Intolerable Behavior in the Work Place

In a fit of uncontrolled anger, a man lost his job today.  Why was he angry?  I don't know.  He was probably  stressed to the hilt, with debts piling up and family problems rising like flood.  All these things may have been too much for his already fogged up mind and the slightest provocation sends his temper soaring sky-high.

Except that, I didn't provoke this person.  I merely performed my duties as his supervisor with all the considerations I could possibly accord him.  But as I try to discuss things with him, he flared up as if it's my fault that I caught him sleeping while on duty and I had no right to chastise him.
He spoke with that tone and arrogance that even I wouldn't do to my superiors even if I'm extremely pissed off.  Which is why, I just find it fantastic that this guy had the nerve to do that to me.  Who wouldn't flare up with such disrespect?

He declared he would resign.  I didn't bother to talk him out of it.  In fact, I readily accepted it, not giving him a chance to retract or think things over.   In my mind, I thought it would be good riddance as he was giving me problems in the past few months in terms of attitude.  His resignation is a big favor for both of us.

I am just left wondering, how a man with a family to feed would so recklessly do such things, given that his wife doesn't have a job.  I think that is just plainly irresponsible.  Oh the things we do when we are furious.  It is really madness.

What have I learned from this so far?  This is actually just a validation of what I have learned long ago and that is to be in control of my emotions, specially anger.  So while I was myself seething with anger, I kept cool, at least on the outside, although I have probably turned beet red in the face.  I'd pat myself in the back for maintaining my composure and the presence of mind to secure things less he decides to do damage before finally stomping out.  I alerted security as well.  There's this attitude deeply ingrained in me, to protect my turf at all cost.  I saw him as a potential threat, but good thing he left without doing anything rash.

I'm a very considerate person.  But when someone crosses the line and continually stomps on that line, I need to exercise my power to enforce disciplinary actions.  But disciplinary actions are only for those that we choose to give a chance at still continuing with their employment.  This one already bailed out and I'm more than happy to let him go.

I hope he learns a valuable lesson here. Otherwise, it will be a never-ending cycle on his next jobs, if he is fortunate to find one again.