What about "you're fired" don't you understand?

You haven't even worked two full weeks yet. At this new job. You were so excited. So thankful. I thought I found a winner, but yet again I was let down. When I mentioned during the interview that any attendance issues during your first 90 days could lead to your termination did you think I was kidding? Yes, when you miss work for ANY reason, these are called ATTENDANCE ISSUES. Was I unclear? I apologize if that's the case. I didn't think I needed to explain that missing time because your children are sick is an ATTENDANCE ISSUE. I feel for you. I know it's difficult being a single parent, but you need to get a backup plan in place BEFORE you start a job.

Calling me three times and having the same circular conversation with me over and over and over and over... is not going to get me to change my mind. I will not be able to put you back out to work. After that third phone call, it was particularly proactive of you to show up at my office and ask to speak to my manager. I am the manager. So, I let my co-worker pretend that she was my manager.

Did I really hang up on you like you claimed? I believe what I said was: "I can no longer employ you. You have violated our attendance policy. I can't continue to have this conversation with you. I am getting off the phone now." Now that you're unemployed, I know you have a lot of time on your hands, but I don't. I can only devote so much energy to someone that is no longer of use to me. It's harsh I know. I was sweet, understanding, trying to feel your pain, but my patience wore thin on that third call and it was time to get tough with you.

My "manager" told you the same thing didn't she? No job for you - goodbye. All of the sudden your complaint turned, now I was unprofessional because I ended our phone conversation before you were ready to get off the Ferris wheel and I needed to be told that. In fact, you threatened to come back the next day and tell me that to my face. My "manager" handled you with aplomb. I was quite pleased when she responded: "That's not going to change the fact that we can no longer employ you. I don't really see the point of making an unnecessary trip." I'm pretty sure from the way you flipped both us off on your way out that we won't be seeing you again.

It's not me - it's you,
Mave