Most of us working class folks are working for someone else. We’re getting up everyday, leaving the comforts of home, saying goodbye to children, dealing with office politics, micromanagement, and all for the sake of getting a paycheck which is rarely reflective of our true worth.
At the end of the day, you take a deep breath and remind yourself that there is indeed a method to the madness, a reason that makes sense on the level called “being practical”. Yes, that reason would be money. Let’s be honest, not many have a job that not only do they enjoy, but they receive fulfillment along with being well compensated for their work. If that was the case, more people wouldn’t mind working for someone else, because in the end you would feel as if you were truly part of the team and you were contributing to the success of the organization while being acknowledged and appreciated for your role.
What makes it exceptionally difficult and challenging is when the people you work for underestimate you and fail to acknowledge your skills or appreciate what you add to their organization. Or perhaps in their limited scope, they have already mapped out precisely how you can be of use to them and in actuality what you do is in fact all they want from you.
Hmm.. Too many of us fit in that latter category, to the detriment of not only the organizations we’re employed at, but to us as individuals.
The bottom line is, you must understand and acknowledge that some people will simply not appreciate what you do or how hard you work for them, so it’s up to you to alter your perspective and shift your attitude. Find a healthy balance of setting professional boundaries and at the same time performing at 110% whenever you step through the doors.
You just gotta keep reminding yourself that the path your on is the right one for right now, and life will eventually reveal what your next steps should be. In the meantime, smile and be thankful you have a job.
Dawn M. Edwards 