She Strengthens

The Perfect Brew: A Tale of Coffee, Power, and Office Politics

As a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, I take pride in brewing the perfect cup. It’s not about being particular; it’s about ensuring a delicious and cost-effective beverage. When I started a new job, my coffee love caused some anxiety. Without access to a coffee maker, how could I get my caffeine fix? And what about impressing my new colleagues?

Assuming Responsibility

After a week of tiptoeing around, I confessed my problem and took charge of the office coffee maker. To my delight, my boss praised my brewing skills, and soon, I was making coffee for everyone in the office. My vacations were met with dismay, not because I’d be missed, but because I wouldn’t be there to provide the daily jolt.

A Shift in Power

But then, my boss stopped drinking my coffee. He’d leave the office and visit nearby coffee shops instead. I was confused and a bit hurt, wondering if I’d done something wrong. It wasn’t until I recalled a puppy training session that it clicked: the person who controls the food has the power. My boss had started to view my actions through the lens of office politics.

A Childhood Dream

As a child, I wanted to be a waitress, but my father dismissed the idea, citing low pay. So, I settled for making coffee for friends, family, and coworkers instead. But when my boss gave up on my coffee, something went wrong. Had I made him mad? Was he unhappy with my work?

The Fallout

It turned out that my boss was looking for another job, and soon, he left us. The office was thrown into chaos, and we were left wondering who was in charge. An assistant director position was posted, and I applied, but so did the administrative assistant. The tension between us grew, and she started brewing her own coffee, giving me the silent treatment, and criticizing my every word.

A New Chapter

In the end, upper management hired from outside the organization. While it stung at first, it was probably for the best. The common rejection created a bond between the administrative assistant and me, and slowly, the tension cooled. One day, she even asked to finish off the pot of coffee I made. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll open my own cozy coffee house one day, where I can make people happy with espresso beverages and pastries.