Chapt. 15: The Truth About” Answered Prayers”
” There are more tears shed over answered prayers than unanswered prayers” goes the quote by Truman Capote, a truth I was about to experience when a woman friend mentioned her husband was in search of a personal assistant and suggested I apply.
The interview ended with my starting the next week as his new personal assistant. My responsibilities were wide ranging, from hiring, training and managing the office to managing the inventory for a small part of the business. My prayers were answered! I had found an exciting job that left little time for my bulimic behavior.
When I first read the contract I was to offer the new, all women, staff, I noted it did not include health coverage and brought this to “the Bosses” attention. His reply was, “health coverage for the women was unnecessary, as they were covered by their husbands’ policy”. I pointed out all but one of the women working for us were either divorced or single parents and health care was essential. While he grudgingly gave in to my logic, his warm morning greeting turned clipped and formal.
A week before he left on a business trip he asked I set up a luncheon to thank all NH politico’s and business people who helped make the relocation of the company successful. I sent out the invites and received a call from the woman Director of the State Business Development office, instrumental in providing the company five years worth of tax breaks, asking to bring her husband to the luncheon. I said I was sure that would be fine.
Unbeknownst to me, the boss had taken a strong dislike to the husband. Upon his return from his business trip I mentioned the Director would be bringing her husband to the luncheon. The boss turned bright red and told me to disinvite him,”Tell her we don’t have any seats at the table, or tell her anything you want, but I don’t want him here”.
To which, without a moment’s hesitation, I replied, “you are welcome to make that call, but I will not.” He glowered at me and told me to get back to work.
The luncheon was successful and in his comments to the group he added me to those he thanked. I thought were back on the right foot. But then, the next day at work, he stopped talking to me, communicating only through office memo or the intercom.
When, a few weeks later “the boss” circulated a memo telling my staff I had done something stupid, I knew I had to clear the air. I knocked on his door and heard “enter”. He didn’t acknowledge me as I approached his desk. After a few moments of silence I spoke, saying working this way was not good for either of us and what might I do to sort this out.
Without ever looking at me, he said, ” Pack up your things and leave. Now.”
I was in shock as I packed up my things. It was ten o’clock in the morning and I didn’t know where to go. The last place I wanted to go was home where nothing awaited me but a pantry full of food.
And then, as my then lover was not working, I drove to his house. When he opened the door I exploded into tears. When I was quite worn out, I heard him ask, “Now that you are out of a job, perhaps you have will join me on a trip around the world and a stop to visit my family in South East Asia?
Yes, I said, for reasons this man did not understand. My fear that without the job to fill my empty hours I would tumble back down into bulimic behavior. He did not know he was another answered prayer because with this invitation, he might save me from myself.
So, yes, I said, even though a shadow crossed my mind, reminding me my lover and I didn’t really know each other very well. Yes, I said, believing everything would work out.
And it almost did.
8 Comments
Jessica
about 9 years agoI felt like I was watching a movie...this was a good story! I have had horrible sexist bosses that left me numb and extremely passive. It was not until I was suffering through depression and lashing out that my voice finally got heard. I am happy your lover saved you from yourself.
Replyannabelt
about 9 years agoThis is very timely for me as a friend recently offered me a job - a cautionary tale!
Replykaitie
about 9 years agoGood for you for standing up for yourself!! I can't believe people actually act like that!
ReplyLydiaF
about 9 years agoI was fortunate to not have a boss like that, but I've heard horror stories. Good on you for standing up for yourself wrt the unwanted husband. Were you able to maintain a friendship with your former boss's wife?
ReplyMichele
about 9 years agoIt doesn't sound like the job was a good fit. I can't help but think there was something better for you out there. In my experiences, bosses like that only get worse, not better!
ReplyMidge Gordon
about 9 years agoyup, everything did get better. To note once I was fired I decided to put my pennies not an around the world trip of a lifetime. something I might never had done if I was gainfully employed!
ReplyLeslie
about 9 years agoInteresting story! It certainly makes me want to know what comes next! It sounds like your boss was a toxic person. I had one like that once. It was terrible.
ReplyYanique
about 9 years agoI'm always amazed at how quickly what we perceive as being bad for us can immediately turn into exactly what we needed to grow and prosper.
Reply