Chapter 5: The Handover Gambit

Near the end of the workday, HR sent me an email telling me to hand over all my current work to Natalie from my department.

My inbox chimed, and there it was: the official transfer email. A digital pink slip, wrapped up in corporate jargon and faux politeness.

I was fuming. I picked up the phone and called HR:

"Megan, what’s the meaning of this? Isn’t this enough?"

"Nothing special. The email is very clear. You need to hand over your current work to Natalie."

"Then what am I supposed to do?"

"Wait for your supervisor to assign you something, or consult your supervisor yourself. Don’t ask me. But you can use this time to improve your work ability—and your attitude."

"You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?"

"What do you mean, on purpose? Don’t you love quoting labor law? Check if your contract says you must obey company work arrangements."

"But your work arrangements have to be reasonable."

"What’s reasonable? Don’t you love going to arbitration? If you’re not convinced, go to arbitration."

She hung up. The dial tone buzzed in my ear. I sat there, breathing hard, the office suddenly too quiet.

I thought it through. HR’s tricks are simple but vicious.

Legally, they owe me severance—nine months’ average pay, including commissions and bonuses, for my eight years here. My base is $3,000, but with commissions it’s over $20,000 a month. With my annual bonus, my average monthly income is over $30,000.

If I’m laid off, that’s nine months’ average salary, totaling $270,000.

But if they keep me on base salary until next year, my average salary for the past 12 months will only be $3,000. Even if the formula becomes ten months, that’s only $30,000 in compensation.

Worse, for the whole year, I’ll only get the $3,000 base. Even if they don’t get rid of me, I can’t live on that.

It’s a truly vicious move.

So now they’re forcing me to hand over my work to cancel my commission.

I went to Carl:

"Manager Benson, what’s the deal with HR doing this to me?"

"I’ve fought for you, but there’s nothing I can do. HR promised the boss she’d make you leave no matter what. Honestly, I think you shouldn’t fight anymore. In the end, both sides lose. Instead of dragging it out, it’s better to find a good job elsewhere. With your abilities, you’d be valued anywhere."

Carl’s words landed with all the comfort of a cold cup of coffee. He meant well, but it was clear—he wasn’t risking his neck for me.

As expected, I was right. Carl, even if he says he fought for me, is still on the company’s side.

No one can be relied on. I can only count on myself.

"Remember to cooperate with the handover."

He called out as I walked out.

I pretended not to hear, keeping my eyes forward as I strode through the bullpen. The office felt like enemy territory now.