I had just landed my first real (non-HR) job at an international company, fresh out of university, full of ambition, and eager to prove myself. I loved the work, worked hard, stayed late, and genuinely believed I was making my mark. So when I was called into a meeting with HR one sunny Wednesday morning, I came in smiling, half-expecting praise. Surely, my efforts had been noticed. Maybe even a promotion was coming.

I walked into a glass-walled meeting room to find Susan from HR sitting alone, visibly uncomfortable behind her laptop. After a few awkward pleasantries, she launched into a stream of corporate jargon about “shifting priorities” and “evolving strategies.” I nodded along, trying to connect the dots.

Then it hit me. “Susan . . . are you firing me?” She nodded and hurriedly mumb

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