Fined for Bathroom Breaks

I was docked down to $3,500 from my usual $20,000 salary because I spent a few minutes in the bathroom during work hours.

When I went to my boss to argue for fairness, she acted impartial on the surface but spoke with veiled sarcasm:

Last month's surveillance shows you spent a total of 40 minutes in the bathroom. You weren't working in there, were you?

"One minute in the bathroom, $500 fine."

"It's a new company policy. As a senior employee, you should set an example. I actually went easy on you."

I've been a key player at this company for ten years. The deals I've closed brought in at least a hundred million in revenue.

But now, even my most basic rights are being stripped away.

Seeing I had no response, she smiled coldly:

"If you don't like it, leave. Think you're irreplaceable? Don't forget, your five-year contract hasn't expired yet. Who would dare hire you?"

I didn't argue further. But when my contract expired just five days later, she panicked.

She kept going on and on:

"Sarah, you've been at this company for several years. You should know the rules, right?"

"Do you know how hard it is to find work these days? I'm only docking your pay because we go way back. If it were anyone else, I'd have kicked them out ages ago!"

Hearing this, I couldn't help but laugh.

In my five years at the company, I'd worked diligently, focused entirely on closing deals.

Thanks to my exceptional work ability, plenty of companies were willing to pay breach penalties to poach me, but out of loyalty to past relationships, I never considered such things.

Even with just five days left on my contract, I'd been thinking about renewal.

But now it seemed renewal wasn't necessary.

That glaring pay stub was thrown in my face without a shred of consideration.

"Think it over. Stay or go!"

I picked up the paper and said calmly, "I understand. I won't use the bathroom during work hours anymore."

She froze for a moment, seemingly surprised by my submission.

But seeing my defeated appearance, she smiled smugly.

"That's right. Don't waste even a minute."

As I was about to leave, she mocked me: "Who do you think you are, acting tough? After all that fuss, you're still going back to work like a good little dog. I hate people like you the most!"

I opened my mouth but said nothing and left.

Outside the office, everyone was celebrating payday.

Seeing my low spirits, some colleagues offered me snacks.

But Ruthie, a new intern at the company, was different. She silently walked past me and took my pay stub without asking.

After looking at it, she feigned surprise. "Sarah only got $3,500? That's less than one of my pairs of shoes!"

"Isn't Sarah supposed to be our company's star performer? Look how far she's fallen."

She passed the pay stub around, constantly repeating, "Sarah, did you make some huge mistake? This is so little."

My colleague Lisa asked with concern, "Sarah, why did they only pay you this much? Did they make a mistake?"

I forced a smile at her. "One minute in the bathroom, $500 fine."

She looked confused. "What nonsense is that? The company never had such a rule."

My expression froze instantly.

"Alright everyone, I have an announcement."

Manager Ruth slowly walked out of her office.

She spoke self-righteously, pretending it was nothing: "Our company has a new policyone minute in the bathroom, $500 fine."

"This month we tested it on our team leader Sarah, and it worked well. We'll implement it starting next month."

"Also, certain people shouldn't think being senior employees gives them the right to boss others around. Everyone should do their own work and follow company rules."

After speaking, she patted my shoulder. "Sarah, bear with it!"

I stood there stunned, unable to react for a long time.

So that's what this was aboutshe was deliberately targeting me.

Only docking my pay, then insinuating I was bossing people around.

But in her forgetfulness, she overlooked one thing: my five-year contract had only five days left.

And the one who'd actually been ordered around all this time was me.

In that case, don't blame me for being ruthless.

With that thought, I opened last night's message from a rival company and replied:

"I'll resign in five days. I'll report on time."

They were thrilled, not expecting I'd agree.

Out of caution, I asked about compensation and benefits.

She immediately replied:

"Don't worry. As long as you perform well, name your salary."

Reading this message, I let out a long breath of relief.

All afternoon, I continued working conscientiously, but without bathroom breaks, my work efficiency dropped significantly.

It couldn't be helpedthe company had new rules after all!

At five o'clock, someone came to ask me to help negotiate a deal.

They said this client was difficult, and it had to be me.

Before, I would have agreed without hesitation.

