Her Terrible Boss Withheld Her Bonus and Said She Wasn't Competent, But When Their Paths Cross Again Years Later, Her Old Manager Has No Idea What's About to Happen.

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The Original Poster (OP) goes from being a junior salesperson, undermined and dismissed by her superiors, to holding the reins of the careers of her former bosses. The tension reaches a climax when OP’s senior boss, who once stole her bonus, applies for a job at OP’s current firm and when the mid-level manager who fired her calls years later with a sales proposition. Just as the scales of power tip in OP’s favor, a series of strategic moves unfolds, setting the stage for a satisfying yet undisclosed resolution.

The Sales World

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When OP was in her early 20s, she was hired for a junior sales position, primarily supporting the senior sales team. OP was eager to learn and often sought guidance from the higher-ups to support their daily operations effectively.

Unspoken Tensions

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Although OP was looking for mentorship and asked for advice to better support the team, which consisted of a mid-level supervisor and a senior head of sales, her superiors misinterpreted these requests as signs of incompetence. The working dynamic was riddled with miscommunication.

The Stolen Bonus

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Just three months into the job, the senior boss took OP’s first bonus for himself. This amount, although insignificant to the boss, was substantial for OP. When questioned about the evident misallocation, the boss chose not to acknowledge OP’s contribution and did not compensate.

A Disheartening Dismissal

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Despite her hard work and evident skills, OP faced an abrupt dismissal a few weeks later with the vague reason, “It’s just not working out.” Both superiors were present during this heart-wrenching moment. Their decision left OP jobless and puzzled.

A New Chapter Begins

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Soon after, OP joined a smaller yet thriving firm where she felt valued and mentored properly. Here, she was appreciated for her dedication and skill set. This transition marked a period of professional growth and stability for OP.

The Past Resurfaces

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Two years later, as OP’s former firm faced a regional shutdown, a familiar face reappeared. The senior head of sales, who had taken OP’s bonus, was now being interviewed for a position at OP’s new company. Their eyes met, exchanging a loaded gaze across the boardroom’s glass barrier.

A Quiet Revelation

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Understanding the importance of trust within small sales teams, OP discreetly informed her current boss about her experience with the senior sales head. She highlighted the previous theft of her bonus, hinting at the character of the man being interviewed. The man was no longer considered for the position.

A Blast from the Past

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Years later, in a senior role at a different company, OP received an unexpected call. The female mid-level manager from the previous job, now selling for another firm, reached out with a sales proposition.

An Icy Exchange

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Feigning enthusiasm in the lackluster products the former manager was selling, feigned excitement about collaborating again. With considerable influence at her new company, OP took decisive action.

Bait-and-Switch

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While the former mid-level sales manager invested hours drafting a proposal, OP tactically withdrew all her business commitments and moved them to a competitor, ensuring her former coworker would miss out on a crucial bonus that year.

An Email Showdown

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The next day, an email thread took a tense turn. With her boss involved, OP took the opportunity to express her feelings, remarking on her “insincere” approach to business. The message was clear, and the underlying sentiments were deep-rooted.

The Price of Insincerity

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The magnitude of business OP pulled from the firm was more valuable than her position there. The resulting fallout saw her job tenure cut short. Throughout these confrontations and encounters, OP maintained her upward trajectory in the sales world.

Power Dynamics Shifted

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Over time, the power dynamics between OP and her former superiors underwent a remarkable transformation. The once-suppressed junior salesperson was now a force to reckon with, determining the fates of those who once undermined her.

Was The Woman’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posted her story online for the feedback and scrutiny of the internet community. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “I guess the lesson learned is to treat people nicely regardless of age or experience because they could eventually be in a position to destroy you just for fun.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “I’m in hiring/recruiting, and too many people in small to medium-sized industries DO NOT truly understand how important reputation and relationships are.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “That’s why they say to be careful how you treat people on your way up; you might meet them again on your way back down.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader commented, “A simple do not hire that guy from a random person a team is enough not to hire them. You don’t have to be a boss or a big wig, but if you are honest and have a valid reason, then most likely they won’t hire that person.”