Working as a contractor, I’ve encountered my fair share of chaos, but this job took the cake. I was at a remote county facility when my boss, Steve, had a brilliant idea: “Let’s get tacos for breakfast for the entire staff.”
“Sure,” I said, thinking it would be a nice gesture since the staff had helped us out all week. Steve gave me the green light, saying there was nothing to worry about cost-wise.
So, I went all out, ordering high-quality tacos with all the sides. After all, it wasn’t my money. But soon, Steve had me running around for more food—donuts, fruit, sandwiches—while the staff enjoyed the extra treats.
When I submitted my expenses at the end of the month, I was confident I’d be reimbursed. But then I got the email: Declined.
I called Steve, trying to stay calm. “Hey, about the food receipts…”
A close up of tacos | Source: Midjourney
“Really, Jackson? You should’ve gotten it in writing,” he said, brushing me off.
I felt the frustration build. Steve had cost me about $400, and I wasn’t going to forget it. A couple of months later, Steve called me, desperate for help on a big project. He was begging, emphasizing how much they needed me.
I feigned interest, haggled over the rate, and agreed to a start date. But I had other plans.
A few days before the project started, he called again, sounding much more confident. “We’re all set, right?”
I decided to deliver my well-rehearsed line. “Actually, I’m not going to work on this project after all.”
“What? You agreed weeks ago! We need you!” he shouted.
I couldn’t help but smirk. “You should’ve gotten it in writing, Steve.”
Silence fell on the line as he processed my words. I let him rage about deadlines and how the team was counting on me. I stayed calm, repeating, “You should’ve gotten it in writing.”
Finally, he lost it, screeching about how screwed they were without me. I simply said, “If you were serious about it, you would have given it to me in writing. Like you said to me last time.”
“Jackson, you’re talking to me like I’m a fool!” he exclaimed.
“Bye, Steve,” I said, ending the call.
I knew his team would be scrambling now, down a key contractor for an important project. Good luck to him finding a last-minute replacement!
