Easy Come, Please Just Go
I work in a small company where everyone knows everyone, so I am surprised to see a new face in the break room. Oddly, the newcomer also seems to know a group of other guys that have worked here for a while as he is having a loud and “lively” chat.
I sit down at a nearby table and can’t help but listen in.
New Guy: “It’s just bulls***.”
Coworker: “So, what happened?”
New Guy: “They suspended me for my ‘attitude.’ They were going to fire me, but [Ex-Team Leader] left so they had to let me back.”
Coworker: “They just brought you back, just like that?”
New Guy: “Yeah, something about there being no evidence anymore.”
Coworker: “Sounds like he did you a favour.”
New Guy: “No, he’s a d**k — all management are. Just because I was a bit late once.”
Coworker: “To be fair, [New Guy], you were late a lot. Didn’t you threaten [Ex-Team Leader]?”
New Guy: “Yeah, but they had no proof. Besides, what’s the problem?”
Coworker: “Err… yeah.”
New Guy: “I’ve got a meeting with that human resources b****, and then I’m gonna spend the afternoon getting some shut-eye in my car where there’re no cameras.”
Coworker: “Yeah… thing is, mate, I’m the new team leader. You report to me now, and we can’t have your lateness or sleeping on company time. Come on; we need to get to this meeting.”
New Guy: “Oh, I see. You’re one of them. You think you know someone. Yet another c**t in the machine.”
Coworker: “Come on, mate. No need to be like that. Let’s get to the meeting.”
They both walked out. They made it just outside the door before the new guy started shouting and swearing. I just made out him storming off to his car and not returning. I guess he quit because I never saw him again. I don’t think he was a great loss.