I told my boss to get lost and other unconventional career lessons

I’m not a person who cusses. I believe that cussing shows a lack of creativity. I’m not judging, it’s just my opinion. However, a few years ago I told my supervisor at work to f**k off. I said it in public and I had no remorse. Obviously, I’m on the path of inner peace now, so I wouldn’t do it again. 

The interesting thing about that encounter is that I didn’t get fired. In fact, my CEO was amused when he was told because he knew it was out of character for me. We had a meeting to discuss it and I could see he was trying hard not to laugh. I was gently told not to cuss my supervisor out again and the meeting was adjourned. 

Unfortunately, the supervisor in question was so petty that he made my life miserable until I eventually resigned. The lesson in all this? Obviously number one is don’t tell your boss to f**k off. You can stand up for yourself but be smart about it. Don’t give bullies ammunition to use against you. 

Number two is be so good at your job that you don’t lose it over small mistakes. In fact, be so hard to replace that even your big mistakes are forgiven. I stayed at the company two more years after my outburst and even when I was leaving, the CEO was sad to see me go. If you’re going to do a job, then you might as well be great at it. Again being good at your job is not an excuse to be rude. Please don’t tell your boss to f**k off. LOL.

Finally, always find the time to network and build relationships while you’re working. Don’t bury your head in your duties and become a robot. Your next opportunity will probably come from someone you meet on the job. It might be because you’re good at what you do, but it will probably be because they like you. 

Don’t try to go it alone. Forget that crap about eagles flying alone so they can fly higher. You’re not an eagle, you’re a person and people aren’t meant to live in isolation. Improve your skills and value people. If you can do both these things well, you’re very likely to win.