Hiring & Firing

Jeff*: Liz*, can you come here?
Liz: Are you going to fire me?
Jeff: I can’t — you’re my supervisor.
Liz: What? No, I’m not. You’re my supervisor.
Jeff: …But if I’m your supervisor, and you’re my supervisor, which one of us is really in charge?
Liz: That depends… If it’s you, are you going to fire me?
Jeff: No.
Liz: Then it’s you.
Jeff: Awesome.

6105 Oakleaf Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland

Overheard by: Ren

Suit #1: Are you going to the farewell party for [Liz]?
Suit #2: I don’t know yet. Does she know she’s leaving or is it a surprise party?

3 2nd Street
Jersey City, New Jersey

Overheard by: Hobo Whisperer

Female coworker #1: I've worked here six years and don't really know you that well yet.
Female coworker #2: Ya know, I was the first one hired from off the street…
Cubicle dweller, mumbling under breath: That explains a lot!

Law Office
Tampa, Florida

Overheard by: Blonde at Heart

Branch manager: What do you want me to do? Do you want me to fire him? I’ll fire anyone — I don’t care!

8220 England Street
Charlotte, North Carolina

Boss: Can I see your boobs today?
Underling: Now would be a good time to put in my two weeks.

950 Eller Drive
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Potential new hire: Hi, I'm Julie.
Existing employee Nice to meet you. Congratulations.
Potential new hire: Thanks. I hope it works out.
Existing employee: Okay then. Get well soon.

Charlestown, Massachusetts

Recruiter on phone: Are you bilingual? (pause) Do you speak a language other than English? Do you speak Spanish? Okay, do you speak English?

Park Ave
New York City, New York

HR: Okay [Jen], here is your six month review. You are doing excellent work, we couldn’t be happier, you adapt especially well to change and keep this office running like a tight ship. We have put you in for a substantial raise.
VP: We have come to the decision that we will be closing this office. Everyone’s last day of work will be December 31st–
HR: –and here are your severance packages.

238 Bedford Street
Lexington, Massachusetts

New training manager: Back in the day, I had a great idea. I know we’re into this touchy-feely self-esteem human resource stuff, but I said: “Take the supervisor who has the highest rate of unqualified, untrained direct reports, walk him to the end of the pier, and shoot him!” They told me I couldn’t do that. But it would have been effective!

75 Eastern Point Road
Groton, Connecticut

Receptionist: Hello. May I help you?
Woman: I would like to apply for a job here.
Receptionist: Why are you leaving your current job?
Woman: Ain’t no movin’ up positions.

220 Dupont Street
Brooklyn, New York

Overheard by: Jack Boston