"This is my Resignation letter sir." I placed the nice sealed envelope on my manager's table and slightly stepped back, he looked at the letter then up at me. "I didn't think you would quit this fast, I thought you were built for this." He scoffed.
"Sir with all due respect, I applied her to be a computer programmer not a errand boy for everyone in the office." I replied, "well, I wish you the best." He said his voice filled with sarcasm.
Without a word I turned on my heel and walked out of his office, once I got to my table I grabbed the box filled with my stuff walking out the company with no regrets. I've only been working at this company for a month and I feel like if I stay here any longer I'll lose it.
...….
My name is Asani Saidi, 28 years old and I just resigned from my 4th job just from the past 4 months. It seems like everywhere I apply too, I either turn out to be an errand boy, or I end up in a toxic work environment where my skills are undervalued. It's frustrating. I studied hard, graduated with honors, and thought I'd finally get a chance to showcase my talent as a programmer. Instead, I've been stuck in a cycle of meaningless tasks and fake smiles.
This time, though, it feels different. I'm not just walking away from another job; I'm walking toward something better—at least, that's what I keep telling myself.
I adjust the box in my hands as I leave the office building for the last time. The air outside feels crisp, like a new beginning. People rush past me, busy with their own lives, while I stand there, wondering if I'm making the right choices.
I glance at my reflection in a nearby window. Tired eyes, slouched shoulders—I barely recognize myself.
But as I take a deep breath, a spark of determination ignites within me. "This isn't the end," I tell myself. "It's just a setback."
Well at least I have another job interview waiting for me tomorrow, this time it wasn't at some any lousy Tech company. It was at the best Tech company in New York, the number one in the whole of United States.
The thought of the upcoming interview brought a flicker of hope to my otherwise weary mind. Working for the best tech company in New York wasn't just a dream—it was the kind of opportunity I had been striving for all these years.
I shifted the box in my hands and started walking toward the subway station, replaying the job posting in my head. The description had been like a beacon: a company that valued innovation, fostered growth, and—most importantly—recognized talent.
But as much as I wanted to be excited, a small voice of doubt crept into my thoughts. What if it turned out to be like all the others? What if I was just setting myself up for another disappointment?
I shook my head, trying to push the negativity away. No. This time would be different. This company was known for its culture and cutting-edge projects. If I could just nail this interview, I'd finally have the chance to prove myself—to show that I was more than just someone who fetched coffee and ran errands.
I glanced at the business card tucked into my jacket pocket, the company's logo printed in sleek silver lettering. The reminder gave me the push I needed.
Tomorrow was going to be my day.
——————
The next morning I woke up to the noise of my sisters arguing on who was going to use the bathroom first, having teen twin girls to take care off alone is very hectic; especially twins at that. I groaned as I lazily got out of bed and walked up to the door to check on the commotion.
"What is it you two?" I asked brushing my fingers through my hair.
"I need to brush my teeth, but Zara wants to take a dump and her poop stinks so bad!" Zaina complained.
I pinched the bridge of my nose, already feeling a headache creeping in. "Zaina, you're not helping with the smell comment. Zara, can you please wait a few minutes? Let your sister brush her teeth first."
"But I really need to go!" Zara whined, hopping from foot to foot as if to emphasize her urgency.
"Alright, alright. Zaina, let her use the bathroom first, and you can brush your teeth right after. Problem solved. Now, please, let me have some peace for at least five minutes."
"Also be quick and get ready for school, you guys can't miss the bus today." I said closing the door behind me and heading back to bed.
I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment, willing myself to find the energy to face the day ahead. It wasn't just the twins' endless arguments or their morning chaos—it was everything. Balancing job hunting, keeping the household running, and making sure they were happy and cared for wasn't easy.
But they were my responsibility, and I loved them more than anything. After our parents passed away when the twins were just eight, I stepped into the role of both big brother and caretaker. Now, ten years later, we were a team—albeit a very chaotic one.
I glanced at my phone on the nightstand, the notification for the interview reminder blinking at me. "9:00 AM sharp," it read. I had no room for error today.
With a groan, I rolled out of bed again, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. No more lying around. I needed to make breakfast, double-check the twins' school stuff, and mentally prepare for what could be the most important day of my life.
Walking into the kitchen, I opened the fridge and pulled out eggs and bread. Scrambled eggs and toast—it wasn't fancy, but it was quick and filling. As the smell of breakfast began to fill the apartment, I heard the twins' voices again.
"Zara! You've been in there forever!" Zaina's muffled complaint came from the hallway.
"Almost done!" Zara's voice echoed back.
I couldn't help but smile. Same routine, different day. But today was going to be different—for all of us.
By the time breakfast was ready, the twins finally emerged, dressed and ready for school, still bickering over something inconsequential. I handed them their plates and sat down at the table, "come straight home after school, no going out with your friends or staying over at their house. If I'm not back by the time you guys get home I'll leave some money in the drawer next to the tv and you guys will order some food, understood?"
The twins exchanged glances before nodding in unison. Zara was the first to speak, her mouth half-full with toast. "What if we want something other than pizza this time?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Then you can agree on something else. But no fighting over it, okay? I don't want to come home to another debate about toppings or sides."
Zaina rolled her eyes. "We don't fight that much."
"Right," I said with a smirk, crossing my arms. "This morning wasn't a fight, then?"
Zara chuckled, shoving another piece of toast into her mouth to avoid answering. Zaina shrugged innocently.
"Anyway," I continued, "I have an important interview today, so I need you two to behave and not make me worry. Got it?"
"Got it," they chorused, though Zaina followed up with a sly grin. "Good luck, Mr. Serious Programmer. Don't trip on the way in."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I replied dryly, shaking my head.
By the time breakfast was done, the twins had grabbed their backpacks and were at the door, bickering lightly over who got to pick the music on the bus ride. I leaned against the kitchen counter, watching them go.
"Bye, Asani!" Zara called as they stepped out.
"Good luck!" Zaina added, her voice teasing but warm.
"Thanks, you two. Be good!" I shouted after them before the door clicked shut.
The apartment was silent now, and the weight of the day ahead settled back on my shoulders. But it wasn't heavy as I thought, I guess after all the struggles I've went through after my parents died and raising the twins on my own, nothing really felt as impossible as it once did. Sure, life had its ups and downs, but I'd made it this far. And today—today felt different. I wasn't just going through the motions anymore. I had a chance to turn things around, to take control of my future.
TBC