At work, sometimes it’s OK to admit defeat and move on

Anyone who has held a job long enough has had thoughts of a grand finale, the last confrontation that pushes you far enough to cause a dramatic scene and make a striking exit without looking back.

The largest part of the workforce ignores these impulses. Responsible bees swallow their pride and go back to work in the hive.

Although for some reason, an occasional bee will disregard his duties and in a dying leap, sting.

Steven Slater, a JetBlue flight attendant, apparently had made his own leap when an unruly passenger reportedly struck him in the head while reaching for her bag from the overhead compartment on Flight 1052 Aug. 9.

According to The New York Daily News, Slater reportedly shouted obscenities to the passengers through the plane's intercom, grabbed two beers, opened the emergency exit and slid down the chute to JFK International Airport's tarmac in NYC.

Moments after Slater returned to his home in Queens, N.Y., he was arrested on charges of criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and trespassing.

The Wall Street Journal states that prosecutors allege Slater's actions could have injured workers on the tarmac below the plane had they been present at the time.

Additionally, replacing the emergency chute could cost JetBlue up to $25,000.

Instant fame followed Slater's outrageous behavior.

A CBS News headline questioned Slater as a working-class hero; numerous blogs throughout the net discussed his acts, and rumors surfaced of a possible reality show involving Slater to help unhappy workers quit their jobs.

The American media just can't stop talking about Steven Slater.

The idea of telling your boss, customers or passengers what you really think is a dark fantasy for many workers in America. According to a New York Daily News poll, 54 percent of participants have felt like screaming and storming out of the workplace.

Should Slater be treated in court as a lawless individual or a man who had just lost his composure?

The Daily News also reported Slater recently lost his father, and his mother is currently suffering from terminal cancer.

The stress and emotional anxiety from family issues such as these would bleed into anyone's workplace.

Mix that with having to deal with passengers who had just spent numerous hours going through airport security and you have a recipe for an explosion of frustration.

Even as Slater was hand-cuffed and led to the police car, he had a smile on his face. Despite the charges his attitude seemed positive, and why not? It is exhilarating to leave a job that makes you miserable.

I can relate with him, once I worked as a busboy and couldn't stand my job. The thought of returning to work felt soul-crushing. And finally, after almost two years at the restaurant, I walked out on the busiest day of the week.

I knew that behaving in such a way was irresponsible, but I did it anyway. My car payment still had to be made, and I just quit my job without hesitation.

Not once have I ever regretted the decision I made that day. It gave me new sense of confidence and made me feel like I actually had control of my life.

With all of the attention Steven Slater has received, I'd bet he won't regret his decision either.

I don't condone Slater's actions but do acknowledge that he isn't a criminal and shouldn't receive any jail time.

He should be held accountable and be ordered to pay for the damages to the aircraft with some minor additional punishment.

The Boston Globe reported Slater hiring Hollywood publicist Howard Bragman who has represented other media moguls such as Monica Lewinsky.

Who could blame Slater for attempting to start a career in entertainment? His life as a flight attendant flew out the door along with the emergency chute.