Choices

I was reminded while writing yesterday of something a boss once told me long ago. When I was 17, I worked for a trucking company in their billing department. I was interested in computers, so I started learning the midrange system they used, an AS/400. A few months down the road, we were bought out by another company, and the head computer guy was let go. The new technology people were 4 hours away in Dallas, but since I had learned a lot about the system, they realized they could save a buck or two and let me handle the daily stuff. Now, I didn't get a raise for this, but I was thrilled because I really enjoyed working with the computer. A couple of months later, we were informed our location was shutting down, and all corporate services were moving to Dallas. The first few people to go were the Controller and Senior Vice President. I remember talking with them on their last day and we were discussing what they planned to do. I was single and young, so I wasn't worried. These guys were executives making big bucks with families. I was surprised at our conversation because they didn't talk about their problems. They talked about my work for them. They told me they had met with the new management staff in Dallas and had highly recommended that I be kept on board. Of course, I was surprised because I figured I was off the radar. The reason they said was because of the many times I had volunteered to work over, or take on a special project that nobody else wanted. I was also informed that some of the little "billing error" projects I had worked on had actually saved the company much more than my annual salary. I was told specifically "Jamie, It doesn't matter where you go or how much you are paid; they will save more than they pay you. We told them to make you a hell of an offer and they would not be disappointed". I was indeed offered a nice job in Dallas along with moving expenses as needed. I even went looking at apartments and met with numerous people up there. One of them was a guy named Keith who had worked at the same location I did but was transferred to Dallas after the merger. The story could end here with me going to Dallas, but as it happens I did not take the job. Here is why: Keith picked me up from the Airport and showed me around the Dallas Corporate offices. During the day I met with the management as well as IT staff. I was going to take the job. On the flight back home I was already thinking of how different it would be living in Dallas and making pretty good money. The next morning I went to work and decided to call Keith first to let him know I was going to be taking the job and would see more of him. I wanted him to know first since he was the only one I knew up there. Well, I called his number and after no answer got the receptionist instead of the usual voice mail. I was then informed that Keith no longer worked there. Whoa! I had just seen him at 6pm the night before when he dropped me off at the airport. I called the VP in Dallas and asked him what the deal was. I was told that things had not worked out with Keith, but they sure were hoping I would take the job. They even told me they waited to let Keith go until after I had made my trip. Well, I had heard enough to know I was no longer interested. I explained that I disagreed with how Keith were treated (He had no idea until he returned to the office after dropping me off at the airport) and I would not work for people I did not trust. So, they blew it. I never had any doubts about my decision to not take that job, and looking back I was glad I didn't. You see, respect is not a one way street. I have always taken pride in my work, and I think my past employers would agree with that. However, I also have to have respect for the company I am working for. I just could not respect the company after that. See more at http://www.jamieratliff.com