i realized (in retrospect & a few years ago) that i was near the center of a strongly controversial political hiring decision based on the comments i got from some of my colleagues; but didn't them piece together until almost a decade+ later.

i'm still not sure what the controversy was; but i do know it was committed by the same c-level exec who took a strange interest in my well being in my the company like i was pip in the dickens novel, great expectations. i assume this because his tenure ended an hour before mine did when the company got bought out. lol

i also learned that my team lead and my manager were on the opposing side of the decision; so i got quite a lesson on what it means to watch your back at work and keeping your ear to the ground.