Dirty Little Secret

During the week long orientation for the new employees of the very first T-Rex restaurant, I was my typical self. Very motivated, excited and enthusiastic. I was encouraged by the members of the store's management staff and by members of the company's management staff to keep up the positive energy.

Once we finally were able to enter our section, the trainers and a retail manager encouraged me to find a "shout out" to keep the employees excited and generate curiosity as to what all the excitement is about. I decided to shout out "Meteor shower! Duck and cover!" every time the meteor shower roared through the building. They told me is was a great idea and to definitely do it.

After about three times, I was told in no uncertain terms to stop.

So, the morning of the grand opening, I was asked to take half a group of Boys and Girls Club children through the Paleo Zone. Of course, I would. That's why I was there, to entertain and education children. Excellent.

Shortly before the media crews were invited in the restaurant for the first time, I was taken into the back room by my area manager. Apparently, he was told by his superiors to address my attitude. I was "too flag wavy" and should be asked to refrain myself from the media attention. Although I didn't have to disappear, it would be better if I simply kept to myself and keep my excitement to a minimum.

Imagine my surprise. I was hired for my positive attitude, for my effervescent personality, my outgoing and energetic demeanor. I was hired specifically for the Paleo Zone, specifically to interact with children. Swallowing my disbelief, I told my manager it wasn't his fault and I went back to the Paleo Zone to sweep sand.

That's when a friendly voice advised me to not listen to what had been said. Apparently, my co-worker had heard the discussion. Well, actually, he had heard the conversation between the higher-ups and my manager.

Instantaneously, my callous facade burst and I made the decision to go home. I headed for the back room, my eyes welling up. By the time my manager shut the office door, I was sobbing. With great effort, I spoke as precisely as I could between tears and sniffles. I explained that upper management had errored when not discussing my "flag waving" enthusiasm in private. I explained that the majority of my life had been shadowed with feedback describing me as "abrasive, harsh, brash, flippant, abrupt, cold-hearted and as a bitch." Never had I been counseled for being too happy. I explained that I had wanted the job. I didn't NEED the job. I WANTED the job. I was under the impression that I had been hired because of my energy to work with children. Being told to keep out of sight simply because media would be there, was a slap in the face. I would not be treated as a dirty little secret, nor would I be swept under the carpet.

My manager, also upset and teary-eyed, apologized for the whole situation. He, too, had been under the impression that my attitude was a positive thing. I had been his "prize" hire and they were please with having "crazy Kelly" working with them. I told him that I didn't hold him responsible for his superiors' mistake, but I would be leaving and I would not be returning.

And....so ends my career with T-Rex.