Dream Theater: Heavy Hitters

Photo from nkcpa.com

I had a new job, working for the biggest asshole in the company.

Each week, on Friday at 4:30, he'd scheduled a regular meeting for his entire team. Of course, attendance was mandatory.

It was Friday, 4:25, and I had no idea where the meeting was actually taking place.

A lot of people were already leaving for the weekend, but his admins were still at their desks, beaten-down looks on their faces. None of them knew where he was or where the meeting was happening.

But somehow, with just seconds to spare, I found the room and walked in.

Everyone around the table is a heavy hitter. Charlize Theron. Ben Affleck. Viola Davis. Javier Bardem. 

And as I take a seat I think to myself, "Is this a new job, or a movie about a new job?"

My boss--our boss--is someone I've never seen before. I look at the serious faces surrounding me and decide to take the bull by the horns. I launch into a speech.

"I believe in treating people with kindness and respect," I say, hoping to nip in the bud any problems with this guy or my coworkers. "And if they don't do the same to me, it's always because of one reason: fear."

Some of them shift in their chairs. Maybe they're surprised, or interested, or uncomfortable. 

"I know what I can do, and I know what it's worth," I tell them. 

"And I always know where I can find another place to do it."