Moriah had spent her entire career at one company, rising steadily through the ranks over 35 years. Fresh out of university, she had secured a management trainee position, quickly proving herself as a valuable asset. Over the years, she became the Senior Manager for Customer Experience, known for her successful campaigns that brought great results to the company.

However, things took a turn when a new Employee Engagement Manager, Mr. Drew, was hired. His role was to promote work-life balance and motivate employees. As part of his introduction, he scheduled one-on-one interviews with everyone, including Moriah. When she entered his office, she greeted him warmly, but he dismissed her pleasantries and asked her to sit down.

Moriah introduced herself, mentioning her 35 years with the company, which shocked Mr. Drew. “That’s more than half my age! How old are you?” he asked bluntly. When Moriah revealed she was 60, he suggested that she should be retired. His condescending tone and dismissive attitude irritated Moriah, but she remained professional.

Mr. Drew continued to express his doubts about her ability to lead the customer experience team due to her age, implying that someone younger might be better suited for the role. Moriah, feeling insulted, confronted him but decided to keep working, pouring her energy into yet another successful campaign.

Despite her achievements, Mr. Drew persisted in his passive-aggressive comments, eventually leading Moriah to quit. She left the office without looking back, telling her colleagues to ask Mr. Drew why she was leaving.

Moriah spent the next few weeks at home, enjoying time with her grandchildren but missing the work she had loved for so long. Then, she received a call from the company’s CEO, who had learned the real reason for her resignation. He begged her to return, acknowledging that the company’s performance had suffered without her.

The CEO offered Moriah a promotion to managing partner, assuring her that Mr. Drew would no longer be an issue. Upon her return, Moriah reviewed the company’s operations and realized that Mr. Drew’s position was redundant. With her new authority, she decided to let him go, ensuring no one else would face the disrespect she had endured.

This experience taught Moriah that age is just a number and doesn’t define a person’s capabilities. Mr. Drew’s lack of respect ultimately cost him his job, while Moriah’s dedication and professionalism secured her place at the top.