OFF THE JOB, OFF THE RAILS

During my full-time working days, I never took a sabbatical, mainly because I couldn't afford it. It must be nice to check out for a year to pursue your dream, while guaranteed the same position once your finances ran out at the end of your vacation  alleged acquisition of a Masters degree.  

Yeah, sabbaticals can be a racket. Let's take the hypothetical case of a fellow we'll call Mr. X.

Mr. X is a vice-president of a centuries-old firm known the world over. And while its reputation has taken hits on occasion, overall it's still respected and, in some quarters, loved.

Our Mr. X has decided to take some time to "step away" from his job, and why not? He's been working for many years without a break, and his wife is expecting their first child. Mr. X, as they say, needs a breather, if only to figure out what lies ahead.

Totally understandable to recharge and eventually return to the job exhilarated with new ideas, new routines. Plus, it would be nice to the see gang again, right?

That's what you think. 

After decamping for sunnier climes, Mr. X and his wife go on an American TV network with the most famous interviewer in the world to trash his company and everyone works there. Professionally and personally. For two hours. And that doesn't include the outtakes.

Before you can say, "Didn't he have to sign an NDA?", Mr. X soon has another sit-down with the same interviewer to spill his guts about the psychological hell the firm continues to inflict upon him and the missus. It's episode one of a streaming series he's created about people just like him -- rich and famous -- who don't have it as easy as you think, so you better feel sorry for them. (Pay no attention to the $50-million he earned before the sabbatical.)

And while Mr. X claims not be earning a dime from the series(!!!), he's worked out deals with two other streaming services worth a total of $155-million. But remember: he wants your sympathy.

Pulling down that kind of dough for other employers isn't what sabbaticals are supposed to be about, but Mr. & Mrs. X are now playing by their own rules. Like wrecking the reputation of his employer on a near-daily and fully-professional basis... while still demanding they give his kids -- for he now has a second child -- the same position he has when they come of age. 

Wait, you mean Mr. X still works there? He hasn't decided. Give him time to think about it. Until then, don't clean out his desk yet! 

Oh, and did I mention this was a family business?

Like I said, this is all theoretical.

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