My younger brother was recently killed in a car accident. Of course, I was devastated. Being the work-a-holic that I am, I was a tad worried about how my new boss would react to the news. After all, I had only been with this company for a few weeks.
When I phoned my boss with the news, he was as kind as any boss could be. He comforted me, told me to take as much time as I needed and said emphatically, “Don’t worry about work. I will take care of everything.”
It was like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I was there for my family when they needed me most. I was able to take care of myself. When I returned to work, I had more respect and admiration for my boss and more than ever, I wanted to work hard and do my very best.
I know that there are people out there in STA land that may have had similar experiences. How did your boss react to a death in the family or the death of someone close to you? Were they understanding? Did they try to guilt you into coming back sooner than you were ready? I’m curious to hear the good, the bad and the damn batshit insane.- Submitted by Maria
One year, I had three funerals to attend within a two month span. I can see how it may have been a little strange, hell, I thought it was strange and horrible. When I told my boss about the second funeral in only a week or so, he was very clear with me that I would have to bring in proof of some sort… cut an obit out of the paper, or if the funeral home had a “program” I could bring that in. All of the funerals were out of state, so I had to go online and print them. When I brought each of them to my boss to prove that these funerals were real, he acted really embarassed and like he didn’t really mean for me to have to do that. Ass.
I WISH my boss had been that great. My younger brother also died recently, and although my boss was sympathetic at first, she quickly showed her true colors by doing the following:
1. She told me, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything at work.” Yet when I returned to work the following week, NOTHING was done, deadlines had been missed, and I was thrown into a hornets nest of catch-up and putting out fires. Thanks, boss.
2. She showed up late for my brother’s funeral. Seriously, she came during the last 5 minutes. Thanks for showing what a priority it was for you boss.
3. A month after his death, she asked if I was going to attend the annual company holiday party. I told her that I wasn’t up for any parties this year, that it would just be too much for me. She looked at me in all seriousness and said, “Why?” I just walked away.