Once I was working for one of the big accounting firms as a junior consultant. They had me assigned as a project manager in a distant city. There were spots on my team that were filled by freelance consultants who were way more experienced than I. They were great to work with, very capable.

Fast forward a couple of months. My yearly review came up. I was supposed to meet with the business partner at the home office and be evaluated, then get a raise. I eagerly anticipated this conversation because I got great recommendations from the client, from my peers…the project was right on schedule…and all the requirements for the next two paygrade levels (senior consultant and managing consultant) had been met. I anticipated promotion to senior consultant, a logical and reasonable next step.

My business partner not only didn't bring me in for a face to face, he emailed my evaluation, gave me a mere 3% increase in pay, and said I had not been with the company long enough for him to promote me. I called him to discuss and he lost his temper. I gave my notice. His response was, “You will never get work in this field again! And consider yourself released from our employ!”

This was on a Friday. I spent the weekend fretting about my career. Then on Sunday night another partner called apologizing for the treatment I'd received and to request that I work a two week notice. I agreed.

When I got to the job on the following day, there was a job application waiting for me. It was sent by another firm. I went to work for exactly twice my previous salary, remained on the same job, and the new company billed my old company for my services for the duration of the project.

Turns out, I had been recommended for the job by the second partner…and by the client who insisted I remain on the project. My salary,, plus the new company's markup came directly from my previous boss's budget.