Oh, the playground, that infamous arena where we first learned that not all kids play fair. But who would think that the dirty game of bullying follows some unfortunate souls right into adulthood? Well, buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the tale of a wonderful woman named Julie, who battled more than just dust in her 35-year career as a diligent cleaner.
The Unexpected Playground
Julie wasn’t just any cleaner; she was the kind who enjoyed rolling up her sleeves and making everything sparkle. She became a friend and confidant to many, turning her job into a labor of love. That is, until 2021 rolled in with all the charm of a sneeze in a crowded elevator.
The Manager, The Myth, The Misery
Enter the villain of our story—a manager who, coincidentally, was also named Julie (Oh, the irony!). This new addition to the HSBC Bank team in the UK brought with her an air of condescension. And as tragic stories go, our beloved Julie found herself facing the brunt of this bad boss’s disdain.
It only took one particularly nasty encounter for Julie to decide it was time to bid adieu. But let’s be real here—Julie wasn’t going to exit quietly like a whisper in the wind. Oh no, she had a note to leave, and boy, was it a doozy.
Julie Drops the Mic
In a note that deserves to be framed and placed in the Louvre of Legendary Letters, Julie expressed her feelings with a delicate blend of kindness and assertion. She wrote: “I’ve left the job, Julie, after the way you dressed me down in the office. It was nothing more than aggressive and cruel but that’s a reflection on your character not mine.” Talk about a classy clap back!
Her son, Joe Cousins, shared this powerful letter on social media, and let’s just say it resonated with a lot of people. Here’s a little snapshot of her son’s heartfelt homage to his mom:
A post shared by Joe Cousins (@joe_cousins89)
“And this is why I love my mum. She’s been cleaning banks for 35 years and today walked out with this lovely note left for that awful manager. Happy retirement Mum – always have the last laugh eh! 💚☺️ #Tada”
— Joe 🏳️🌈 (@joecousins89) April 30, 2021
The Lesson We All Needed
Julie’s parting words were not just an exit statement; they were a mirror held up to society. It’s a reminder that no matter how cruel others may be, our reactions define us, not the provocations. Kindness and positivity, though sometimes undervalued, hold unparalleled strength.
In a world where it’s increasingly easy to be cruel from the comfort of a keyboard or in a closed office, Julie’s note is a rallying cry for kindness. It’s a declaration that the true power lies in our ability to stay kind and strong, even when confronted with the ugliest sides of humanity.
Mary’s Take
Here’s what I think: Julie’s resilience and grace under fire are genuinely awe-inspiring. Her story encourages us to stand tall, dignified, and kind, no matter what life hurls our way. It also serves as a poignant reminder to never underestimate the profound impact of a well-timed mic drop. Because in the end, kindness always wins.
