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Man sitting on a desk, pointing angrily. | Source: Shutterstock
Man sitting on a desk, pointing angrily. | Source: Shutterstock

Boss Unfairly Demotes Single Dad of 2 to Janitor, a Day Later Their Places Are Switched – Karma Story

Roshanak Hannani
Dec 22, 2022
12:15 A.M.

Steve fell in love with a top executive, Roseanne, at work, angering his angry boss, who decided to demote him illegally. However, Roseanne did something that could've ruined her career and changed Steve's life.

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"We shouldn't do this," Roseanne told Steve, shaking her head. But her eyes and her big smile told another story. In her heart, she knew she didn't want to stop what was happening between her and Steve.

"Why not? There's no rule about this in the employee handbook. I checked," Steve said, getting closer to her in the employee break room.

"I'm your superior, Steve. It's morally wrong. My bosses would frown at it," she added weakly.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

"If it hurts your career, I'll back away. But Rosie, I haven't felt this way since… well, it's been many years," he said, stepping away from one of the top executives at the tech company. He didn't want to, but he loved her. He didn't want anything bad to happen to her.

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"No. This doesn't end here," she interrupted and stomped off in her very high heels.

However, Steve wanted them to be together because he hadn't loved anyone else since his wife, Mona, died several years ago. She left behind their two children, and Steve had been focused on raising them as best he could alone.

He had even gotten this great job and tried to rise on the ranks despite the uncalled-for attitude of his boss, Mr. Mullins, who seemed to hate Steve with a passion. However, Steve didn't care. He was earning good money and did his best, but he couldn't help but fall in love with Roseanne.

She was funny and brilliant, and her ambition was remarkable. She was also so sweet and didn't look down on anyone below her in the company hierarchy. She was one of a kind.

"Oh, to hell with it," Roseanne muttered out of the blue and jumped into Steve's arms, giving him a passionate kiss despite their unromantic setting. Neither of them expected the loud throat clearing that came next.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

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"Mr. Mullins," Steve said, breathless when he separated from Roseanne. "I'm sorry, sir. I was…"

He had no idea what to say, but Roseanne stepped in. After all, she was way above Mr. Mullins in the company. "Excuse us, Richard. We did something naughty. Nothing to see here, though. Let's all go back to work," she stated, winked at Steve, and left.

Steve followed her out of the break room, but she went to the elevator while he went to his cubicle. A few minutes later, he was called to Mr. Mullins' office, which couldn't be good news.

"Mr. Hall, what I just saw in the break room was unacceptable," his boss began, crossing his fingers on his desk and grinding his teeth for some reason.

"I know, sir. I'm–"

"I don't care for your excuses. You're officially demoted from now on and will start working as a… ugh… janitor," Mr. Mullins said, hesitating for a second.

"Demoted to a janitor? That's not even legal!" Steve scoffed.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

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"Yes, it is. The contract says that you can be demoted," Mr. Mullins insisted, but his face showed that he was just improvising words. Additionally, Steve was highly familiar with his contract.

"You can only be demoted for poor performance or similar offenses in certain cases, but I would still work in this office. You can't randomly assign me to a janitor. That's crazy," Steve continued, shaking his head. "There's nothing wrong with being a janitor, of course. But that's not why I'm here."

"You will do as I say, or I'll fire you! I can write all about your poor performance. In fact, I can write about your little tryst with Ms. Clark. That's not going to please anyone!" Mr. Mullins threatened, and finally, Steve felt fear.

He could find another job easily, but Roseanne had worked hard for her position at this company. It wouldn't be fair for this man to ruin her career. He didn't know if Mr. Mullins had the power to affect Roseanne, but he wasn't going to take the chance.

"Fine, I quit!" Steve said and turned. He started packing his things.

But Roseanne came down and saw him. He wasn't going to say anything, but she was very persuasive. When he was done, she looked furious.

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Roseanne did something that could've ruined all her years of hard work.

"Steve, this has nothing to do with you or your performance," she stated, her face fierce.

"I know."

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

"No, you don't understand. Richard has been asking me out for years, and I refused every single time. I think he might have known about us before catching us in the break room," Roseanne said, biting her lip. "I think that's why he has treated you so poorly."

"Well, it's OK, Rosie. I won't let this affect your career. I quit already," Steve said, patting her shoulder.

"No. This doesn't end here," she interrupted and stomped off in her very high heels. Steve had no idea what she would do, but he hoped it wasn't something that could jeopardize her standing in the company.

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However, Roseanne did something that could've ruined all her years of hard work. She went to her boss, the company's CEO, Mr. Robinson, and told him everything about her relationship with Steve and what had just happened.

Mr. Robinson was unhappy about this, but he loved Roseanne like a daughter. He also knew that Mr. Mullins didn't have the best reputation as a manager in the company. HR had received several complaints from other employees about him. Ironically, Steve was his only subordinate who hadn't filed one, although he was treated poorly from the beginning and only worsened with time.

The CEO went through Steve's work and decided something. "Roseanne, don't worry. We're going to solve this the right way," he assured her.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

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The next day, Roseanne told Steve to come to work but go up to the top floor for a meeting with her colleague. Steve was promoted on the spot because a new role had opened up. Meanwhile, Mr. Mullins had applied to that role and was invited to a meeting with the CEO.

The arrogant boss thought he would get it and strutted to the top floor like he owned the place. However, the CEO gave him the same speech Mr. Mullins had told Steve, and Roseanne was there to witness it all.

"Due to your performance and the many complaints against you, I'm demoting you to the janitorial staff. Effective immediately," Mr. Robinson said, raising his eyebrows.

Mr. Mullins' mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, but then, he blubbered. "No! No! That's impossible! That's illegal! I could sue this company if you do this!"

"Oh, really? Because the contract says I can demote you if your performance is lacking," the CEO continued, acting blasé about it.

"No, but that's not… I… whatever she told you, it's a lie!" Mr. Mullins pointed at Roseanne in accusation.

"Mr. Mullins, I'm a busy man. You either become a new janitor, or you quit. Pick," the CEO said, bored.

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Mr. Mullins glared at both of them and stormed out of the office. He resigned officially and left the premises.

Needless to say, the office cheered as they learned what had happened.

Steve had a new job with a higher salary, which would benefit his kids, and the CEO didn't care that he was dating Roseanne. A year later, they married, and half the office excitedly attended the wedding.

What can we learn from this story?

  • Don't abuse your power because karma has a way of seeking payback. Mr. Mullins used his position to treat people poorly, and he was taught a harsh lesson.
  • If you get a chance at love again, take it. Steve had not loved anyone since his late wife, but he fell for Roseanne and had to seize the opportunity to be with her.
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If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a man whose evil boss put his daughter's life in danger until he remembered that his values were more important.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone's life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.

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