- 2 hours ago
THE WAITING GAME - Full Episode
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00That day, HR asked me to sign my retirement papers.
00:04Sarah, aren't you going to read it?
00:06No need. No stock, no commission, 10 years, that was my price.
00:10My name is Sarah, I'm 47, and I spent 10 years building this company from the ground up.
00:16I landed our first real account myself, 23 pitches, 2 hours standing in freezing rain.
00:21That one contract saved the company, my paycheck barely changed.
00:24That was the night I realized exactly how stupid I'd been.
00:27Chris got a $120,000 bonus, while all I got was a teamwork award.
00:32Barely 30, I was the one who trained him.
00:34Three years ago, I taught him everything, how to survive in this business.
00:39What ought I to do?
00:40Three times they pushed me to the edge, three times I almost walked.
00:44I deleted my resume, updated it, and then gave up on everything.
00:49Then three accounts blew up, and I was the only one who could fix them, resume deleted.
00:55Then Greg's son took over, and he trusted only me, resume deleted.
00:59Forget you.
01:00Marcus, do you know our top three accounts?
01:01Of course. Apex, Horizon, and Zenith. They make up 60% of our revenue.
01:05Do you know who their direct contact is?
01:06Someone on your team, right?
01:07It's me. For 10 years, I have been their only point of contact.
01:09They do not do business with this company, they do business with me.
01:11Sarah, what are you-
01:12Nothing. Just making conversation.
01:14For 10 years, I have been their only point of contact.
01:17I didn't look back.
01:22The next morning, Chase ran the handover.
01:24Three cocky new hires sat across from me.
01:26All three contracts expire at the end of the year.
01:29They were all completely shocked.
01:31Sarah, walk them through the accounts.
01:32I handed over my work to them.
01:34The rookies scribbled like their lives depended on it.
01:37Is that everything?
01:37One more thing.
01:38All three contracts expire at the end of the year.
01:41Chris is after the resources I have.
01:43Give me all the resources you have.
01:47Do you really think that's possible?
01:50I had a handover meeting with Chris.
01:52You didn't lock down renewals?
01:54I'm forced into retirement.
01:55Renewals are the new guy's job.
01:57How exactly do you hand over a relationship?
01:59What?
02:00We had a lot of unpleasantness during the handover, but in the end, Chris backed down.
02:04He realized I was the only one who could properly hand over the work.
02:08You're the only one who can handle them?
02:09I told him, Apex has a strategy meeting next week.
02:12Greg personally invited me, but I said I wouldn't go.
02:16I'm already retired.
02:18Chris was horrified.
02:23When I got home, David asked how the handover went.
02:26How the handover went?
02:27Done?
02:28They didn't give you a hard time?
02:30No.
02:31Good.
02:32Time to step back.
02:33Get some rest.
02:34To know the show was just starting.
02:36For 10 years, I watched that company grow, watched myself get pushed farther and farther
02:40to the side.
02:41The people I trained got promoted, got raises, got bonuses.
02:44I stayed frozen in place, waiting for them to finally realize who had really been holding
02:49the whole damn thing together.
02:50First weekend of retirement, I slept in.
02:52No alarm, no inbox, no rush.
02:55Then my phone rang.
02:55Chris, hello?
02:58Sarah, I tried calling Greg.
03:00He won't pick up.
03:00I emailed him.
03:01Nothing.
03:02I sat outside his office for three hours.
03:03He never came out.
03:04Did you mention my name?
03:05No.
03:06You're retired.
03:07I didn't want to overstep.
03:08Next time, tell him Sarah sends her regards.
03:11Half an hour later, Chris called back.
03:13It worked.
03:14He called me right away.
03:15Asked how you were doing.
03:16Thank you.
03:16Seriously, thank you.
03:17Good.
03:17Handle the rest yourself.
03:18I put my phone down and went back to breakfast.
03:20The company called?
03:21Yes.
03:21Aren't you retired?
03:22Then why are they still calling you?
03:23Because they can't find their clients.
03:25That's ruthless.
03:26That was only the first call.
03:28Two more were already lined up to blow.
03:32That afternoon, my phone rang again.
03:34This time it was Chase.
03:36Hello?
03:37Sorry to bother you on your time off.
03:39Kevin tried Greg said he had issues with the contract terms.
03:41He wanted to renegotiate.
03:42But you handled that deal.
03:43Greg tore him apart.
03:45He says the company disrespected him by swapping reps so casually.
03:48Director Chase, I'm retired.
