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Surviving in the corporate world

By Terry
Fri, 12, 23

Despite constant lectures on dignity, equity, bullying by the HR department, the reality is always contradictory....

Entry 6: Succumbing to your bosses

Dear Diary,

Today, I found myself pondering the delicate art of keeping managers content. It seems that in this realm, maintaining the illusion that they are the ultimate rulers is key to their satisfaction. Apologizing frequently, sharing every detail of my work plans, seeking permissions as if they were sacred blessings – all in an effort to make them feel special, like the bosses they envision themselves to be.

Despite constant lectures on dignity, equity, bullying by the HR department, the reality is always contradictory. In the corporate world, employees find themselves interrogated about the simplest of matters, like the audacity to request a day off. And what happens when the weight of impending deadlines collides with personal crises? The response is to be resilient. Paradoxes seem to be woven into the very fabric of corporate life.

Something left me really disheartened today. It involved a manager delivering feedback that felt more like a question mark on my competence. Instead of defending myself, I found it necessary to bow before their perceived authority, acknowledging non-existent mistakes and promising improvement. It left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I consoled myself with the reminder that my true validation comes in the form of a monthly salary.

In this world of contradictions, I’ve come to realize that expecting negative feedback is a survival skill. My emotions must be controlled, and I must peacefully conform to the whims of managerial critique, all to avoid getting depressed in the end. As I reflected on this, a whimsical thought crossed my mind – perhaps it’s time to delve into the world of emotional intelligence literature. After all, navigating the corporate labyrinth requires more than just technical skills; you need to be very strong emotionally. Tears should not fall at every occasion.

In the face of my internal turmoil, external voices dismiss my concerns with a casual, “Come on, you’re being too sensitive.” The implication is that things could be worse, and this is just the nature of bosses. It’s the age-old advice: grin and bear it. As I receive this counsel, I can’t help but wonder if there’s a silent consensus among the workforce to accept the status quo, even if it means sacrificing a piece of our dignity and self respect in front of our corporate masters.

So, dear diary, today marks a shift in my mindset. While I dance to the tune of my managers, my eyes are fixed on the prize – the paycheck that symbolizes my contribution, my time, my worth.

See ya!