Journey of a Lifetime

Back on the Grind

"Good morning, Mrs Copeland" Lisa smiled as I exited the lift on my first day back after the Davey debacle.

"Good morning, Lisa" I sighed, putting a weak smile on my face. 2002 was already a nightmare, and I was only a couple weeks in.

"Mr Richardson called for you, along with Rebecca" she retorted, folding my large coat over her arm, walking beside me towards the office.

"Anything else?" I ask, as she hands me a file.

"Not yet" she smiles, hanging the coat up with my bag.

"Splendid" I sigh, sinking into my large chair as I flip through the latest file of emails and phone messages.

Subject: Trial dates.

Good morning,

The following consultants have been chosen to complete a trial week for the position.

From the Tennessee office: Amanda, Jenny, Charlize.

From the Florida office: Tiffany, Robert.

From the New York office: Janie, Deborah.

From the California office: Karen, Jodie, Tracey.

Mrs Copeland will be in touch with each consultant to schedule in their trial. Please contact her office if any further questions.

Regards,

Copeland.

My phone rang within seconds of pressing send on the email, managers had been CCd into the message. I recognised the number as Rebecca before I picked up the phone.

"Rebecca" I answered, sighing

"Week trials is not something I agreed to. I thought maybe a day or so" she rants

"A week will give them a taste of the possible parts of the job. The different meetings, clients, the mess that happens almost on a weekly basis" I say, rubbing my temple

"And what are we supposed to do without the consultant for a week?"

"Not my issue, Bec. If you can't manage the office one consultant down..." I laugh

"You know I can manage fine short-staffed. How do you think I dealt with your issues?" Bec growled

"Yeah, so do it. I've blocked out the weeks in my calendar and the consultant calendars for when they are scheduled to be here. None of them are around Valentines Day as I know that is an all-hands on deck time"

"Zoe, you can't..."

"Bec, I don't answer to you anymore. I'm not discussing this one further. Just do your job" I finish, hanging up the phone.

Looking over at the computer, emails begin streaming in. Complaints from the managers at the other locations.

'This wasn't authorised'

'A week?'

Richardson called a few moments later. I knew this would bring angry reactions.

"Barnes" he greets the moment I pick up the phone.

"It's Copeland now, Michael"

"Right. So, Barnes, this plan of yours"

"Is going ahead. I did say if you want me here for the next five years, it will be done my way"

"But trialling people for a week?"

"Michael, I am giving them a chance to taste the job. I will be here for the whole period, so they can either do the full week, or decide before then that they don't want it. The ones that do a full week, I will ask if they are still interested"

"Why a week? Won't a day be enough?"

"For some, a day will be enough. This job is a rollercoaster, some days are shit and you want to throw up from the ride. Other days are smooth sailing, no waves, just gentle. A week is appropriate"

"Barnes..."

"No, Michael. I am doing what needs to be done. And it's Copeland" I sigh before hanging up

Jenny was first up in the week trials, starting the following week. We were in the lead up to Valentines Day, we were busy, even if it was still a few weeks away. I shadowed her through meetings, but she approached it with confidence.

"So, how did you find it?" I ask as the week trial came to an end, sinking into my large office chair

"Stressful but enjoyable" Jenny answers, sitting straight in the chair opposite my desk.

"Would you want to do this full time?"

"Do I need to answer that right now?"

"You can think about it if you need to" I say smiling, "I want to make any transition into this role seamless. Where both people are happy with the decision"

"I like that, and thanks. I'll let you know next week" Jenny says, letting out a relieving sigh

"Well, I think you did well. You seemed to have handled the angry ones well. And I haven't heard anything bad back from Michael" I smile, looking through my notes from the week. It wouldn't surprise me if she doesn't want to do it, almost having a panic attack after seeing the calendar of meetings.