Thursday, October 30, 2014

Writer's Workshop: Better than Bitter (Repost)

The post, "What I Know For Sure: Better Than Bitter", first appeared on the blog three years ago on October 5, 2011. I just couldn't resist the temptation. After all, it was such a defining moment. I thought it fitting to repost when I saw that the writer's workshop prompts for this week had:

3.) Write a post inspired by the word: bitter

And so, here it goes...

Gawd! What a startling discovery I made recently when an old colleague contacted me. My reaction to her request can only be described, as Oprah would put it, an “A-ha!” moment for me.

Old colleagues became wary of me after I left the old workplace two years ago, thinking me the disgruntled employee who will avenge whatever. And I suppose, to some extent, I did not blame them for thinking such. Nor did I try and convince them otherwise. I was on the vestige of positivity. People and circumstances had let me down; In fact, I still remember the hurt and frustration each time I think about that time.
So it was quite astonishing to be contacted for some assistance with regards anything about my old job. My colleague wanted to find out if I knew the mechanics of a certain apparatus that I used to have in my old office.
 
I debated whether to assist or not. Somehow, the tempting thought did cross my mind that I could just keep quiet about it. After all, it’s their problem, not mine. After all they’ve put me through, a little inconvenience like this could really make the “bitter” me very happy (evil laugh filtering through the air BWAHAHAHAHA)!
 
But I chose to help. However much I can. Yep! I did just that.
 
In the end, what I know for sure was that….I was better than the embittered person these people painted me out to be. Way, way better.
 
Lately I mostly hear myself saying that I have moved on and I am soooo over my old job. But this time, my heart truly believes it.

I'm sure most of us have had bad work experiences in one way or another. Have you truly gotten over yours yet?
 
Mama’s Losin’ It

3 comments:

KatBouska said...

Totally been there! Or I've left a difficult job, but liked my former colleagues too much to leave them hanging. I'm glad you took the high road!

Anonymous said...

Good job getting over it. I've been lucky that I've had little trouble in any of my jobs and the only two I remember I was able to quit and simply move on. I never gave either a second thought... but I have no idea how I would feel if I heard from them again.

Prajakta said...

I admit, I am a bit worried now. I am barely 20 months into my first proper job and I haven't yet faced anything "bad". I better brace myself because in the end people are just people!