It was one way or the other. There was not going to be any compromise, especially on my part that’s for sure.
This was a situation that I had to face at work. I was given an ultimatum because a week beforehand, I enrolled myself into a course during the night. I did this for two reasons. The first being that I had to do something to compliment my daily grind to keep me interested in living; I wanted to do something on the side to make me feel that what I did for a living was worth it, if only to fund the night activities. The second reason was that by doing this course, I would have the means as to make a career jump down the line.
So when I told my boss that I needed to leave 15 minutes earlier, three days week, she wasn’t too pleased. In fact, she questioned if I was serious about my extracurricular activities. Even if I wasn’t, just asking that question was quite rude on her behalf. I mean I told her my plans, and I was quite forthcoming and open about it, but for her to effectively throw it back up in my face was something that requires real cajones.
There I was, faced with an ultimatum. Back down from my extracurricular activities, or not work at all. Mind you I have been working with the organisation for just under 6 months. But in those 6 months I’ve usually done 50 hour weeks and sometimes I have done 60 hour weeks. That might not seem like much to other people, but in my defence, I’m contractually obligated for 40 hours a week. Plus I don’t want to become part of the furniture here because it’s not a place I want to grow into; if there were a future here, I would think otherwise.
Funnily enough, she wasn’t willing to offer me to come in earlier to make the time up, or even take a shorter lunch break. It was her way, or the high way. And because of that, the choice was easy. I told her I was resigning. To say that she was surprised was an understatement. I suppose she forgot 2 important things. First, even though I’m not the typical Gen Y, I’m still Gen Y. And more importantly, she was dealing with me.
I’ve always said that it’s easy to get me interested, to get me on your team. But it’s very hard to keep me there. Remember that no matter how good you are, there will be many others like you, if not better. Don’t think you’ll always get your way. I’ve come to grips with that idea. It’s about time you do too.
