That Time My Boss Failed To Crush My Dreams & Stop Me Seeing My Family.
Dave Crane
Follow me... ExBBC ★?? Best International Public Keynote Speaker & MC (WEF, MISK, LEAP) ★ CEO Mentor ★ Thought Leader Accelerator ★ I Guide Leaders To Be Branded Industry Icons ★ UN Coach ★ Author
If you like this, then work with me... https://www.speakonstage.com/thought-leaders-bundle
Let me take you back...
When I was about 20, I worked at Jean Jeanie, a trendy denim store where cool met casual. Think DJ vibes, hairdresser energy, and all the outfits you’d wear when you wanted to look sharp without being flashy.
It was a great gig—most of the time.
We were a tight-knit team, full of laughs and camaraderie, even though the boss was a bit… prickly.
She wasn’t big on humor, but we made up for it.
Saturdays were chaos, with customers piling in and the shelves constantly needing tidying. That’s when I invented Hangers: a mischievous game of hooking coat hangers onto unsuspecting shoppers and removing them before they left the store.
I managed to remove most of them but always imagined their faces when they got home and wondered how it got there.
Not my proudest moment, but don't tell me you aren't also smiling about it now.
But during the week, the pace slowed, and I found myself thinking about my real dream: becoming a radio DJ.
Jeans by Day, Dreams by Night
I was already dabbling in hospital radio, waking up at 4 a.m. to walk an hour and a half in rain, snow and icy winds to Chelmsford Hospital for my early weekend breakfast show. Nobody really listened—it was hospital radio, after all—but it gave me a chance to learn the desk, sharpen my skills, and anchor even bigger dreams.
To keep my ideas flowing, I carried a little notebook at work.
I’d jot down jokes, sketches, and quiz ideas for my show during the quietest times and the shop was empty.
But my boss? Oh no, she wasn’t having it.
Apparently, if I had time to write, I had more time to dust shelves.
And not just once—again and again, until every surface gleamed brighter than my dreams. It was personal, petty, and exhausting.
Was it jealousy, smart management or teaching me to focus on the job at hand?
I don't care.
My parents would never have done this so why should she?
The Christmas That Broke Me
The final straw came at Christmas.
I needed three days off to visit my family.
Day One: Christmas Eve to get the train from Essex to London to Middlesbrough then a bus to Redcar in the North East.
About 9 hours traveling time (but worth it).
Day Two: Enjoy a day with my family, presents, TV, big dinner, fun and hugs.
Day Three: Jump on the bus to Middlesbrough first thing and do the entire return trip in reverse.
Just three.
I had it all sorted: my colleagues all lived locally were happy to swap shifts, and I offered to do full weeks of work extra to make up for it.
But my boss wasn’t budging.
We each could only have 2 days.
Period.
That answer was a hard no.
No reason, no compromise. Just a power play to make an example of me.
So, I called my dad, Professor Peter Crane.
The smartest man I’ve ever known, my mentor, and my rock.
His advice? “Get yourself home, son. I’ll write you a note saying you’re too sick to travel back. It's legal. We'll deal with the consequences after that.”
And that’s exactly what I did. I spent Christmas with my family, soaking in every laugh, every toast, and every moment.
The Fallout
When I returned, the boss was livid. She made my life miserable—worst jobs, icy silence, and constant reminders of her disappointment.
The team couldn’t believe it, and frankly, neither could I.
I lasted about a week before I made the call: time to go.
I left Jean Jeanie, leaving behind the hanger game, the dust wars, and the toxic boss vibe.
I LOVED that job, but NEVER regretted leaving it.
领英推荐
The Lesson
Sometimes, you’re faced with people who don’t get your vision or who actively block your progress.
They could be your boss, best friend, partner, family member or hero.
It doesn't matter.
It’s frustrating, but it’s also clarifying.
You can’t grow where you’re not valued.
Follow your heart.
Ignore the fake consequences and guilt trips others place on you.
The odds are you'll never see them again anyway.
Leaving wasn’t just an escape—it was a step toward something better. I jumped and grew wings on the way down.
Now I say... 'Jump with me, support me or get out of my way.'
No compromise.
Life's too short.
I should have jumped on Christmas Eve.
So, if you’re stuck in a place where your potential isn’t recognised, take the leap too.
The world outside might be scary, but it’s also where your real story begins.
Stay and you just die slowly.
You'll never get that time back again.
This was just one chapter of mine.
So what happened next?
OMG. So many incredible things happened there.
Jam-packed and always a party.
That's where I made the third biggest decision of my life.
—and that’s a tale for another day.
If you like my stories please let me know in the comments.
Do YOU have a similar experience?
I have a special promotion to help you work with me in 2025.
Take a look.
I will teach you to write signature stories that grow your business and resonate with your audience.
I LOVE having you with me on this journey.
Dr. Abe Khoureis is a genius.
Hollywood agent, professor, multiple business owner and mentor.
The single most qualified person I have ever met and truly one of the nicest too.
Connect, follow him, listen to his incredible podcast and buy his books.
Great guy.
True legend and thought leader.
Have a wonderful day.
See you on my live session...
My Contact Details
GET IN TOUCH
Stay tuned for more insights into communication, leadership, and performance excellence. Let me guide you in mastering the art of speaking and leading your team to success
Real Estate Virtual Agent
2 个月We love having you too Dave Crane I spent years sacrificing my #health and time with my family to chase financial goals. In the end, I found myself spending that hard-earned money just to try and regain my health. It’s a cycle so many of us fall into. What about you?