I can spare the $5

It’s funny how just a few words can have such a meaningful impact.

The summer before my freshman year in college, I needed to make money. I didn’t have a financial support system so anything I made from a summer job had to last me for the school year. i tried to get several jobs but ultimately ended up working at a franchised business that catered to children. It wasn’t where I wanted to be at 17 years old, but my options were limited.

The job paid $5/hour which, I suppose, was fair at that time. I needed every hour and every $5 I could pull together before leaving for school. The franchise had just opened and hired a bunch of teenagers and they were going to pay us to attend a one-hour training session before we all started after their grand opening. During the session, I recall thinking about how much I was not going to like the job. I don’t recall specifics, just that it sounded miserable. Well, others must have set the same way because I will never forget when a girl got up and started to walk out in the middle of training. The owner explained that, if she left, she wouldn’t be paid for that hour of time. Her response? “I can spare the $5.”

WHOA. I was awestruck. Not only did she have the nerve to walk out in front of a large group but she didn’t need the money. She was my hero. I still think about her and lean into that memory when I need to reach down and grab a piece of my power. Of course, the seeming financial stability sounded amazing. But, more importantly, I admired her confidence. Without knowing it, she inspired me that day and continues to inspire me today. It’s a powerful testament to watching what you say because you never know who is listening and how your words might have impact.

I hope that confidence has served her well over the years. It stands as a good reminder that our actions may have longstanding effects, even without us knowing. Act accordingly.