Unless the sun inside you is burning your gut, don't do it.
—Charles Bukowski
What burns your gut and kills you from the inside, let it burst out. Unless you want yourself to suffer, burst out; relieve the anger—it lightens your soul, helps you move on. It’s a worn-out week so far, with a runny nose and that uncanny feeling down the throat, waking up early in the morning and rushing to the workplace is becoming a burden. Still, doing it, cause I have to do it, just like that.
A few posts earlier I was talking about some colleagues, how unhappy they are here for our beloved manager. Oh, how annoying he is. Many of us are holding it within ourselves, letting the sun burn our guts but not everyone has the same level of tolerance. So, finally, it happened. Today. That long-expected bursting out in front of everyone. Although one of us went rogue, rebelling against the continuous nagging of the store manager, it worked as a relief for everyone.
I noticed my colleague starting his shift with a pale face, some other issues might be involved, could be personal and I didn’t ask, but the manager didn’t see it coming. They argued, quite some heated conversation while the rest of us didn’t try to stop any of them as if we all were supporting him indirectly and wanted him to continue.
Shockingly, our manager tried to stay calm and explained the situation in a way that seemed like he was trying to justify his poking attitude. Cause he is the manager. Didn’t work out. Eventually, he found consolation complaining it to the higher authority. And the authority rushed to the store like an ambulance carrying a critical patient. Too bad I couldn’t stay longer to witness the rest of it, but I am sure things are about to change unless the authority is too blinded by the charisma of the manager, as usual.
Now, was that necessary? What about professionalism?
Well, professionalism doesn’t mean you will remain silent despite constant nagging. But there could be a question— if you aren’t satisfied here, why don’t you find a better job? Makes sense, yet, professionalism also demands protesting what’s wrong. And what is wrong is wrong— no doubt. Problem is, we all don't have the guts to do the right thing. All we do is express our frustration during the break, thus nurturing the seed of exploitation in the workplace. While the old employees get used to the trait, newbies suffer the most. They cannot figure out what to do seeing the seniors silent.
But this has to change.
Every job introduces some sort of pressure, either mental or physical and the most effective way to get past the pressure is to ensure a fun-filled friendly environment. Corporations are investing tons of money to achieve a neutral workplace where employees are encouraged to deliver their best on their own accord, not by any force; direct or indirect. Otherwise, newbies joining a stressful organisation might end up being extremely confused even after switching to a better organisation— neither they can join the fun wholeheartedly, nor can remain introverts. Being someone in-between, they catch the attention of HR very easily and chances are, they find themselves on the watchlist. Even if they manage to overcome the situation, it takes time. By then, perhaps, the fun part of belonging to an enjoyable organisation is half-lost.
Point is, don’t hold yourself back. Highlight what’s wrong with logic, and explain how it can be improved. If things are receptive, changes will come. If not, fu*k them all.
