On being honest and forthright

Today, my boss learned (the hard way, I might add) not to ask me questions unless he really wants to hear the answer.

I had my (supposedly) annual performance review today. All went well until he asked me the following question:

"CJ, where do you see yourself in five years time?"

Without batting an eyelash, I answered, "Sitting at a cafe in Luxembourg with a married German woman with whom I'm carrying on a steamy affair."

After a minute or so of stunned silence, he asked me if I was serious. I looked him straight in the eye and told him I was deadly serious (which, incidentally, I am.)

"So," he cautiously asked, "can I take this to mean you don't intend to be with us in five years time?"

Smiling, I replied, "Not unless we open a European wing of the company, with a branch in Luxembourg."

Suffice it to say, the review wrapped up shortly thereafter.

Still got a raise, which is good.