It started with something so small. A minor complaint about a procedure at work, something that could be made more efficient or eliminated altogether. It was so meaningless I don't even remember what it was now.
When I tried explaining that there was a better way, I was ignored. As I worked my way up the corporate ladder, one person after another threatened me with written warnings, disciplinary action, termination.
I should have stopped, but I didn't. And I couldn't stop myself from making it worse. I wouldn't let it go, because I was right. So I kept making trouble, for myself and everyone else.
One of the higher-ups, upon learning who I was for the first time, commented that perhaps I could improve things by ensuring there were pastries and coffee at her afternoon meetings. Her comment was somehow emblematic of everything I was unhappy about. I told her, "I'm not a secretary."
No one would listen. Even L_____ A_____ wanted nothing to do with me.
I was fired and driven out. Only a few who felt sorry for me would even acknowledge that I was leaving.
There was nothing left to do. I'd taken things too far. There was no going back.