I used to think the company was a collectiveif it did well, I'd do well.

So whenever anyone asked for help, as long as it benefited the company, I'd assist, even if it exhausted me.

But after being singled out by the new rule, I gradually realized I was just an employee.

Who would care if I worked myself to death?

Now I wouldn't be that foolish.

I pretended to be worried: "Sorry, I can't help."

"Why not?"

"Didn't you hear this morning? Bathroom breaks get fined. What if I go out with you and she thinks I'm slacking off at the company?"

"My monthly salary is already so little. Any more deductions and it'll be negative."

"I may not have a family to support, but I need to feed myself first."

Hearing my explanation, she fell silent and left without saying anything more.

At 7 PM, I shut down my computer right on time.

Without cleaning up others' messes, my workload dropped dramatically. It was so easy.

Turns out not having to worry feels this good!

With long strides, I walked out of the company.

The breeze on my face felt comfortable.

I didn't need to take a cab anymore, leisurely walking toward the market.

I couldn't help but reflectin five years of work, this was one of the rare times I could go home at a leisurely pace.

I really didn't know what kind of suffering I'd been enduring before.

After getting home, I cooked dinner and took a nice hot bath.

After finding a show to watch, I started eating.

Food I made myself suited my own taste.

In previous years, trying to close deals, I often drank at business dinners. My eating schedule was extremely irregular, and I'd developed stomach problems.

But now, I was going to take care of myself.

After dinner, I was about to order ingredients for tomorrow when I noticed my phone had exploded with messages.

Video calls, work groups, colleague messages, even text messagesall showing 99+.

I randomly opened a group where everyone was urging me to call back.

"Urgent! Urgent! Urgent!"

"Manager Ruth is furious, call back quick!"

Just then, Manager Ruth's call came through.

After thinking it over, I decided to answer.

The moment I connected, a barrage of cursing came through:

"Sarah!!!"

"Where did you go?! You dared to leave work without finishing your tasks0-0,000 deducted!"

I spoke slowly:

"Manager Ruth, let's be clear. I completed my work. All the lists were sent to everyonethey can all attest to it."

"Besides, out of respect for you as my supervisor, I even stayed a few extra minutes."

"But that little contribution doesn't need to be paid. No need for extra compensation."

"I've always been very reasonable, you know."

After saying this, I instantly felt much better.

The other end of the line was silent for a long time, like waiting for a storm.

Taking advantage of the time, I started checking the work group messages.

Turns out, without my help, they failed to close that deal.

The company lost a huge sum, and the big boss personally called to chew out Manager Ruth.

Moreover, since I didn't handle all that miscellaneous work, their workload increased dramatically. Unable to adapt quickly, their work efficiency plummeted.

In the end, the entire office descended into chaos.

With no other option, they started calling me.

But I'd already turned on Do Not Disturb after work hours, so I didn't receive a single call.

As for Manager Ruth, she hadn't made a move.

After a long while, she finally squeezed out through gritted teeth: "Fine, I understand, Sarah. Remember to clock in on time tomorrow."

I knew she was up to something, but I didn't care anymore.

After all, I was leaving soon. She couldn't stir up much trouble.

The next morning, I arrived at my desk exactly on time, not a minute off.

But Manager Ruth still came looking for me.

She smiled and said, "Sarah, do you really need to avoid our company like the plague?"

"Tell me the truthdo you have a problem with me? I can help resolve it."

I sneered inwardly.

As expected, she had no good intentions.

I could understand why she was acting this way.

She could have fired me directly but only docked my pay, which meant I was important.

If she threatened me with the contract, she was reluctant to let me go.

I understood this little scheme. It only failed because her memory wasn't greatshe forgot the exact timing of my contract.

I stayed as calm as possible: "Manager, what are you saying? Of course I have no problem with you."

"We've worked together for so many years. How could I have a problem with you?"

Seeing my reaction, she stopped mentioning yesterday's incident and instead scribbled something and deducted another $200 from my salary.

"Sorry, Sarah. I said you needed to arrive on time today, but you were late."

I looked confused and was about to argue when she spoke again.

Feigning surprise:

"Oh, I forgotyesterday when the company worked overtime, I announced we'd start half an hour early today. But you didn't work overtime, so you didn't hear."

