Tom was in his early 50s, retired and started a second career. However, he just couldn't seem to get to work on time. Every day he was five, ten or fifteen minutes late. But as he was a

Tom was in his early 50s, retired, and started a second career. However, he just couldn't seem to get to work on time.

Every day he was five, ten, or fifteen minutes late. But as he was a senior employee, his boss decided to let it slide—until one day, the boss pulled him aside and said, “Tom, we need to talk. You’ve been late almost every day this week, and we can’t keep ignoring it. What’s going on?”

Tom scratched his head, looked up at the ceiling, and sighed, “Well, you know, I retired after 30 years of working. Now that I’m back to work, I’m just trying to ease into the grind again. Old habits die hard!”

The boss raised an eyebrow, “So, what’s the real reason? You’re just a little too comfortable with your new routine?”

Tom chuckled, “It’s not that, honestly. You see, I’ve developed a special routine: I wake up with plenty of time to spare, take a nice, long shower, then enjoy a hearty breakfast. But here’s the thing—getting dressed for work is my hardest task.”

The boss looked puzzled. “Getting dressed? What’s the issue with that?”

Tom leaned in and whispered, “Well, my wife is a pro at hiding my socks. Every morning, I look through the entire laundry, and no matter how hard I search, one sock is always missing! I think she’s secretly trying to get me to leave work with mismatched socks. I swear, she’s plotting against me! So I end up spending five, ten, or fifteen minutes just trying to find the other sock.”

The boss burst out laughing. “Tom, I think the real problem is you’re putting too much thought into it! Maybe it’s time for some new socks—or a new strategy.”

Tom grinned. “I tried that already! But now, she’s hiding both socks on purpose. It’s like she’s testing my patience and commitment to the job. I’ve become a sock detective at this point!”

The boss, still chuckling, said, “Alright, Tom, here’s the deal: I’ll give you a promotion if you solve the mystery of the missing socks and make it to work on time for the next two weeks. Deal?”

Tom thought about it for a moment, then nodded eagerly. “Deal! As long as I don’t have to wear a suit... You never know what could happen to the jacket.”