Appraisal call.
Zoom. Camera on. Manager smiling like he's about to ruin a life.
Mine.
Manager: "You did well. Stakeholders love you. Numbers look solid"
Me: Cool. This might actually go okay.
Then suddenly ...
Manager: "I'm giving you a 2"
Me: "Waitโฆ what?"
Manager: Itโs your breathing. It feels... rebellious. Sometimes passive-aggressive. I remember, you once sighed after I asked for reports at 10 PM.
So let me get this straight.
I worked 11 months, 243 days, 1987 hours.
Shipped features. Trained Interns. Held the fort while he "took a mental health week" ... But the man tanked my rating because my lungs had attitude?
So yeah - Apparently I breathe like I've got self-worth. Big mistake.
Next year I'll just hold my breath, nod, and die quietly in Q2. Maybe then I'll get a 3.
Did I mention 2 means.. no raise :)
Lucky me.. YAY!!!
Task / Tip of the day -> Replace "Me".. with your name if you feel like it.
Backstory: Confessed by someone close to me.. dismissed by someone higher up... IYKYK