The Break-Up

Which is more difficult -- breaking up with a boy, or breaking up with a boss?

Take a minute. I assume most of us have done both.

Now, get your mind out of the gutter; I'm not talking about ending a romantic relationship with a boss. I'm talking about sitting down with him, telling him it's over and then having to deal with his passive-aggressive behavior for the remaining two weeks of your employment.

In the several stepping stones of my short career, I've had the privilege of experiencing this series of events several times.

Here's how I see it -- and why I will break up with a boy 1,439 times before I bite the bullet and break up with a boss.

Breaking up with a boy:
1. You tell him it's over
2. He asks why
3. You give him a canned response (sometimes, telling the truth doesn't benefit anyone)
4. (drum roll, please...) You likely never have to see him again!!!

Breaking up with a boss:
1. You tell him you're resigning
2. He asks why
3. You give him a canned response (sometimes, telling the truth doesn't benefit anyone)
4. He presses you for more reasons
5. You make something up
6. He asks you at what point you became unhappy
7. You tell him it's been a while
8. He begs you to stay
9. You decline
10. He asks how he can improve the position to keep you
11. You say that's not possible and not the point
12. He won't accept your resignation until you sleep on your decision
13. You tell him you've been thoughtfully considering the pros and cons for the last week, and are confident in your decision
14. Repeat No. 8
15. Repeat No. 9
16. Repeat No. 12
17. Repeat No. 13
18. He tells you he won't proceed with the process until you've thought more about your decision
19. You concede, just to be able to move on with your day
20. You spend your final two weeks experiencing his progression through the stages of grief