Your Future, Your Choice: Don’t Surrender The Steering Wheel

It’s scary, but nothing makes you feel more alive.

I recall it as one of the most thrilling days of my life.

I was young at that time, and it was my first job.

That company typically offered a two-year contract to newcomers. However, until a few days before the contract expiration, they wouldn’t disclose whether it would be renewed.

With precisely one week left until my contract’s end, I requested a meeting with my supervisor.

It was a sunny spring morning, and his office, encased in glass walls, was flooded with light.

He ushered me to a seat and inquired, “You’re afraid, aren’t you?”

I smiled at him and replied highly calmly, “No. Because I’m resigning.”

His complexion paled, and the arrogance on his face vanished, replaced by fear.

“What?”

“I don’t want to work for a company that doesn’t respect its employees. I’ve just purchased a house and am paying a mortgage. I have the right to receive prior notice about retaining my job.”

“We had already decided to keep you.”

“Then you could have informed me.”

When I returned to my desk, I felt strong and proud.

Of course, I was scared; that company held prestige.

However, I had taken control of my destiny and rejected that culture of intimidation.

From what my former colleagues told me, that manager faced problems with how he had handled my dismissal.

And from that day on, people were informed well in advance regarding the renewal of their contracts.

I’m Andrea from Bologna, Italy. I write about life, beauty, empathy, and lessons learned. To see my stories pop up on your feed, I’d love for you to follow me (Andrea Feccomandi). And, to have stories sent directly to you, subscribe to The Warm Lasagna, my weekly newsletter.