Year-End Bonus: Three Zoo Passes, One Phone Call, Zero Mercy
After spending the past month working overtime and burning the midnight oil every day, I finally closed a business deal that's worth 50 million dollars before the company's annual dinner.
My boss, William Lewis, begins giving away the end-of-the-year bonuses with a wide smile on his face.
"The finance director helped our company save three million dollars worth of taxes. He will receive a villa by the river as a gift."
"The head of IT led the team and solved various difficult problems. He shall receive 200 thousand dollars in cash."
"Lily Lane, the receptionist, has always shown a great attitude whenever she greets the clients. She shall receive a Hermes bag."
When it's my turn, I wipe the sweat off my palms before accepting my bonus. But upon opening the giftbox, I see three entrance tickets to the local zoo instead.
"You must be sick of receiving commissions all the time as the sales director. Why don't you take advantage of this holiday to spend some quality time with your family?"
On the way home, I dial a number.
"Mr. Skylar, there's a problem with the 50-million-dollar contract. Let's discuss it later."