Monday, August 18, 2008

The price of being right


Well, it has taken me a week to get to a place where I can blog about what has happened here. It is all consuming for me right now, which is why I haven't blogged about anything else. I have lost my job. If I am being honest and blunt about it, I was fired.

I am not even sure where to start. Let's see, I worked for 2 other pediatricians in a small office. They were shareholders, I was not. The plan was to eventually buy into the practice. I have not been entirely happy there for awhile and for various reasons. I did not agree with the overall business plan of the partners. They were both very rigid and unwilling to even consider different options. I was not allowed to build the type of practice I wanted. The 2 other doctors had worked together for over 15 years, and I was clearly the odd man out. Any suggestion I made was shot down, so I didn't even bother anymore.

That is the background. On top of all that, I really began to clash with one of the partners. I found her to be incredibly difficult to work with. She shows up 30 minutes late daily, talks down and rudely to the staff, and did not treat me as an equal. We have had issues in the past which have turned into shouting matches. We both have a temper and aren't afraid to use it! A couple of weeks ago she barked an order at me. Something stupid, not even that big a deal. It was the proverbial straw for me though. It ultimately turned into another shouting match on my last day before vacation. I was asked to come in last week to talk to them, and I just knew. I hoped it wasn't true, but I had a feeling. I was given the "this isn't working out" speech.

So there you have it. I really tried to look back and see the part I played in all of it. I don't want to be the type of person that always blames others, with a total lack of self awareness about my own behaviors. I know that a big issue for me is taking orders. I do not like being told what to do. I know it and am working on it. What she told me to do was a relatively minor thing, but clearly pushed my buttons. Clearly the best course would have been to just ignore it and not say anything. But I had to open my mouth. I had to let her know how wrong she was, when she is clearly the type to never acknowledge the way she acts and will never see it. There is a saying, "Would you rather be right or happy?" In this situation I chose to be right, and it cost me my job. As it is coming out to others, I have been told by several people "Oh yeah, she is hard to deal with". Would have been great to hear this before I joined the practice, but I don't think it would have swayed me anyway.

So on to the positives. I have some things in the works that I am super excited about, but can't talk about quite yet. This is clearly all for the best in the long run. I will now get to do exactly what I want. While getting fired right when we are finishing up our remodel sucks in the timing department, is there ever a good time? For now I will have extra time with the kids as they are getting settled back into school. I will have time to devote to my marathon training, assuming my body holds up (which is a big if!). I can't wait to post my plans when the time comes!!

6 comments:

Kristin.... said...

Oh no. That's terrible. I'm so sorry that happened to you. Ugh. And with 4 kids. Ugh.
I do hope things take a turn for the better.
And thanks for stopping by my blog! I love new readers!

Anonymous said...

Whaa!! bad news good news. You will have time to train. I'm sure it will turn out for the best. Good luck! Auntie Dede

Anonymous said...

Also, loved the Donald

Auntie Dede

Unknown said...

Oh, that sucks! Definitely worse than my weekend! I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason though, and I think you are right that this will work out for the best. Good luck! We need a couple more pediatricians here in the middle of IL if you're lookin'... :)

Anonymous said...

Wow, you have a very positive attitude for such a short amount of time after the fact.

Can you tell I hold tight to negative experiences, with white knuckles clutching the bad stuff close to my chest? But enough about me.

I'm sorry to hear about this but it's actually inspiring to listen to someone who has a positive attitude. Good luck and enjoy this time off with your kids and husband.

Suzanne said...

Hey, Michelle, this was a really courageous post! I too have a pretty fiery temper and it can burn me. I hope I can learn from your situation and really hold on to that slogan, chewing on it when I find the need to bite my tongue.