Finally fired my boss! -:) Office politics

What I mean is that I finally quit my job for my school. The feeling is good and it seems that I fire my boss with release. 5 years! I have been worked for this group for 5 years, which is my first job in America. If not because the damn green card sponsorship, I won't tolerant the unfairness, crazy long hours with no overpay, and extremely entry level salary for that long. As many people know it is harder and harder to get US residence these days. It might be easier to come than to stay. Even I am the only women engineer among 8-10 hardheaded engineering men in the group, nobody even cares that I have been pregnant for 5 months. They kept pushing me to my edge with crazy busy work each week, and no any appreciation.

When I gave the resign letter to my boss yesterday, and gave the reasons that I want to take break for my pregnancy, he was surprised " Oh, it is already 5 months! I don't know that long already. Are you sure you quit is for pregnancy not for xxx?" xxx means unfair treatment I have had these months. He never thought I will leave with pregnancy because he thought I need money for my school next year (he thought I defer one year). Like many others say, do not damage the relationship and burn the bridge. I smiled and said: "No no, I do not blame anyone. I think it has been a great experience to work with you for 5 years. I just think it is time for me to take a break." He felt a little guilty and said: " You know, I like you a lot, just sometimes, for my position, I have to do something I do not want to." We all know what that means. I said (smiled all the time) " it is fine. I understand. " Then I left his office. At that moment, I felt so released.

For women in engineering world, a men's world, I can say that it is tough to play office politics and it is hard to play well, specially if you do not have a good English skill in US. I know I was a bad game player for office politics. I was negative and wanted to hide from it. I thought as long as I have good working skills and do my job well, it would be fine. It turned out that it was not true! I learned a lesson from this job.

I never want to be a superwoman, and I just want some respect and fairness. At this exit point, I realize that only good technique won't save you from complicated office politics, and it cannot guarantee your promotion and your career path. You really need involve, observe, and also play well to stand for yourself. After all, I still value this 5 year experience as a positive one although I experienced a lot of unhappiness and unfairness. Stop complaining and start to learn! This is what I tell myself now. B-School is also a small society, and everyone needs play well for relationships. It is not too late to learn how to play well.

I find a good article from online yesterday http://jobcircle.com/career/coach/jf_2003_04.html

"Office politics is just like the lottery. Dreaming about winning doesn't get you anywhere - there's no payoff if you don't buy a ticket. You have to play if you want to win. -- Jamie Fabian "