Hello there, fellow workers. I wanted to share an experience I've recently had that has left me questioning the purpose, the honesty, and the integrity of our corporate world. An experience that embodies the idea that, despite being more than qualified, one can still be overlooked in favour of outsourcing.
Just a few weeks ago, I found myself in the running for a promotion at my company, one that I had been eagerly working towards for years. It was a role that would not only mark a significant career step for me, but it was also a chance to bring forth the innovative ideas I believed could make a difference in the company's growth.
After countless hours of preparation, brainstorming, practising, and late nights, the day came. The presentation – a culmination of my hard work, dedication, and passion – was executed with flying colours. The room resonated with the energy of my ideas, and I saw my superiors nodding in agreement, acknowledging the value I brought to the table.
After the presentation, my boss walked up to me with a smile and words of encouragement: “You check all the boxes, and you've impressed us with your presentation and ideas.” These were the words I had been longing to hear – a validation of my efforts, a recognition of my capabilities. It was a moment of joy, pride, and anticipation, as I started envisioning the possibilities of what could be achieved with this new role.
Fast forward a week, and the excitement that filled my veins turned into a numbing cold reality. The promotion I had worked so tirelessly for was given, not to me, not to any of my equally deserving colleagues, but was outsourced. Yes, outsourced. Despite my best efforts, the commendations, the hopes and dreams tied to the role were crushed in an instant.
The frustrating part of this isn't just the personal disappointment. It's the realization that corporations often prefer short-term, cost-cutting solutions over investing in their employees. It's the fact that they would rather hire externally, instead of rewarding the dedication and loyalty of their own staff. It's the bitter truth that the notion of meritocracy is sometimes nothing more than a hollow promise, an illusion that keeps us chained to our desks, striving for goals that keep getting moved just out of reach.
In the wake of this, I have started quiet quitting. I will continue to work, continue to earn my wage, but I will also pull back my discretionary effort, the extra mile that I used to willingly give. I will be seeking my dream role elsewhere, in a place where my ideas and dedication are truly valued and rewarded.
My experience is not unique, and it's likely many of you reading this have had similar encounters. The corporate structure is often more interested in numbers on a spreadsheet than the human potential they have on their payroll. And it's this devaluation of talent, this denial of growth, that makes us question the system.
Is this the kind of work environment we want to thrive in? Are we content being hamsters on a wheel, running towards a finish line that keeps getting moved further away? I think not. We deserve recognition. We deserve growth. We deserve workplaces that truly value their employees as assets, not just as disposable resources.
So what do we do? We start by sharing our experiences, like I am here. We rally together, build solidarity, and let the world know that this is not acceptable. We make them realize that a happy, appreciated, and motivated workforce is the cornerstone of any successful business.
I will keep fighting the good fight, for myself and for all of you. Because we are not just 'workers', we are innovators, creators, and shapers of our future. And we won't be denied any longer. We will strive to find our dream roles, in organizations that see us for the value we truly bring. And, rest assured, we will succeed.