“What would make you stay?”
I didn’t answer immediately.
Because six weeks earlier, I would have said a raise.
Maybe $70,000.
Maybe $75,000.
Now?
It was too late.
“I’ve already accepted the offer.”
Karen frowned.
“We could probably match it.”
I looked at her.
“You could?”
“Yes.”
I nodded slowly.
“That’s interesting.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I spent six years asking for a salary adjustment, and apparently the money was available the entire time.”
She didn’t answer.
“You just weren’t willing to pay me until I resigned.”
Karen crossed her arms.
“You’re making this personal.”
“No,” I said quietly.
“You made it financial.”
The room went silent.
I stood.
“I’ll make sure Emily has everything she needs before I leave.”
Then I walked out.
The next day, something happened that I will never forget.
Karen called an emergency meeting with HR.
I wasn’t invited.
