Finance, Planning, PR—people from every department crowded around, gushing gratitude and pledging loyalty.

Their faces glowing. Nothing like mine.

The moment I walked in, the smile slid off the boss's face.

"Alright everyone, back to work. Last shift before the holiday—let's finish strong."

The crowd filed out. He gestured for me to sit.

"What? Not happy with your bonus?"

I kept my voice level. Barely.

"No, I'm not. If we're distributing based on contribution, then our Tech Department—"

"Stop right there."

He cut me off and took a slow sip of tea.

"Looks like that message I sent you was a waste of time."

"You've been in management for years now, and you still have zero perspective. Your bonus is low and instead of reflecting on yourself and your team's problems, you come in here complaining it's unfair?"

Something snapped inside me.

Perspective. Perspective. Always with the "perspective."

Back in the middle of the year, when the company did its annual salary adjustments, everyone got raises. Everyone except us in Tech. Not a single cent.

I'd asked why.

[Your Tech Department's average salary is already higher than other departments. If we raise it further, it might cause resentment and hurt company harmony.]

[Claude Finch, you're management now. You need to have perspective.]

[Wait until year-end. I'll make sure your department gets a bigger bonus. You won't be disappointed.]

Sure, our salaries were higher than the other non-revenue departments. But they were still way below industry average.

Raises were just another pie the boss dangled every year.

But because of that one promise—"bigger bonus at year-end"—everyone had swallowed their frustration and waited.

I fought to keep my anger in check.

"Back in June, we agreed to skip the mid-year raise because you promised we'd get a bigger bonus at year-end. You said you'd make it right for everyone!"

Bang!

The teacup slammed against the desk, tea splashing everywhere.

"Claude! Watch your tone!"

"The company has its own evaluation process. The market's rough right now—things have changed. Of course bonuses have to be adjusted accordingly!"

The market was rough, sure. But our company's numbers weren't. Other departments had gotten their payouts just fine.

None of that explained why we were stuck with $8.80.

The boss didn't give me a chance to respond. He let out a heavy sigh.