03:49I know, but-
03:50Director Chase, I'm retired.
03:51My severance was $12,000.
03:53Based on base salary, your bonus was $120,000.
03:56Do you really think I should help you?
03:58Sarah, Greg owes me.
03:59He owes the company nothing.
04:00If you want me to reason why-
04:01I'm just a retired woman.
04:02I don't have the power to exhort anyone.
04:04I'm simply choosing not to save your ass.
04:07Who had called?
04:08The company.
04:09Asking for help again?
04:11Did you say yes?
04:12No.
04:12You're really not going to help them?
04:14I bled for 10 years for a $1,200 team player bonus.
04:16The guy I trained got $112,000.
04:18They shoved me out the door with minimum severance.
04:20What are they going to do?
04:20Why the hell should I care?
04:23Do you know why I waited 10 years?
04:25Why?
04:25Because I knew they'd force me out eventually.
04:27All I had to do was wait for that exact day and then do absolutely nothing.
04:30Just stop doing their jobs for them.
04:31For 10 years, I got no real raises, no real promotion, nothing.
04:34But I had one thing they never understood.
04:36Those clients belong to me.
04:38If I don't step in, this company is dead.
04:43Week 2 of retirement, things started to collapse.
04:47First was Apex.
04:48Sarah, George is furious.
04:50He says he's ready to walk.
04:51Tell him it's above your pay grade.
04:53Tell him you need to consult management.
04:56But...
04:56I hung up, I already knew how this would go.
04:59Apex managed to reach George, but the renewal talks blew up immediately.
05:03George wanted new terms terms that weren't in the old contract.
05:06Chase would never agree to George's terms.
05:09Not because the terms were impossible.
05:12Sure enough, three days later, Apex sent formal notice they were not renewing the company went
05:16into full meltdown.
05:18Kevin called me sounding like he might cry.
05:20Greg said he'll never work with us again.
05:22Does Chase know?
05:23He knows.
05:24What did he say?
05:25He told me to figure it out.
05:27And how exactly are you gonna do that?
05:30Two major accounts were gone.
05:32The company was in panic mode.
05:38The real kill shot was still coming then Zenith called.
05:40Richard called me directly, not the company.
05:43Richard heard I retired and wants to work on a project with me.
05:46He recommended me to CEO.
05:48He's very interested that I agree.
05:49After I hung up, I sat on the couch and stared out the window.
05:52Zenith was the third biggest account.
05:5415% of company revenue.
05:56Richard didn't want the company.
05:58He wanted me dot if I took Zenith with me.
06:00My old company would lose half its revenue in one shot.
06:03David came over and asked who was calling Richard.
06:06Zenith he wants to partner with me.
06:08I stood and walked to the window dot I haven't decided yet.
06:10But I know one thing for sure.
06:12The opportunity one waited 10 years for is finally here.
06:18Week three.
06:19Company finally panicked.
06:21Sarah, long time no see.
06:23What do you want?
06:24Nothing at all.
06:25Just checking in.
06:26How's retirement treating you?
06:28It's great.
06:30Glad to hear it.
06:31Sarah, I need to discuss something with you.
06:33Things are tense with a few major accounts.
06:35The CEO wants to know if you'd be willing to come back and help.
06:38Help how?
06:38I know, I know.
06:39But this is an emergency.
06:40We want you back as a consultant.
06:41Top tier conference station.
06:43How much?
06:43Double your base.
06:44$16,000 a month.
06:45$16,000?
06:45Mark expects for Ryan Zenith.
06:47$30,000, $40 million?
06:47Do I look stupid?
06:48Sarah, what are you saying?
06:49You didn't talk like this when you forced me out.
06:51We're restructuring.
06:52At your stage in life, you should enjoy retirement.
06:54I remember every word.
06:55Sarah, that was a corporate decision.
06:58I know.
06:58So go tell the CEO.
06:59This is my decision.
07:00Just get out.
07:01Hey, take it easy.
07:02I'm not going to tell you again.
07:03You didn't talk like this when you forced me out.
07:06We're restructuring.
07:07At your stage in life, you should enjoy retirement.
07:09I remember every word.
07:10His smile disappeared.
07:12Go tell the CEO.
07:14This is my decision.
07:15I'm not coming back.
07:16Then I shut the door in his face.
07:21After he left, I sat on the couch for a long time.
07:24Honestly, that felt amazing for 10 years.
07:27I never raised my voice in that office.
07:29They shoved my desk into a dark corner.
07:31And I sat there.
07:32They told me to retire.
