Seize Your Career: Break Free from Undervaluation and Underpayment
Written on
Chapter 1: The Perils of Staying in a Bad Job
Your professional life is too brief to endure years of feeling undervalued, underpaid, and disrespected. If you feel trapped, a different approach may be what you need.
Staying in a poor job is a sign of unhealthy behavior. It’s perplexing why anyone would squander their life working in a toxic environment. A friend of mine is on the brink of retirement, yet he’s closing this chapter in his life on a low note due to a demoralizing job. When my career comes to an end, I want to leave with a sense of accomplishment, not despair.
We shouldn’t settle for mediocrity in our careers because we have the power to change our circumstances.
Section 1.1: My Worst Job Experience
One position stands out as the worst I’ve ever held. Each day began with the question, “Who’s ready for a competition?” This signaled that my boss viewed us as mere entertainment, believing that most of us were incompetent.
How do I know this? He openly expressed it in front of everyone, which was astonishingly unprofessional. The competitions he organized always came with a “booby prize”—the last person to get their name on the whiteboard was labeled a loser.
One day, we had to undergo product training and pass a test. While other teams collaborated to finish quickly and assist customers, my boss insisted we work alone. Many team members were absent, including a woman who had recently given birth and another colleague grappling with a serious illness.
My boss despised anyone who took medical leave, branding them as weak. He would deliberately schedule competitions during their absences, saying, “If you’re not here, it’s no excuse.” Often, two team members would be away, leading to what he termed “sudden death,” as those left to compete in front of the team desperately hoped not to finish last. Unfortunately, one always did.
“Let that be a lesson for being away,” he would proclaim.
He was like a tyrant, wielding his authority irresponsibly. Somehow, he always managed to find another job, as companies seemed to want his “drill sergeant” style of management.
Section 1.2: The Impact of Toxic Leadership
Torturing employees was his modus operandi. I couldn’t remain in such an environment. I felt undervalued, underpaid, and treated like garbage. My bonus was revoked within weeks of starting, and many others have faced similar situations at work.
If your boss is insecure or lacks proper nurturing, that’s not your fault. You don’t have to endure this mistreatment.
Why do we hesitate to leave?
Despite my exit, the others stuck around. They accepted his abusive tactics, hoping for better days while doing nothing to seek them out. They resembled individuals in an abusive relationship—enduring the pain but unable to escape.
Fear often holds us back. We worry about missing the few positives in our roles, dread the potential torment from a bad boss as we leave, or fear recruiters pointing out employment gaps that could occur if we abruptly quit without another position lined up.
So we linger, thinking it’s just temporary. Yet years can slip by in this cycle of uncertainty. Poor treatment can start to feel normal, leading us to believe we somehow deserve it.
Chapter 2: Embracing Change for Your Career
Here’s a hard truth: self-respect involves leaving a bad job. If you don’t value yourself, neither will any employer.
There are countless opportunities waiting for you in your career. A job is not a life sentence. To break free, leverage platforms like LinkedIn to apply for new positions and connect with hiring managers and recruiters.
Real change in your career won’t happen overnight, but starting today can help you envision a brighter future. The thought of that future can motivate you through the challenging transition ahead. Reflecting on the days spent in unsatisfactory jobs, dreaming of writing all day helped me endure.
Today, I’m engaged in the work I envisioned during those challenging times. Remember, you are more than just one job. Leaving a bad position can lead you to discover the right one—one that ignites your passion. Life is finite; you’ll regret not leaving toxic jobs when you look back.
So take that leap. Move forward.
In this video, "How To Handle Being UNDERPAID At Work & Increase Your Salary FAST," discover strategies for addressing underpayment and finding the salary you deserve.