THE IMPERFECT POSITION

When you search for a job and find what you think will be the "perfect position", the light at the end of the tunnel may land up being a dark cavern with a small crack in the ceiling, just enough to let the sunshine through.

I could not believe my luck when I received a call after a short interview at a business selling drywall, roofing, tools, etc. to become a receptionist, knowing that if I proved myself I would have the chance of climbing the ladder to, Personal Secretary to the Owner, Hans.

Hans was a short arrogant gentleman whose take on life was "I am Right, and YOU Better Believe It". But, I was determined and walked the path where even fools feared to tread. After six months his secretary walked after working for him for three years. My opportunity had arrived!

At this time the building was under renovation so I delighted in helping with ideas for the layout and the office designs, even getting to choose the furniture that was suitable for the offices. It was a wonderful time. Finally, the day came when I walked into "my" office. What a delight, well for a short time at least.

For four years I worked beyond expectations, typing for the salesmen, helping at the sales desk, printing advertising brochures, which I had created. Working with Fred, The Owner's Brother to set up different sales ideas, marketing exhibitions. I had even learned to take shorthand over the phone from Hans when he called from meetings in the states or holidays in Italy. No matter how I tried the abusive words flew, the angry voice raged, yet he kept wanting more. It was not done perfectly, it was not completed to his satisfaction, why had I to go home on time, I should be willing to stay to completion of my task. I would explain, husbands need to be fed, home needs care, I need rest, to no avail, no reason satisfied Hans.

Yes, Hans was a roadblock in my life. I loved my work, I had made many friends in the company but the abuse and contempt became insurmountable.

Having been brought up to be ladylike and a hard worker I had taken everything thrown my way, but one morning when more abuse was slung, I retaliated. To everyone in the office that day who could hear the sounds behind my closed door, hope you enjoyed every word. Even now I can hear my voice slowly rising and slinging back his words. Giving Hans a taste of his own medicine.

"You think you know it all, don't you?" You are a despicable man, who uses his voice to fire bullets, your idea that your handsome to get any blonde you want, your corvette to pretend to be racy. Hans, you were not born with any manners, you don't know the word "please". You can't even be pleasant to your customers". Your brother does most of the slog work and your salesmen are so afraid of you, they won't even try to protect the other women in this company."

Yup, said it all and enjoyed it. Needless to say, my job was over, however, there was one tiny part of me that knew I was going to get a good reference. Because like it or not, Hans realized in some ways I was right. I stormed out of the office and went home.

Fred phoned that evening, and let me know that a reference from himself would be ready in the morning and that Hans had asked me to come in to see him. With great trepidation, I returned at 8 Am. I was greeted by a very pleasant Hans who asked me for a hug and to shake hands, who gave me a bonus cheque and a reference. His parting words were, "Joan, you are a hard worker and I think I was hard on you because I consider you "older"; YES, he had an effrontery to use "Older"!! "I need someone young and vibrant and hope you will find another position soon.

A little aside to this story. A few months later when I had another position, I stopped in to see my friends and find out the gossip. Well, nothing surprised me more than to see a rather "rough" lady with an angry face come out of what I had considered "my" office. Yes, she was the new secretary and had been chosen from several candidates. She had been secretary to the Prison Warden. Good Luck Hans.