07:33And I signed the paper.
07:34I never fought back.
07:36Not because I was weak.
07:38Because the timing wasn't right now.
07:39The timing was perfect.
07:41Now I could say no.
07:43And it felt incredible.
07:44Our company is really in trouble.
07:46When he first joined the company, I was the one who taught him.
07:50He stopped talking.
07:52I bled for 10 years.
07:54My bonus was $1,200.
07:56You worked here for three.
07:57Your bonus was $120,000.
08:00You know exactly what the math looks like.
08:02I could hear his breathing over the phone.
08:04My voice stayed flat.
08:06Don't you dare blame me either.
08:08I'm retired.
08:09Your company's problems are not my problems.
08:12I hung up.
08:16That night David asked if the company had called again.
08:19I refused his invitation.
08:20I smiled softly.
08:21Did I don't know?
08:22And why the hell should I care?
08:24He was quiet for a moment.
08:26I did change.
08:27I used to think hard work would be recognized.
08:30Now I know better.
08:31T won't.
08:31You bleed for a decade.
08:33And they forget you overnight.
08:35I walked to the window.
08:36Richard from Zenith reached out.
08:38He wants me to run a project for them.
08:40God, I'm waiting.
08:41I turned and met his eyes.
08:43For the company to call me one last time that I'm going to show them exactly what I'm worth.
08:49I've been waiting for this moment.
08:50Ten whole years I've waited for them to come to their senses.
08:53I want them to realize just how important I am to this company.
08:57By the time they wake up it'll already be too late.
08:59Things will have gotten really serious.
09:04Week 4
09:05Company was officially desperate Wednesday morning.
09:09My phone rang.
09:10CEO Sterling in 10 years.
09:12He had never once called my personal cell.
09:14He invited me to dinner and asked me to go back and help him out.
09:18I didn't answer right away.
09:20Did I told him that I have worked at your company for 10 years, 1200 bucks?
09:24Team player bonus.
09:25His breathing changed instantly.
09:27My voice stayed calm.
09:28I'm telling you what this company did to me for 10 straight years.
09:32That was your company's attitude toward me.
09:35He was quiet for a long time.
09:37I took a breath.
09:37I'm not coming to dinner.
09:39He sighed told me.
09:40The company is in serious trouble.
09:42He knows that I have deep relationships with these clients.
09:45He wants me to name my price to go back and work for him to sort out the problems.
09:49I refuse to go back to work.
09:51And he thinks I intend to poach his customers.
09:53I'm just a retired woman.
09:54I haven't done a single thing.
09:56I waited 10 years for this exact day.
09:59Not because I hate the company.
10:01Not because I want revenge.
10:02I wanted you to realize one thing.
10:04That quiet workforce pulling the plow.
10:06I was the most important piece on the board.
10:09Then I hung up.
10:12Set the phone on the table.
10:14My hands were shaking a little knot from fear.
10:17From adrenaline.
10:1810 years of keeping my head down and cleaning up everyone else's mess.
10:21They called me every time they needed a miracle.
10:24They got races.
10:25They got titles.
10:26They got bonuses.
10:27That I got a team player check.
10:28That I never complained.
10:29Because I knew complaining was useless.
10:31All I had to do was wait.
10:32Wait for them to push me out.
10:34Wait for them to see that the quiet workhorse was the only one actually pulling the load.
10:38And now that day was finally here.
10:43The very next day he showed up in person.
10:45He brought Marcus.
10:46Chase.
10:47And the company lawyer several men stood on my porch.
10:50Clearly trying to pressure me.
10:51I let them in.
10:52Poured coffee.
10:53Took my seat.
10:54Sterling got right to it.
10:55He thought about it all night and told me I was right.
10:57He looked into the matter and found that the company had treated me unfairly over the past 10 years.
11:02He apologized to me on behalf of the company.
11:04Then he stood up and bowed his head he hopes I will return.
11:07Offering me a promotion and a raise.
11:09I smiled.
11:09They are really desperate.
11:10I held his gaze.
11:11Tell him Richard from Zenith reached out to me.
11:14His face dropped.
11:15If I go to Zenith and poach our clients.
11:18The company will sue me.
11:19I didn't leak trade secrets.
11:21I didn't break a non-compete.
11:23Cause the early retirement package your HR made me sign didn't include one.
11:27So tell me what can you do to me?
11:29Company lawyer opened his mouth.
11:31Then thought better of it.
11:32Sterling turned pale.
11:37I'll tell you exactly what I want.
