The New Job

I woke up early that Monday morning feeling great. I had had a great night’s sleep, better than usual. This was going to be a great day. This was the day I would get the big promotion at work. “Michael Miller, assistant executive vice President”. That had a nice ring to it. Ever since starting work for Rubenstein Corporation three years ago, it was the job I had wanted. Now I was all but guaranteed it, all that was left was the formality of the promotion. I got dressed in my most formal business suit. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I realize, I truly did look the part. I wanted to make sure I looked perfect as I headed out the door and headed toward the subway station. 

As I boarded the Subway, I ran into Nancy. We often ran into each other around this time as she got on before me, and went on ahead of me, presumably to one of the further stops down the line. We didn’t know that much about each other, and I frankly liked to keep it that way, she seemed to have a personality I could only take in small doses. While she never said much about her personal life, she would talk everyone’s ear off about the most mundane things. It was so irritating. Today was no different. She was talking about how her best friend’s dog was best friend’s with her dog or some such. This went on for almost the entire time I was on the subway, and as the car was full, I also couldn’t move away. I was happy to quickly take my leave of her when my stop arrived. I stepped onto the platform and headed out into the street toward my office, a few blocks away. 

I saw Mike leave the subway and I continued on my way. While he was someone to talk to, in order to pass the time on the subway, I could tell he didn’t like me very much, and frankly the feeling was mutual at this point. We only ever saw each other for a few stops on the subway, but he always came off as arrogant, with no real time for anyone else. Whenever he did say anything, it was generally self congratulatory. Today he was bragging about his promotion at work, and how much he deserved it after all he had done for the company. I only ever wanted to be friendly toward him but he was always cold. In any case, today was a good day. I had just quit my old job where I had little prospects for mobility and felt that my abilities were not being appreciated. I was hired on to a new job. Hopefully this new job would offer more opportunities for upward mobility. It was that moment that I realized I had missed the most direct stop to get to the place. In part due to being lost in my daydreams, and in part force of habit. No matter, I would get off on the next stop and backtrack. That would however cost me some time. I would therefore contact my new employer and tell them I was running a bit late. So I took out my phone and found their office number that I had saved upon being hired. 

I saw Michael walking into my office. He was right on schedule. He was nothing if not punctual. I was about to officially grant him his promotion. I just needed to wait for the replacement for his old position to arrive, but she was running late it seemed. Not a good look to be late on your first day. I had debated giving Michael the promotion, he was also a bit of a sycophant, but he was also by far the most qualified. He always finished his work and looked for more to do to help the company. Even if it was just to win my favor, it was more than could be said for anyone else there. He was loyal, and that was a necessary quality. If he had any say in it, he would likely claim to be the most loyal employee Rubenstein’s has ever had since my father founded this company over 40 years ago. Humility was not one of Mike’s qualities, but it didn’t hinder his work performance

 “Good morning Mr. Rubenstein, I am eager to begin my duties as assistant executive vice president” he said enthusiastically.   

“That’s assistant to the executive vice president” I corrected him.

"Of course sir" he said.

After making a brief official announcement about Mike’s new position to the office, I sent him off to his new duties.

About half an hour later, Mike’s replacement arrived. Before I could chide her for being late, she informed me that she had gotten lost and had called in ahead of time, a fact that my secretary confirmed. This was her first day, it was understandable. 

“Michael, come here I want you to meet the person who will be taking your old position.” He quickly came into my office where his replacement was standing beside me.

“This is Nancy, the two of you will be working closely together, she will report directly to you”.

Turning to Nancy I said “this is Mike he will be your new boss, well technically I am your new boss but he is your direct superior”

For some reason, Mike seemed horrified, as if this arrangement frightened him.

“Yes...sir” he said, hesitantly.

“Is there a problem?” I asked.

“No sir, everything is fine, I just still can’t believe I got this promotion.” He said as he held out his hand to shake Nancy’s. She shook it, but appeared to have a bit of a smirk on her face.

“Alright then Michael, why don’t you show her around? Answer any questions she may have”

“Yes sir” Michael said “Now let’s get to work, Are you coming, Nancy?” He called as she followed behind him. 

“That boy is destined for greatness” I told myself “what kind of greatness God only knows, but he has tenacity. Nancy too, I think the two of them will work well together”.