Linda worked her entire life as an accountant for a major firm, and she was still the best employee at her age. But she wanted to retire, something the director refused. She asked for an extended vacation, which was denied, and that’s when she finally decided to quit. However, the director showed up at her doorstep with a shocking suggestion.
“Mr. Salinger, I’ve been working for over 40 years. I think I have earned my retirement by now,” Linda told her boss in the accountant firm she had dedicated her life to.
“No, Linda. We can’t do that yet. You can’t do that to us. You can’t leave the company without a proper replacement for you. It’s just not possible,” Mr. Salinger replied, shaking his head at her suggestion.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Although Linda was the best employee in the firm, she truly needed to retire now. It was harder for her to learn all the advanced computer programs coming out now, and focusing on a screen was damaging her eyesight. She had headaches all the time and tired quickly. It was time for her to rest, especially because she had missed so much of her life working there.
Her firm demanded the most out of everybody that worked there. Linda was a hugely ambitious woman who wanted the very best for her family. Therefore, she invested double the hours and worked to become the number one employee in the company. And she had kept that spot for decades.
But now, the director, Mr. Salinger, told her to stay, and she complied again with his orders.
***
Unfortunately, Linda was overwhelmed with work and sad that Mr. Salinger had not supported her retirement. Her children and husband, Thomas, noticed this and decided to plan several weekend outings.
Linda spent time with her grandchildren at barbecues, the Richmond County fair in their hometown in Staten Island, and they even spent some time in New York visiting touristy spots.
One weekend, her husband surprised her with several tickets for a planned trip to Europe in the summer. They were interchangeable, so all she needed was to arrange her vacation time at work to enjoy it fully.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
That was the perfect solution. If Mr. Salinger wouldn’t let her retire, he had to give her a decent vacation time this year. After all, she had not taken a long break for many years. She was due.
***
“Absolutely not! That’s too much time. We need you here, Linda. I thought we had already discussed this,” Mr. Salinger stated, throwing some papers on his desk and looking at Linda in disappointment.
“Mr. Salinger, I’m due for a long vacation after all my years of hard work. We talked about retiring and you told me you couldn’t allow it. A vacation is only a month. That’s nothing,” Linda countered, her hands together in a begging gesture.
“I already told you my answer. It’s final!” her boss said and started typing on his computer, which was usually her cue to leave. But Linda had had enough. She looked at her boss’s face and felt a deep sadness. After all these years, this was how he treated her.
“Fine. I quit then. Effective immediately,” Linda said in the calmest voice possible. She didn’t have time to enjoy watching Mr. Salinger’s jaw hit the floor as she stormed out of his office. She went straight to her desk and picked up a few of her trinkets, photo frames, and purse. She was done.
“Linda! You can’t leave! You can’t quit!” Mr. Salinger yelled as she approached the elevator. The entire office turned to look at them in curiosity.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“Goodbye, everyone!” Linda waved to her co-workers. “I’m officially retiring today!”
“FINE! GO THEN! WE CAN HIRE ANYONE TO DO YOUR JOB! IT’S THE EASIEST IN THE COMPANY! GO! YOU UNGRATEFUL OLD WOMAN!”
Linda’s co-workers had started to applaud but stopped when Mr. Salinger began yelling. She paid him no mind. She got in that elevator and left with a smile. She was free.
***
A month later, Linda was busy in her room trying to decide what to pack for Europe. She and her husband were leaving in a few days and would be traveling for at least two months. It was going to be amazing, but she needed to have wardrobe choices.
The doorbell rang. She walked to the door and was surprised to be greeted by Mr. Salinger’s saddened eyes.
“Mr. Salinger, what are you doing here?” she asked, shocked by his visit.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Linda, I’m here because we need you. The company needs you. We hired a younger person, and she doesn’t know how to do anything. We’re desperate without you,” Mr. Salinger begged, his face showing his anguish.
“I thought anyone could do my job,” Linda quipped.
“Please! Don’t make me beg. We need you back. I can offer you a raise and that vacation time you asked for,” Mr. Salinger insisted, looking like he was about to bend to his knees.
But Linda shook her head. “There’s no money in the world that will make me go back to work, Mr. Salinger. I asked for very little from you over these decades. I was the best employee, and you still treated me like trash. I wasted so much time and missed many milestones in my family’s life. Now, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I now know that work doesn’t matter. Spending time with your loved ones does. Goodbye, Mr. Salinger, and good luck,” she added calmly.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Mr. Salinger’s shoulders hunched, and Linda closed the door on his face.
What can we learn from this story?
- Don’t waste your whole life on a job. The truth is that a company will replace you easily if something happens, so don’t dedicate your life to it.
- Treat your employees well. Some employers don’t learn how valuable their employees are until it’s too late.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about an older woman who spent Christmas alone when her children discovered she was a cleaner.
This account is inspired by our reader’s story and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
Four boys singing in church is the funniest thing I’ve seen. Keep your eyes on the boy in the vest
This has to rank among the funniest humorous videos I’ve ever seen, I must say. and I know; I’ve been here. Kudos to the talented boys that put this together.
This has to rank among the funniest humorous videos I’ve ever seen, I must say. and I know; I’ve been here. Kudos to the talented boys that put this together.
A tastefully decorated stage provides the ideal backdrop for the Christmas scene. Everyone in attendance was expecting what they perceived to be an enjoyable, albeit traditional, church service on Christmas.
The four boys arrive on stage looking dapper in black pants, white shirts, and ties. And then it happens! Comedies come next! Keep a watch on the guy in the vest; you can’t help but be entertained by his antics!
This traditional gospel song becomes funnier by the minute. The boys are obviously having a great time. The throng is giggling hysterically. These four boys’ joyful worship and entertainment drove the congregation to tears of laughter!
Many people believe that humorous clean comedy is no longer relevant. These kids, though, aren’t. They are outstanding. They really did make my day. Watch this amusing Christmas performance to get in on the fun. Absolutely amazing! I had a hard time stopping my laughter!
To tell the truth, my friend, nothing compares to clean, funny comedy. the kind that, rather than relying on cheap techniques or crude jokes, depicts the unadulterated joy and spontaneity of life. It’s like taking a trip back in time to happier, carefree times when laughing was abundant and fun was unbridled when these boys perform. These boys really did it well.
Now, when I say the performance was hilarious, I truly do mean it. The primary appeal is the boy in the vest; he seems to have no bounds between his sense of humor and his appearance. The way he blends serious reverence with playful antics is nothing short of wonderful.
Imagine a stage with a serene Christmas scene background, and then all of a sudden… A pretty funny chain of events that makes people clench their sides. When the lads’ performance takes an unexpected turn, everyone gasps almost simultaneously.
The audience’s and the choir’s reactions, combined with the kids’ hilarious antics, make this an especially unforgettable occasion. The space has a genuine warmth and joy that makes a personal connection with guests. Isn’t it amazing how comedy can bring people together in this way?
Let’s talk about the video itself as well: fantastic! It’s this kind of content that becomes increasingly popular for all the right reasons. It’s energetic, upbeat, and perfect for the holidays. You smile when you see these lads infuse brightness and joy into a traditional setting.
It’s undeniable that finding this kind of entertainment these days is unusual. It’s a sweet reminder that sometimes the simplest things may bring about the deepest enjoyment. So trust me when I say that if you’re having a rough day or just need a good laugh, this video is just what you need.
In a world when comedy is often eclipsed by pessimism and doom, these four boys are a beacon of hope. They remind us of the restorative, uplifting, and unifying power of laughing. When we don’t take ourselves too seriously, do you think life can’t be fun? Just watch out for that boy with the vest.
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