11:39I don't want to come back.
11:40And I don't want to go to Zenith other.
11:41Sterling froze.
11:42I turned and looked right at him.
11:44I'm starting my own firm.
11:45The network I built over the last decade is more than enough to launch my own agency.
11:50George from Apex Greg from Horizon Richard from Zenith.
11:53They're all ready to back me.
11:54I don't need your company.
11:55I don't need Zenith.
11:56All I need is me.
11:57Sterling's face went white.
11:58I smiled.
11:59I'm not stealing anything.
12:00Whatever services they need moving forward.
12:02I can provide and so can you fair competition.
12:05Me make one thing crystal clear.
12:07I looked him dead in the eye.
12:08These clients trust me, not your company.
12:10If you give them excellent service, they might stay with you.
12:13But if you screw it up, don't blame me when they end up on my doorstep.
12:16Sterling stood there speechless.
12:17Chase looked sick.
12:18Marcus's hand shook so hard.
12:20Coffee spilled over the rim.
12:21I opened the front door, asked them to leave.
12:23My career is finally mine.
12:28After they left, David came out of the bedroom.
12:31He looked at me carefully.
12:32He asked if I was going to start my own company.
12:34I smiled.
12:35I've been thinking about it for 10 years.
12:37Three months later, my new firm officially launched.
12:39I named it Ascent.
12:40We started in a converted office in Industrial Park on the east side of the city.
12:44I had exactly three employees, me a recent college grad and a part-time accountant.
12:49But our first contract was worth half a million dollars.
12:52Trait from George at Apex.
12:53The second contract, $300,000, came from Greg Peterson at Horizon.
12:58The third contract, $800,000, came from Richard at Zenith.
13:01They all trust me deeply.
13:02They feel I was overqualified and underutilized at that company.
13:06I just smiled overqualified or not.
13:09It didn't matter anymore.
13:10What mattered was that I finally walked out.
13:15Meanwhile, my old company was bleeding out.
13:18Apex left, Horizon left, Zenith left, losing those three accounts cut revenue in half.
13:22Sterling scrambled for new business, but it didn't matter.
13:25The company had been living off legacy clients for years.
13:28Their cold call pipeline was almost zero.
13:30Chase got demoted.
13:31Director stripped back down to manager Marcus got fired.
13:34They called it corporate optimization rumor was Sterling was trying to sell the company.
13:38He got offers humiliating ones.
13:40Barely a third of what the business used to be worth.
13:42Six months after launch, Ascent was fully on track.
13:45We crossed $3 million in revenue-stable clients growing reputation real momentum.
13:49My new hire, Emma, was fresh out of college bright sharp.
13:52Eager, I looked at her and saw myself a long time ago following my mentor believing hard work
13:57guaranteed a reward.
13:58I leaned back and told her the truth.
13:59As long as you work for me, I will never treat her unfairly.
14:03Connections and capabilities, they belong to you, not the company.
14:08A year later.
14:09Yes?
14:10This just came for you, Sarah.
14:11Thanks, Lily.
14:12He wrote to tell me about the company's current situation and apologized to me.
14:16It's just over.
14:17How I felt.
14:18Nothing, really.
14:19Not happy.
14:20Not sad.
14:21It's just over.
14:22Did you forgive him?
14:23It's not about forgiveness.
14:24I just let it go.
14:26He made a mistake.
14:27He admitted it.
14:28But I don't need his apology.
14:28I only need myself.
14:29I have clients to meet and contracts to sign.
14:32Sunlight spilled across my desk.
14:34They finally realized they couldn't survive without me by then.
14:37I didn't care anymore because I was doing just fine on my own.
14:40Later that week, Chase showed up at my door.
14:43Sarah, please.
14:44Startup I joined went under.
14:46I'm drowning in debt.
14:47I know I screwed you over it.
14:48I need a job.
14:49I'll do anything.
14:50Assistant sales manager.
14:52Market rate base.
14:54And every client contact you bring in belongs to this company.
14:57I promise.
15:01Not long after Chase started, Sterling called.
15:04We met at a coffee shop.
15:05He slid a folder across the table.
15:07I flipped through it.
15:09Solid potential.
15:10I set the folder down.
15:11On my terms, my firm audits the books.
15:14Full transparency.
15:1670% equity.
15:17He didn't hesitate.
15:18Deal.
15:19David didn't get it.
15:20I shrugged.
15:21There are no permanent enemies in business.
15:23Only permanent interests.
15:25Project prints money.
15:26Why would I walk away?
