. The audacity! I would love to say I told him no and hung up. But no, because he promised to pay me cash, and I was young and naïve, I agreed.
I later found out that the kid agreed to be paid less than my already low pay, and that's why he got the job. Unfortunately he couldn't follow even a paragraph of my very detailed instructions manual that I had written before. I heard that he didn't last long. I trained him for two days, and my best friend found out about it and told me not to go anymore and focus on finding a new job. So I called the owner to explain to him that I could no longer help him train the new guy, and that he didn't have to pay me for the two days I went in (to avoid seeing him and get coerced back in). My best friend was kind enough to lend me some money, and on top of the unemployment pay, I was able to get by.
Two weeks after being let go, I started a new job at a big company in a completely different industry. I looked forward to a new life, better pay, and much better benefits, as prior job had none. First day at the new job, as I was about to finish lunch break, my cell phone rang. Caller ID showed as old boss. Out of pure curiosity, I picked up.
He asked how I was, I told him I was doing great. Couldn't help but gloated a bit about starting a new job. He paused, and said something to the effect of “I'm sorry shout making the mistake of letting you go. If you'll come back, I'll give you a $1/hr raise plus health insurance.”
Oh man, I almost LOL'd! I kept my composure and replied with something like “I'm so grateful for your call, but I just started this new job and I'm up for the challenge. I think it was time for me to move on. I won't be coming back.”
He sounded surprised, wished me well, and ended the call.