JL CherryIn a scene that seemed like something out of a comedy blockbuster movie, Steven Slater parted ways with his employer (JetBlue) on Monday and went out in what some would call grand style. To read the article, click here.
Understandably, many people can relate to the frustration Slater must have felt when he responded to a “disruptive” passenger by simply calling it quits, summoning the emergency exit slide and grabbing a beer off the concession cart on his way down. He had been disrespected on the job for the last time.
A similar incident occurred in Atlanta several years ago when a radio personality felt she was being disrespected by her colleagues and quit on air after airing her grievances-literally. When the segment aired live, you could actually hear the radio personality walk out of the studio and slam the door behind her. The linked segment here was edited down.
I have to admit that in both cases, I giggled. The accounts were funny. But now – and this is about where I become a total killjoy – Slater is said to have remarked that he didn’t care if he ever worked in the airline industry ever again.
Apparently, he didn’t care if he ever worked in any industry again. While I’m sure there are people out there who will criticize what I’m about to say, that’s okay. Most employers will think twice about hiring an employee, whether it’s in a different field – maybe Mr. Slater decides to become a welder or botantist- or another position in the airline industry, before hiring a “loose” cannon. In both cases, he’s done more harm to his own reputation than his employer’s reputation. . . and for what? That feeling of “NaNaNaNaNa,” that lasted all of a minute. For crying out loud, have a little pride.
I was taught long ago that the best revenge is success. Had Slater and his pioneering radio counterpart held their heads high and walked off the job, granted, I wouldn’t be talking about them now. And I would have missed a few good chuckles. In the end, their fifteen minutes of fame are not likely to get them very far. Hopefully, they land great book deals and maybe even that movie contract in the future. . .and then invest those funds wisely.
