Wanting a promotion

Ashwin Goyal

Nov 8, 2023 — 1 min read

"Getting that promotion isn’t just about ticking off tasks; it’s about changing the game," my boss says, eyeing me as if to underline every word. "You're diligent, you're committed, but it's about more than just hard work. It's about influence, about inspiring the team."

I soak in his words, trying to hide the disappointment. 'Be the glue that binds everything together,' he advises, 'and think bigger.'

I shuffle from his office to the conference room, the sting of unfulfilled ambition trailing behind me. My subordinate sits up straight, eyes wide with anticipation. "You've got the hard work down," I say confidently, "but leading is about influence, about inspiring the team, not just checking boxes."

"To get to that next level, you've got to be the glue," I continue, "and, you know, think bigger."

Receiving a spam call

"Hello," he says. "Very good morning." Grr. Another spam call. I slam ‘end call’ with the force of a thousand suns. I want it to hurt, but I feel no satisfaction. I’m sure he’s already calling the next victim. I’m left there wondering,

Catching a cold

“If this is the end, why can’t it be quick?” I wonder out loud, my nose running like a leaky faucet. “Please,” I whisper to no one in particular, hoping for some relief from the blanket of ick. “I won’t neglect my health again,” I whisper to the