By December, Maya had already learned that leaving the Sawdust & Giggles office did not always mean leaving work behind.
She had spent months adapting to the company. Different desks, unclear instructions, old drawings, unexpected tasks, supplier problems, public criticism.
Michael’s changing expectations. Sherina watched the time while Maya worked. People ask questions about her private life. Projects appearing without context. Problems becoming her responsibility after they had already happened.
Every morning, Maya arrived prepared to work. Every evening, she left with more questions than answers. So when the company announced its Christmas dinner, Maya did not feel excited.
Other employees seemed pleased. They discussed food and drinks. Who would attend. What they would wear. Whether partners were coming. Someone mentioned that the restaurant had good steak. Another employee began talking about wine.
The office atmosphere became lighter in a few days. Maya listened without joining much. Christmas dinner should have been simple, eat, talk politely, smile, go home.
She decided that would be her strategy. She would attend because she worked for the company. She would behave professionally. She would avoid discussing anything sensitive. Then she would leave.
Add your first comment to this post