"Next time, check messages carefully before leaving. Don't miss anything important."

"Understand?"

She emphasized those last words heavilya show of dominance.

After speaking, she tossed me a file.

"I'm going on a business trip soon. Take over as quickly as possible."

"This is a new contract. The client is one of those difficult ones you've successfully negotiated with before. This time, take Ruthie with you and close the deal."

"Next week we'll be competing against SKY Corporation for a bid. I'll be there. After we win the bid, don't always try to show off in front of the boss. Give the younger generation a chance, understand?"

Without waiting for my response, she was called away for her business trip.

I had to admit, she played her hand well.

Everyone knew Ruthie was her niece. This time she just wanted me to pave the way for her niece, then kick me out.

I knew she'd always resented that I was more capable and that the boss valued me.

So she'd always tried to undermine me subtly, wanting to sideline me, but I wouldn't fall for it.

Today was Tuesday. I had three days left until my resignation.

For these three days, I wouldn't touch this project.

After all, in three days I'd be reporting to SKY Corporation.

I wouldn't do anything illegal like leaking confidential information.

But I would definitely get my revenge.

"Manager Ruth, I'll be there, but not as your employee."

Intern Ruthie walked in and took the file.

I followed her out, but she thought I was trying to steal credit and immediately said:

"Sarah, the manager said I'm taking the lead on this project. You're just assisting me."

"So don't overstep."

Hearing her words, the weight in my heart instantly lifted.

I'd just been wondering how to distance myself from this project.

Now, problem solved, without me having to do anything.

After a while, I deliberately stirred things up in the office:

"Lisa, I heard this project is really importanteven the boss is paying special attention!"

"If we do well, interns could get permanent positions, senior employees could get promotionsit's all possible!"

Lisa enthusiastically agreed with me.

Ruthie, sitting across from me, said nothing, but her eyes darted around several times.

Near the end of the workday, she came directly to me and said, "Sarah, I'm the main person in charge of this project. You know that, right?"

I nodded.

She continued, "Then you don't need to participate. I'll tell the manager."

I laughed inwardly, knowing she'd taken the bait, but outwardly I acted angry:

"Ruthie, what do you mean? Are you playing me?"

"What if there are losses in the end and they blame me?"

Seeing me make a fuss, she said in exasperation, "Then what do you want?"

I smiled.

"Provide a statement proving that during my employment at the company, I had absolutely no involvement in or access to any aspect of this project's bidding, quotations, proposals, or other work."

"Only then can I avoid being scapegoated."

After a long standoff, she finally agreed.

Before leaving work, I had the statement in hand.

With this, I wouldn't have to worry about anyone causing trouble later.

For several days, intern Ruthie worked on the project with team members she'd assembled.

And I continued preparing for my resignation.

At the same time, I took screenshots in the work group every day, proving I hadn't been involved in this project.

Finally, my contract period ended, and I successfully resigned.

When leaving, many colleagues were reluctant to see me go and offered to take me out to dinner.

But Ruthie looked smug, thinking I'd been fired.

Before leaving, she came to my desk.

I didn't even need to look to know what expression she had.

"Sarah, is this a resignation? Or were you fired?"

"If you need anything in the future, you can come to me! I might be able to help you out!"

I ignored her and walked out of the building.

Though it didn't end prettily, this place truly carried my growth.

Next, I was moving on to a new life.

With only three days until the bid, I didn't rest. I seized every moment to prepare.

This wasn't just about getting revenge on anyoneit was about proving my abilities and securing good terms for myself.

Soon, the time came.

I walked into the building with SKY Corporation. Ruthie and her team followed closely behind.

Before the bidding started, I suddenly needed the bathroom urgently and rushed to use it.

So I didn't run into them face-to-face, and Manager Ruth didn't see me at all.

When I returned, it was just starting.

Though I wasn't looking openly, I could sense Ruthie beside me was panicking.

There were three companies competing in total. The first finished quickly, and Ruthie's turn was second.

At this moment, Manager Ruth and the boss also arrived late.

As soon as she entered, Manager Ruth said, "Sarah, get up on stage right now! What does it look like standing with the rival company?!"