A lot had changed since my promotion.
I was no longer working on the shelves. Most of my days were now spent sitting in an office in front of a computer. When I did go onto the shop floor, it was to make sure everything was running smoothly.
The workload was lighter physically, but it came with far more pressure.
It was no longer just about making sure the shelf packers were doing their jobs. It was about making sure the entire store operated correctly.
My working hours had changed as well. No more late shifts. I could finally spend more time with my family because I left work earlier. The downside was that I had to be at Pick Your Product by six in the morning to open the store.
Every department had to be checked. Money needed to be counted. Cashiers had to be sorted out before customers arrived. Although I wasn't lifting heavy boxes anymore, I felt more exhausted than ever.
Still, when lunchtime arrived, I always made time for my friends.
"Layla, you're in management now. You have to come sit in the managers' canteen with us," said Gammie.
"We don't drink ordinary coffee. There's always a cookie waiting for you."
I laughed.
"It's okay, Gammie. I like the normal staff canteen. I don't have a problem eating bread with peanut butter and drinking ordinary tea."
"Suit yourself."
With that, Gammie headed toward the managers' canteen.
As I made my way to the staff canteen, Isha approached me.
"Layla, I'm going back to the frontline. I applied for a position in the store and got it. I'm going to be a cashier again. No more packing shelves."
"Isha, congratulations," I said with a smile. "I'm glad you got the job. You were never really happy as a shelf packer."
"Yep. Better hours and better money, my friend. Working on the shelves is slavery."
"Oh, really?"
A strict voice suddenly appeared behind us.
Jessica.
"Being on the shelves is safe," she said. "Yes, we work our butts off, but at least we don't risk getting fired every time we count money."
Isha rolled her eyes.
"What are you talking about?"
Jessica folded her arms.
"If you're even one cent short when counting your till, you can end up with warnings. Have you thought about that?"
Isha flicked her long black hair over her shoulder.
"I don't have time for jealous people. I'll speak to you later, Layla."
She walked away before Jessica could respond.
Jessica shook her head.
"Isha just made the biggest mistake of her life. If only she knew."
I looked at her curiously.
"So, Jess, have you applied for anything? There have been quite a few positions available lately."
"Nope."
"No?"
Jessica smiled.
"I'm content, Layla. Unlike some people, I'm happy being a shelf packer. I earn enough, and I'm grateful for it. My family survives on what I bring home."
After our conversation, I looked around the canteen.
Something felt strange.
Then it hit me.
I hadn't seen Lance in days.
"Hey, Jess. Have you seen Lance?"
"To be honest, I have very little interest in that guy," she replied. "Maybe he's here. Maybe he's not. I really don't know."
I decided to go look for him.
As I approached the staff entrance, I saw him walking in from outside.
Immediately, I knew something was wrong.
His shoulders were slumped, and his face carried an expression of disappointment.
"Lance!" I called.
He looked up.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm not okay, Layla," he replied quietly.
"What's wrong?"
"I failed."
The sadness in his voice was heartbreaking.
I felt my chest tighten.
"I'm sorry, Lance."
"I failed the test."
"Did you apply for a position in the store?"
"Yeah. But I didn't get it because I failed."
"There will be other opportunities," I said. "Just keep going. Keep trying."
Lance lowered his head.
"I wish it were that simple."
"What do you mean?"
"What if I keep fighting and nothing changes? What if I spend my whole life working alone in a department, leaving late every night? Nobody notices me, Layla. Nobody sees me."
"Don't say that."
"But it's true."
"Listen to me, Lance. Your day is coming. Your opportunity will come at the right time."
Lance grabbed his head.
"I've had enough. I'm going to resign."
Something inside me snapped.
"Fine!" I shouted.
Lance looked up in shock.
"Go ahead. Resign. Walk away."
His eyes widened.
"But remember this—you live with your parents. Who's going to survive on their pension?"
He remained silent.
"Nothing comes easy, Lance. You've worked here for five years. I've worked here for eight. Do you think I got this promotion easily?"
I pointed toward the store.
"I fought for it."
He lowered his eyes.
"Your opportunity will come, but not if you quit."
I took a deep breath.
"And stop suffering in silence. Go to Mr. Adams. Tell him you need help in your department. Speak to the people who can actually solve the problem."
I folded my arms.
"But if you want to quit, that's your choice."
The anger in my voice surprised even me.
"And if you quit without even trying, then I'm done having this conversation."
Lance stood there speechless.
Before the day ended, Mr. Adams called Lance into the office.
Inside stood two young men.
"Dwyne. Cleo."
The two nodded.
Mr. Adams pointed toward Lance.
"This is Lance Brown. You'll be working with him in the Non-Foods Department."
Lance looked confused.
Mr. Adams continued.
"He is your supervisor. He knows that department like the back of his hand."
The two new employees smiled.
"If Lance says jump," Mr. Adams said, "you ask how high."
Before Lance could say a word, Mr. Adams continued.
"You didn't fail the test."
Lance froze.
"What?"
"I couldn't give you a job that wasn't meant for you."
The room fell silent.
"You already run Non-Foods perfectly. You manage the department and make good money for this store."
Mr. Adams smiled.
"You will start as a supervisor. Eventually, you'll work your way up to manager."
Lance's eyes filled with disbelief.
"Your contract will be ready tomorrow morning. Be here at seven. You'll be working the late shift."
For a moment, Lance couldn't speak.
Then he finally managed to say,
"Thank you, Mr. Adams."
Mr. Adams shook his head.
"No, Lance."
He pointed toward Dwyne and Cleo.
"Thank you for not giving up."
He smiled warmly.
"No man is an island. Everyone needs a team to help him."
For the first time in a long time, Lance smiled.
And I couldn't help smiling too.
Sometimes success doesn't come when you want it.
Sometimes it comes when you're just about ready to quit.
The important thing is not giving up before it arrives.