Quitting on the Spot: A Real-Life Story from a Freelance Trucker

Have you ever blown up at your manager at work and quit on the spot?

Yes, I have before, but it certainly hasn't been the norm in my life. Looking back, it was a mistake. There was always another opportunity out there.

Changing Roles and Responsibilities

I made a significant transition from my freelance trucking job to return to Leeds Language Academy as a part-time Director of Studies. My goal was to help maintain the school's British Council Approved status, but unfortunately, the ownership had changed.

We managed to keep our approval with a report comment praising the teaching as particularly strong. However, it didn't last long. I was forced out of the role after students didn't turn up for lessons and an hourly paid teacher had to prepare a lesson for them. The owner refused to pay the teacher, demanding my support. When I suggested I might pay the teacher myself, he was displeased. This was my breaking point.

Personal Values and Integrity

I left on the spot because trucking allowed me to look myself in the mirror, earning a better salary, and not supporting such practices. I didn't have a written contract and took the job to help a friend, the co-owner, who eventually dissolved his partnership to set up his own school.

Managing With Integrity

Most of my encounters with managers have been positive and trouble-free. But there was one who crossed the line – a manager who had never set foot in a truck yet thought he knew best about how to run a trucking business. This was my first offense. Everything he criticized, I could do better. My second offense was when he treated his drivers like recruits, much like a National Guard captain. Each Monday, he would bombard me with questions, from fueling decisions to the legality of weekend miles. Most of the time, I kept my mouth shut, but this pushed me to the limit.

I had planned a birthday party for my wife, and I needed the day off. Without me, the party would be ruined. When the manager called with his usual "urgent" message, I unloaded on his boss, Wayne, who was a retired Marine Captain and often treated me with respect. When Wayne couldn't change the manager's mind, he suggested I talk to Wayne directly. In a heated conversation, I explained the situation and my frustration. Wayne acknowledged that I hadn't done anything unsafe and told me that if I wanted a job come Wednesday, I would have to be more focused. Wednesday afternoon, I received a new manager, one I would eventually become friends with and who even invited me to his house for dinner and introduced me to his family.

Lessons Learned

This experience taught me the importance of my personal values and integrity. Sometimes, it's best to stand firm in your convictions, even if it means leaving a job. In the trucking industry and in any other profession, it's crucial to find a balance between working for someone who respects their employees and maintaining your values. Quitting on the spot isn't ideal, but it can be necessary when integrity is compromised.

Related Keywords

manager conflict workplace conflict quitting on the spot trucking industry British Council