For Reference, This Is What Petty Looks LIke

I worked at a company that managed healthcare facilities. We got a new supervisor who didn’t like me for no specific reason. He gave me all of the s*** assignments in addition to my regular work.

I was a department of one in charge of a specific program. Since I was the only one working the program, I was the only one who had the password to the files.

I got a really great job with another company and put in my two weeks’ notice. I had been with my company for over ten years, and I felt like I was leaving in good standing, so I asked the supervisor for a letter of reference. He agreed.

Two days before I left, I still hadn’t received the letter, so I reminded him.

Supervisor: “I haven’t had time. Give me your personal email address so I can send it there.”

A few days into my new job, he called me.

Supervisor: “Can you give me the password for the files?”

Me: “You know, I still haven’t received the letter you agreed to write for me.”

Supervisor: “I’ll write it once you give me the password.”

I didn’t trust him at all, so I gave him the wrong password. He called me several times over the next week and left messages saying that the password was wrong. I still hadn’t received the letter.

After a week, I finally answered his call. He was livid.

Supervisor: “We need the correct password!”

Me: “I still haven’t received the letter you agreed to send me. I will give you the password after I receive the letter.”

The letter was in my inbox an hour later. It was very generic. I responded to his email with the correct password.

I’ve never used the letter as a reference.