Hurt as I am, I don't think he was trying to be a dick. He was just brutally honest and stroke to the core. I was not prepared.

However, within 30 minutes he managed to find out more about me than any other manager did in the last 10 years. He's come a long way from avoiding me to offering to call me personally with the results.

I gave it my best shot, no regrets.

You know what? I actually feel very happy.

Not because my job now seems secure.

Not because I might have impressed anyone.

Not because I stood up for what I believe and what I deserve (well, a bit surprised by my own coolness :-))

I'm happy because, throughout the whole thing, I found out more about myself.

I finally found out that I still have passion about work.

I finally see my own potential, or I wouldn't fight for it this hard.

This makes me feel alive, and hopeful.

And someday, when my kids need to be encouraged to try their best against all odds, I'll know what to say.

For that, I'm happy, and grateful for what happened.

Thank you for reading. :-)