The employee

“Okay,” I began. “That’s about all I have. We appreciate what you’re doing—nice job.”

I looked at the young woman sitting across from me. I barely knew her, but she was one of the 23 people who reported to me. That meant a variable amount of supervision during the year as well as this, her annual review. In her case, she actually worked within a completely different division, in a nearby town, and they’d supplied me with an assessment, as well as a recommendation for a bonus. It seemed like a dumb structure. Why should I give a review to someone I’d literally seen maybe three times in the past year? But I did a lot of meaningless work stuff, which is why I eventually quit.

“Thanks, Mr. Forrest. Can you do me a favor?”

“Sure,” I said. “What’s on your mind?”

“Uhm, would you level with me? Is my job at risk?”

I paused, trying to remember if there had been any rumors about layoffs, or something negative circulating about her. Her evaluations were fairly average. I’d heard she left crisply on time every evening, didn’t volunteer for extra work, and was only fair in regards to writing skills, but she was fine. I had nothing. “Nope. I haven’t heard a word. I think you’re fine.”

“Seriously. You know I have a 3 year old at home, and my ex-husband is a deadbeat. I really need this job.”

I thought to myself. She got paid fairly well, but she’d only been out of college for about 5 years. It’d be tough to be a solo parent.

“And my family is 500 miles away. I’m really on my own and need to stay on my feet.”

“As I said, your job is safe.”

“Listen, Mr.Forrest, you’re so senior, and everybody knows you’re kind of a business genius, so you probably haven’t ever felt on thin ice. But I’m ****. I’d do anything to keep this job.”