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1/06/2011

100 Word Challenge - Stabbed



What follows is in response to the 100 Word Challenge, authored by the Machiavellian Velvet Verbosity. The word this week is "Stabbed".

100 Word Challenge


Downsized


It wasn't so much that it was unexpected. In fact, he had been assured, all along, that his job was safe.

It was the way it was done.

Sneaky. Underhanded. He'd been stabbed in the back.

The boss's son is an incompetent, yet the kid was promoted into his job and he was let go.

Downsizing, they called it. No matter what they called it - it hurt.

Another lesson learned the hard way.

He remembered what his Dad had taught him about Honesty, Kindness, Straightforwardness.

And he wondered why no one else seemed to have been taught the same lessons.

16 comments:

Shadow said...

...i think many have been taught the same lessons, yet choose to ignore them. when it suits them.

Anonymous said...

Too bad too many forget those traits .....

moneythoughts said...

My brother-in-law had that actually happen exactly as you wrote it. He ran a lumber company in Wooster, Ohio years ago for a family owned business. When he got the company running good, they fired him and turned it over to their son to screw up again. This kind of shit happens all the time. My brother-in-law moved to Charlotte, NC and eventually got his dream job with UNC Charlotte caring for 1,000 orchids. The lesson is: don't get bitter, just get up and move on.

bama Cheryl said...

Captured the feeling completely. Nice.

Sage Ravenwood said...

It's not to wonder why no one else grew up with those same traits; rather to appreciate after all that befalls you, you still do. (Hugs)Indigo

PattiKen said...

The days of corporate loyalty (both to and fro) are gone, taking with them security and the gold watch.

Many of us have experienced a similar event. It teaches something, but I'm not sure that something is good.

Tara R. said...

This one hit really close to home. Ouch! You conveyed that feeling very well.

AuroraLee said...

All too common these days, whether it happens this way or another.
Great work conveying that in 100 words!

Bo said...

This is a feeling I know all to well. Very true to life. Great job.

Lance said...

I like how matter of fact, almost resigned to fate, the point of view is. It reminds me of Jack Lemmon's character in GlenGarry Glen Ross. That's a compliment.

Loraine said...

It's too common, and there's little consolation- excepting that understanding and love we find in our friends.

barbara said...

well written. Lots of us today walk around with a big ol target between our angel bones. Hope this wasn't TOO autobiographical.

June B. Anderson said...

Do you realize that you wrote this so well that most of the comments were on the awful circumstance and not your work?! Take that as a compliment! You stirred us! And, yes, I've had a similar circumstance, just not on he job.

Ms. Maggie said...

Nice job.

Velvet Verbosity said...

Betrayal, blech. My least favorite of human evils.

June B. Anderson said...

Well, VV, you would really get a kick out of my latest book, Forgiveness Lived. ***sarcastic eyeroll*** :)

Betrayal...ugh.