She left the office in tears. Tamala couldn’t believe what
she just heard. It felt like her whole world had caved in on her. The job she
held in such high esteem had turned on her like a wild, unfed tiger. At her age
she wouldn’t find employment easy. No matter what her skill set was. All she
could think about were the friends she’d made, the experiences she’d shared.
Now it was over all because of her boss.
Tamala had been out of work for a year now. Being unemployed
had seriously eaten away at her savings. If she didn’t find work soon she’d be
forced to file for unemployment and food stamps. Tamala was too proud to do
that. She was raised to work for what you want. Don’t take handouts, only
quitters do that. Her family was strict and self sufficient. There were no
exceptions. You either made it in this
life or you didn’t. Tamala was embarrassed to ask for help. She didn’t want
anyone in her family to know that she was unemployed so she kept up the façade
like nothing was wrong. But today things
hit a bad bump in the road and she felt like she was rolling down the fastest
roller coaster to hell. If only Tamala hadn’t asked the question. If only she
had of kept her mouth shut. Maybe she could go back there. Not a chance, there
was no turning back because reality was in control.
It all started when her assistant manager made his rounds
like he did every morning. Making sure everyone had what they needed to get
through their day and if he could be of assistance if not. Tamala had been
wondering when she was going to get the help she needed. Help on one of her
most difficult accounts that had been promised. Her assistant manager told her
in front of the entire team that at the end of the month everyone’s focus would
shift to help Tamala close out her account. The work load was so heavy it really
needed two people to work it. But Tamala’s boss felt she could handle it he had
said previously. He felt she was smart and this shouldn’t be a stressor for
her. Well he was wrong. Tamala didn’t get the direction she needed to work the
account, she was literally walking blindly trying to figure things out. Most
times it was trial and error, more often error.
It was the end of the month and the reports had to be
accurate for her client. As each day moved closer to Friday she felt the weight
of an incomplete project looming. Not completing this project in full meant
Tamala would be denied a raise again. Deep down Tamala felt like a loser, like
she couldn’t play ball with the younger reps. Tamala was too self critical; she
judged herself before anyone else could.
As she was on her way to the copier she had to walk past the offices of
some of the executives.she heard her clients’ name. Trying to pretend not to
hear the conversation, Tamala heard her
name once again but this time she heard the words “let go,” as well. Was she going to be fired? Tamala instantly
felt sick to the stomach. She needed this job, they couldn’t fire her! How
would her bills get paid?
************************************************************************************
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN TO TAMALA? REPLY IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
she need to swallow her pride, and get some help, ask folks she might follow locally on twitter if there any openings where they work. Or something like that. Nothing wrong with get some help. come on now ..
ReplyDeleteglad my short story of fiction inspired you to comment with such passion! Thank you. I may add your suggestion to the story.
Delete