Each and every one of us are own boss, do not ever forget that.
You ultimately have the final say in every little thing you do. What you agree to, what you disagree with, what you say and what you do, and how you go about it all.
Yes, society has an influence on how you can go about running YOUR OWN BUSINESS, but ultimately, you are the CEO of you.
You are selling hours of your life, body, soul and mind to someone who is capitalising on your existence. Do so in a way that suits you and your needs.
If your effort is not being respected then hold strong on your abilities as a person to adapt and improve, make yourself a better person and move on to better things.
You run this show, believe in yourself and never let “the man” beat you down. You can achieve good things if you commit to yourself.