Paradise Part 6

RB ate lunch in his typical spot:  At his desk.  Today’s fare was leftover chili.  It was a family favorite and RB liked to make chili.  Since his wife didn’t like spicy food, RB typically made it more bland and added Tabasco sauce.  Unfortunately, he forgot to bring Tabasco sauce and wished Craig still worked in the office.  Craig always kept a couple bottles in his cubicle and happily shared it.  RB replaced Craig a few months earlier in the year when he and nearly half the office took advantage of a package the company offered. 

RB stopped reading a letter from an unhappy million miler and considered the circumstances that brought him to his current position.  He had only been in the office for a few months when an executive writer position opened.  RB wanted to apply for the job but was discouraged from doing so by a supervisor.  He needed more experience was the reason.  In the months leading up to the mass exodus, the executive team was under a lot of scrutiny.  Occasionally, RB would discuss deals he had with Craig.  During these talks, Craig confided in RB how things were going for him.  After a few of these chats, RB was glad he never applied for the job.

Life has many ironies.  RB was very surprised when, 2 days prior to the package accepting coworkers leaving, his manager called RB to his office.  There, RB learned he would be one of the people replacing the executive writer staff.  Since it was late in the day, nothing would be done but the following day, RB was to learn what he could for the exiting employees.

RB had mixed emotions.  He felt honored to be chosen since it was a position that had visibility from the most powerful people in the office.  Nevertheless, he had concerns due to information learned from Craig.  After further consideration that night, RB realized it would be a pay increase.  This made him happy.  The family needed the money.

RB started the next day like any other.  He arrived early and began going through emails.  When he knew his manager, Trent, was in his office, RB walked there with his half full coffee mug.  The day was dawning bright but the clouds soon rolled in.

Since RB felt it important to know, he wanted to confirm the pay increase.  In short order, RB was told there would be no pay raise.  Also, he had no choice in the matter of taking the job being thrust upon him.  Defeated, RB returned to his office.  There, he considered his options.  He had none.

When Craig arrived, RB went there with a pad of paper and a pen.  He scribbled down information about how to do the job.  He got names and phone numbers of various individuals who would contact him to handle deals on behalf of a particular executive.  He received other contact information for individuals who could help with various situations. 

As the day continued, RB became more distraught.  This was the training he was receiving?  This was it?  He was gleaning information from someone while he packed up his office.  This guy was happy he was leaving.  RB wondered if he should have taken a package.  After a few hours, RB could take no more.  His anxiety was sky high.  Finally, he said, ”Craig, I need to get away for a minute.”

“Sure thing, man.  I’ll be here.”

On the verge of tears, RB walked down the stairs and stepped outside.  He pressed the first speed dial on his phone and hoped his wife wasn’t busy.  She answered on the third ring.

“Hello?”

“Hi honey.”

“Hi.”

RB paused, trying to collect his thoughts.  He felt trapped.  He felt betrayed.  He started, “I talked with Trent this morning.  I’m not going to get a raise.”

“His wife blurted, “Oh no!”

“Not only that, he says I have no option about taking the job.”

“What are you going to do?”

“What choice do I have?”

“Yeah….”

“Honestly, I want to go back to my office, get my stuff and walk outta here and never come back.”

“I understand.”

RB knew she was being supportive.  He was sure she wanted to say he shouldn’t do it.  Money was tight as it was.  Fighting back tears he continued, “But I know we can’t afford it.  I am so stuck.  I’m tired of being screwed around by this stupid place.”

“What are you going to do?”

RB paused.  He had no real options.  He would have to suck it up and go back upstairs and do what he always does.  He would do the best he could.  Finally, he replied, “I’m going to stick it out.  What choice do I have?”

“I’m praying for you, honey.”

“Thank you.  I need it.”

As RB walked back up the stairs, he felt defeat and resolution in his heart.  This place continues to try to break him.  Several months ago, RB finally admitted to himself he would either retire or die before he got out of that place.  He had applied for many jobs over the years but nothing ever came to fruition.  He had already been there more than 8 years.  It was supposed to be a stepping stone for something bigger and better.  Almost 9 years later and he was still on the same step.  It looked more and more like he would be there another 20 years or so until he retired.