15:28I put Chase on point.
15:29His weekly reports were flawless.
15:32Too flawless.
15:33My gut told me something was off so I did an unannounced site visit.
15:36The actual progress was months behind.
15:38The accounts were bleeding cash.
15:40I dragged Chase into my office.
15:42Asked, why did you cook the books?
15:44He wouldn't look at me.
15:45Said, Sterling made me.
15:46He said I'd get a cut.
15:47I just wanted out of debt.
15:49I called the police.
15:50Then I called Sterling.
15:52Sterling begged me give him a chance.
15:53A chance?
15:54Did you ever give me?
15:55One.
15:56I thought dot then I hung up dot I felt nothing.
15:58No pity.
15:59No hesitation.
16:00Police moved fast.
16:02Sterling was charged with embezzlement.
16:04Chase was arrested as a co-conspirator.
16:06Some people called me ruthless.
16:08Most people knew I did the right thing.
16:12Not long after that, an even bigger opportunity landed in my lap.
16:16Tating Corporation.
16:17An industry giant.
16:19Looking for a new agency.
16:20Their lead project director?
16:22Matt Bennett.
16:23George's son.
16:24Matt smiled as soon as he saw me.
16:26He told me that his dad talks about me all the time.
16:29He said I am the only one he ever trusted.
16:31I promised I will nail ITTO win that bid.
16:34My team worked around the clock.
16:35Proposals.
16:36Data polls.
16:37Revisions.
16:38Rounds and rounds of polish.
16:40We were up against massive firms with deep.
16:42Pockets.
16:43Didn't matter.
16:44Pitch was flawless.
16:45We blew them out of the water.
16:47That contract put Ascent on the map.
16:48Then more clients started knocking.
16:51Revenue surged.
16:52We expanded into a downtown high-rise.
16:54From three employees to 30.
16:56The team.
16:56Got stronger every month.
16:58Business boomed.
16:59I was busier than ever.
17:03Three years later.
17:05Ascent celebrated its third anniversary.
17:08From a converted office to a downtown tower.
17:10From three people to 30.
17:12From zero to 30 million in revenue.
17:14I stood on stage and looked out at my team.
17:17Ascent is not a one-woman show.
17:19It's built by this team.
17:20Trusted by our clients.
17:22Earned every step of the way.
17:23Thank you.
17:24Later, David squeezed my hand.
17:27From quiet workhorse to industry, heavy whiter.
17:31I smiled.
17:32This is just the beginning.
17:33That night, I stood at the window of my corner office and looked out at the city lights.
17:3810 years of storms.
17:39Just wanted to let you know.
17:4010 years of grinding in the dark.
17:41They didn't break me.
17:42They became my fuel.
17:44No effort is wasted.
17:45Every step counts.
17:46And when you finally step into your power, you own your future.
17:50My story, it was only getting started.
17:56After the liquidation, Sterling called one last time.
18:07Hello, Sterling.
18:09Sarah, I know I shouldn't be calling, but I just want to say you win.
18:14It's not about winning or losing, Sterling.
18:17It's about right and wrong.
18:20If I could do it over.
18:25If you can't, you never would.
18:29Because you can't see the people you don't see.
18:33That's why you lost.
18:35And I hung up.
18:36Nothing left to say.
18:3810 years.
18:38Over.
18:39I won.
18:40Not because I took them down, but because I finally stood up.
18:44My new hire, Emma, was fresh out of college.
18:47Bright.
18:47Sharp.
18:48Good work.
18:49Big improvement.
18:50You taught me well.
18:53But remember this.
18:54Your network and your skills, they belong to you, not the company.
18:59A company gives you a platform.
19:02Use it.
19:03Leverage it.
19:04But never hand over every card you have.
19:08Because a company will not remember you just because you bled for it.
19:12It only remembers whether you're useful.
19:15Emma was shocked.
19:16Did that happen to you?
19:18It did.
19:20That's why I'm telling you.
19:22Don't make my mistake.
19:28Today, another contract.
19:30Another client who trusts me.
19:31Another proof I was right.
19:33Someone asked me, do you regret it?
19:35Regret wasting 10 years at that company?
19:37No.
19:38Those 10 years made me.
19:3910 years ago, I was a workhorse.
19:41Pulling someone else's plow.
19:4310 years later, I am the boss.
19:45Pulling my own road.
19:46So if you're also pulling someone else's plow, remember, you can drop the rope anytime and build your own wagon.
19:55My name is Sarah, I'm 50 years old, and my story is still being written.
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