I didn't know how to ask for anything.
A salary raise, balanced working hours, a distributed workload, leave, and time for myself. I didn't know I had a voice and rights. I could ask for a higher salary, vacation leave, time off, and fewer work hours.
I thought one should not offend the bosses. As long as you stayed obedient, listened well, put your head down, and worked hard, you would be fine.
But then the first promotion cycle came. And I was passed over.
All my friends got promoted except me. I was told that I would get it the next time.
I believed them.
After years of working in the same firm without getting the recognition or the benefits, I decided that it was time to leave.
I left my job cold turkey. I was fed up with the 12–15 hours of soul-sucking work. I was dead inside.
No backup plan. No other job lined up. Just couldn't do it anymore.
I learned that
- I could take control of my life. That money is not everything.
- I have to ask for the things I want, and there's nothing wrong with that.
It's okay to take a stand for yourself. Rather, it is necessary.
If you can see a way out of your situation, even if it is uncertain, take it.
You don't have to quit your job cold turkey because we all have responsibilities and bills to pay.
But it's okay to put yourself first. It's okay to ask for what you deserve. It's okay to leave when you're not valued.
Being young and naive doesn't mean you don't deserve respect. Being new doesn't mean you should accept less.
I wish someone had told me that at 21.
If you're stuck in a job that doesn't value you, this is your reminder: you have a voice. Use it.