My Sister Mocked Me for Not Having a “Real Job” at a Family Party — So I Quietly Set My Executive Badge on the Table and Let Her Termination Email Explain the Rest

Serena swallowed.

“A termination,” she said. “Effective immediately.”

A murmur rippled through the room, disbelief spreading faster than sympathy, because Serena had built her identity on professional dominance, on being untouchable, on always being the one delivering consequences rather than receiving them.

I reached forward then, picked up the badge I had placed on the table, and turned it over slowly so the title faced outward, the holographic lettering catching the warm light of the living room in a way that felt almost clinical against the softness of the moment.

“You asked why I don’t have a real job,” I said calmly, my voice steady, not raised, not sharp. “The truth is, I’ve had this one for several months.”

Serena’s lips parted, but no sound came out.

Continue reading…