The Grumpy Boss

“If you're not a perfect employee, you don't have the right to complain. And one more thing, if you have a problem with your employer, don't post it on your social media! Can your followers and friends do anything to make your job easier? Do you think that they can search for a new job for you? Come on Ms. Ara, grow up!”

Ara bowed because her strict boss Howard is currently roasting her. It was about her posting a long rant post related to her work when she was assigned to render an overtime for the whole week. She just made a mistake because she forgot that she’s friends with her boss on that social media. Her post was visible to his account since it was a company rule that every employee under the company should add their big bosses on social media.

“I'm sorry Sir Howard, I deleted that post as well,” Ara apologized.

Even though she hasn't been Howard's secretary for a long time, she will definitely be replaced soon. The HR Manager even said that Howard had eight more secretaries before she got hired even though the year has not ended. Howard was too picky about his future secretary and he doesn't like lousy and slow learners. Well, Ara isn't like that but he also doesn't like employees who love to complain about their work. If they can't follow his standards, they are free to leave and close the door and just let someone who's qualified to open it again.

"Can you delete your account as well? And from now on, go home and just browse on social media. Maybe soon, you could find a new job opening posts,” Howard sarcastically uttered.

Ara wasn't surprised anymore. Howard is really like that when it comes to making decisions and many employees are already sick of his behavior.

Tears welled up in her eyes but she knew Howard had no empathy. His heart is even harder than a typical stone. He’s very inconsiderate and very stressful to handle. Well, she guessed that her work dismissal was still in her favor.

She nodded and spontaneously walked out of Howard's office. She even met his cousin Jared who was about to go inside but she never greeted him.

“What happened to Ms. Ara?” Jared asked as his gaze followed Howard's tearful secretary.

“I fired her. As simple as that,” Howard replied and focused on his own desktop. Firing employees was a normal thing for him to do.

“Why? Ara is kind and hardworking, she doesn't have a family yet so she's focused on work. It will be difficult for the HR manager to find a replacement for her," Jared said regretfully.

“Howard, when are you going to stop giving pain to the employees around you? I knew you were strict but I feel like it's too much. You’re crossing the line with your inconsiderate actions.” Jared shook his head several times.

Howard seemed to be frustrated with the slapped truth on his cousin but he doesn’t buy that. He automatically turned to him with a threatening look.

“And who are you to say that? I'm the CEO of SLI so I just have to make sure the workflow here is perfect. I don't want to disappoint my dad.”

Jared remained silent and suddenly snorted so he just made his cousin more annoyed at him.

“Anyway, that's your mindset because you didn't work hard to get your title today. You just inherited your position and the company as well. Howard, can you put your feet in someone else's shoes? Have some empathy for the people around you, don't abuse your power as CEO.”

Now he seems to be beaten with the words left by Jared. But he will not admit it because he already imprinted in his brain that a CEO will never commit such mistakes in imposing decisions.

“I'm not a power tripper. I just don't like people who have weak brains. What do you need?” he asked to change the subject.

“There's a dinner meeting at the Fontabella residence, they said you should go home early,” Jared advised.

“And what was that meeting for?”

"I do not know. By the way, Howard, do you know Mang Elmer? The driver who drove you when you went to the province of Natividad?”

He frowned at Jared's question. “Of course. The driver who caused me to get lost and almost didn't arrive on time at the meeting venue? How can I forget that old man?”

Jared sighed and wondered if he would continue what he wanted to say.

“You fired him as a driver but in fact, it's uncle who hired him and not you. And the wife of that poor man died because you fired him.”

“What do I care if his wife dies? It's his personal life.”

“You deprived the man of his livelihood. I hope you can change somehow.”

He couldn't understand what Jared had said. He just let him leave the office and at that point, he looked back at the mistakes he had made.

***

“I thought we were having a dinner meeting, but there was no dinner and it's amazing that we're the only ones here at this table. Dad, are you going to tell me something?”

Mr. Simeon Fontabella stared meaningfully at his son Howard because of the question he asked.

“You have no clue?” His dad, Simeon, laughed.

“That's why I'm asking, dad.”

He sighed deeply and handed the white folder to Howie. “What is this?”

“Why don't you open it? You're big enough for spoon feeding.”

Howard shook his head as he opened the folder. He frowned at what he saw. 

“A Leave form and resignation letter, effective immediately? What nonsense is this, dad? You know that I don't want to give up my career.”

Anytime, he wants to tear those papers into pieces. And what did his father think of doing that? He knew that he's doing fine. Because of him, the company is booming and slowly gaining more investors.

“But you need to end your career. No buts, just follow me. Jared already told what happened to Mang Elmer, didn't he? So I'm going to give you a lesson. Go to the province of Trias for vacation and reflect on your past actions.”

His eyes widened even more in shock.

“Me? Will you send me to a place where there is a war? No dad! This is so insane!” he protested.

“No 'buts' and 'No',” Simeon insisted.

"Your performance as a CEO doesn't matter if you still don't change, Howard."