Generosity Cost Me My Job

I scoffed inwardly. I couldn't believe how obnoxious Michael was being.

When I didn't react like Michael had thought I would, he grew slightly upset.

"You should be grateful, Zane Carter! The economy is terrible right now. Do you know how difficult it is to find a job?

"Countless fresh graduates are unemployed right now. You should be thankful that I got you a job at all!"

When I remained expressionless, he changed his tone and pretended to be thoughtful and considerate.

"Tell you what—I won't do you this favor for free. You just came up with a brand new algorithm, didn't you?

"How about you give me that algorithm in exchange for a dollar and a job? Doesn't that sound like a great deal?" he asked.

I stared at him in shock. I was furious. I'd worked on this algorithm myself for a considerable amount of time. I couldn't believe he had the nerve to ask for it so blatantly.

I had invited him to work with me from the very beginning. However, every time I approached him, he'd claim that he was busy with work or that he was feeling unwell.

Michael had never contributed anything at all. And yet, he was now trying to get involved when the algorithm was almost complete. He was just trying to take credit and benefit from my work before I quit my job.

When I didn't respond to him, he snapped irritably, "Why are you still hesitating? I'm doing this for your best interests!"

He continued, "Stop being so impudent. Don't come running to me for help when you're unemployed and living on the streets. By then, it'll be too late!"

I glanced at him emotionlessly.

"A dollar?" I spat coldly. "I was once offered a million dollars for this algorithm. If you want to buy it from me, you should at least be offering me this much."

Subsequently, I held up five fingers.

Michael scoffed and said arrogantly, "Half a million dollars? Have you lost your mind? Are you still hungover? What makes you think I want that useless algorithm of yours anyway?"

When they saw how agitated he was becoming, my other colleagues hastily said, "Just ignore him, Michael. He's such an ungrateful man. He'll probably come to his senses when he's homeless and starving."

I scoffed inwardly as I watched them make fun of me.

"Let's see who gets to have the last laugh," I thought to myself.

…

The following morning, I headed straight to the human resources department and processed my resignation. Then, I went to my table to clean up my belongings.

By the time I got back to the office, my colleagues were enthusiastically talking about how they were going to spend the commission.

"I've been eyeing this limited-edition Louis Vuitton purse for the longest time. Once I receive the commission, I'm heading to the store to buy it immediately!" one said.

"I'm going to go on a vacation with my girlfriend. She's been talking about wanting to go on a trip for the longest time. I'm finally able to make that happen."

"What about you, Mike?"

Everyone turned to look at Michael.