Tuesday, February 17, 2009

What I really wanted to say was...

Sometimes, it's difficult to know whether to do what's right or to do what you really want to do.

My friend and I worked for the same boss, until last week. Our boss was good friends with my friend- they spent time together outside of normal work activities quite a bit. The others on our team didn't ever spend much time with the boss, so their relationship was special, so it seemed.

Then, out of the blue, our boss fired my friend. And it wasn't for something that I would expect someone to be fired for. It was a complete surprise to my friend and to everyone else on the team.

Our boss did this 1 day before she left for a 3 1/2 week vacation- for her honeymoon.

I keep thinking- why did she do it this way? Was she looking for something to get rid of my friend for? Couldn't she have warned my friend in some way? Who's next?

Then, my boss' wedding was the following weekend. She had invited everyone on her team, including my friend who she fired that same week. While I would rather have supported my friend by staying home with her for the event, I didn't think that would be appropriate.

It certainly wouldn't have won me any positive feelings from the boss, who might just be on a firing spree.

So I went. And the whole time, I was thinking not so nice thoughts about the bride. Thoughts like... well, you can imagine.

She was probably surprised to see me there at all, but she came and thanked me for showing up and said something like- I know it's been a rough week... blah blah blah.

I complimented her obviously fake hair extensions and eyelashes and turned back to my wine at the table. No need to make enemies in high places.

12 comments:

A. Marigold said...

I've heard of that happening to other people lately, too (getting fired right before leaving on honeymoons). It just seems like such a very mean thing to do, especially since they'd have to pay out the vacation time anyway, why not just wait until after someone comes back instead of stressing people out RIGHT THEN?

Bob Dobalina said...

For what it's worth I think you absolutely made the right call. It was simply the strategic thing to do. Even if it feels like a minor betrayal to the friend.

What's important is you were there for your friend when it counts. While it would have felt great to no-show your boss it wouldn't have helped the friend in any way and could only have negatively impacted your career.

Now let's all hope your bosses marriage turns out to be like a Lifetime movie and she comes into work with sunglasses on, pretending she walked into a door! :)

Ginormous Boobs said...

Bob, you and that walked into a door thing. Glad you finally got to use it on a blog post.

Le Meems said...

I learn more and more often, that shit happens. Alot.

Unfair shit.

My computer and car broke simultaneously. Tandemly draining any savings i had.

My good friend discovered naked photos on her boyfriends phone, from an old girlfriend.

A special manfriend of mine was laid off, interviewed and got a new job only to show up the first day and discover his boss had been laid off the week before and no one knew what to do with him (no paperwork).

All this unfair bitchy ass sheister.

So I say, SALUTE YOUR SHORTS DONKEYLIPS, and drink martinis, call in sick to do cool stuff and wear red lipstick daily. You just never know. . . .

Rassles said...

Dude, your boss sucks.

TC said...

That sucks. I wish your friend the best of luck :(

Laura said...

Sounds like your boss is an idiot. If they were actually hanging out and "friends" you'd think a little heads up would be nice. Wtf? Came to you thru rassles be dassles.

jo said...

oh man that sucks. guess sometimes you can never really tell when suddenly you'd get stabbed in the back...

NWO said...

I hope your friend lands on her feet somehow. You really had no choice, I would say.

paperback reader said...

Unexpectedly douchey. This is why I never work: to avoid all the workplace drama.

Moderator said...

But enemies in low places aren't much fun.

me said...

What a beast of a woman!
Bosses can really just suck ass.