Hello, this is Katie.
I work as a Project Manager in Kansas City.
Recently, a lot of problems have occurred and they won't be easy to manage.
It all began so well
Last week, I prepared a presentation for my workplace and, in order to get myself more relaxed, I went for a double-date with Ted, Janice, and her boyfriend Mark. They all shared amazing ideas with me on how to get ready for presenting. I went home feeling like nothing could stop me from doing great.
A long day at work
I came to work a little later, wearing a huge smile after getting some good sleep.
“Katie!” Joshua, a member of my team, called the second I opened the door. “We have a huge problem with the new client.
“What seems to be the problem?” I asked.
We spent five hours thinking, calling and analyzing. And we still couldn't find the mistake.
“But the client keeps saying this feature is still not working for him!” Mary Alice, another member of my team, said helplessly. “What could it be?”
“Wow! I think our team is doing really great under the new management,” I overheard Bea saying sarcastically to one of my colleagues.
I bit my tongue and jumped into the longest and most consuming day of my career.
The thing with being a Manager is that it’s always your fault, even if it wasn’t you who made the mistake. And you just have to manage things so that they work out in the end. The client has to be satisfied!
I checked my mailbox to see if my boss at least liked the presentation itinerary I sent her. No reply at all! Was it THAT bad?? But I’m presenting tomorrow!
And at the end of the day...
I went home, feeling tired and totally stupid after analyzing the client’s problem the whole day. I tried calling my boyfriend, but he didn’t pick up. All I needed was to hug Ted and tell him everything, so I just dropped my stuff at home and hurried to his place to be comforted like a child.
I have my own keys, so I didn’t knock. I was surprised to hear laughing while opening the door. My heart sank.
I went in to see Ted sitting on the couch with a beautiful young woman!
“Katie!” he said in a very unnatural way and jumped up from the couch. Well, at least they were both dressed! “What...what are you doing here?”
“I think I’m the one who should be asking the questions!” I replied angrily, looking at the glasses of wine on the table and candles on the window pain.
“It’s not what you think!” he started saying quickly. “This is Julia, my friend from college.”
Julia stood up and smiled as if nothing had happened: “Hello, Katie. I’ve heard a lot about you!”
“Well, I definitely haven’t heard about you!” I shouted and hurried away.
“Katie, wait!” I could hear Ted as I was slamming the door shut.
I ran all the way home. Then I jumped into my bed and cried and cried. Not only had it been the worst day of my career, it had been the worst day of my life! And tomorrow is the big presentation! But then I wiped my tears and realized who I am. I am Katie, the Project Manager. I will manage work and a breakdown is not a part of my plans!
