When my company landed a major client, weekend work was announced. I refused, valuing my personal time, and HR hired Callum to cover Saturdays. Soon after, I noticed my pay had been docked nearly 30% to fund his role. My manager revealed the team had quietly agreed to salary cuts to help Callum, a former employee battling serious illness, afford treatment and keep health coverage.
The secrecy created resentment and guilt—especially when Callum learned the truth and felt ashamed. Realizing the arrangement was hurting everyone, I proposed a solution: funding Callum’s role through a loophole in the client contract instead of employee wages. Management agreed, full pay was restored, and Callum was hired properly.
I chose to work that Saturday anyway, helping Callum catch up. I learned that while boundaries matter, so do compassion and honesty—and sometimes the most meaningful work isn’t in your job description, but in standing up for the people beside you.