By Susan Gale Wickes
Madge had an office, a title, and decades of seniority.
Her salary may have been HR’s little “don’t ask, don’t tell” secret, but her designer clothes spoke volumes.
Karen had a tiny cubicle near the copy machine, filled in wherever needed, and secretly dreamed of climbing the ladder of success.
When serious budget cuts came calling, Madge was the first employee to go.
Senior management carefully weighed the options and made an informed, perhaps caffeine-fueled, decision.
Turns out Karen was the only one who could clear those stubborn paper jams in the copier.
She also made a mean cup of coffee.
Great story!
Thanks, Dart!
Don’t you just love when the unexpected happens… and for the small people 🙂
Thanks Susan, a lovely story.
Yes, I do! Thanks, Lisa. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
Great, easy to relate to, story for us office types. Makes the best coffee and can fix the copier. This Karen already almost a legend.
Thanks, Steve. Karen actually ends up at the top of the corporate ladder…but I’ll save that for another story. I appreciate the read!
I knew it!! Thanks Susan.
You’re welcome!
Love your story. My husband relayed a similar story about an office administrator, originally let go due to budget cuts, but then asked back because they couldn’t function without her. Yeah for Karen! I wonder if she manages to remain humble or becomes more like Madge as she climbs the ladder.
How ironic! Thanks, Karisa….and I hope Karen stays humble. The world has way too many Madges.