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Life seemed so simple when we were kids. Follow the rules, and you won’t get in trouble. Be kind to others, and the world will return that kindness. Work hard, and you’ll be rewarded with success. Unfortunately, at some point, we realize that the world is not black and white, and we can’t predict the future or how others will treat us.

2 days ago, Reddit user OwOKronii shared a screenshot of a tweet from Kate Lister asking readers how old they were when they realized that “being really nice, working really hard, and taking on much more than [they] should” would not automatically earn them rewards. Since then, readers have flooded the replies with their own personal epiphanies. We’ve gone through to find some of the most impactful responses and gathered them for you to read and reflect on. We also reached out to OwOKronii, so you can hear what inspired him to start this conversation down below. Enjoy reading through these thought-provoking answers, then if you’re interested in hearing even more, you can check out Bored Panda’s last publication on the same topic right here.

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#1

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) I was 35 and had just been passed over for a promotion I absolutely deserved for the third time. The only other applicant was someone with less than three years at the company. I was literally told I was too good at my current job to promote. That was the day I walked to my desk and became an average employee, no more working overtime, no more volunteering for projects. I put in my time and I go home, no more no less. When confronted about my sudden “lack of productivity” my response was basically “I busted my a*s for years trying to move up the ladder only to be told I was too valuable to move up. Since I know this is a dead end job now, I’m not doing anything extra”

shredder826 , Sigmund Report

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Juan Ghote
Juan Ghote
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile the people that rise above you are actually rising to their level of incompetence as their previous skills don't translate to the new position. The Peter Principle is real.

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In a perfect world, hard work and kindness would be rewarded with equal amounts of rewards and acknowledgement. Our culture, however, tends to push the idea that being nice is a weakness, and cutthroat business practices are encouraged. To hear a little more about what inspired this conversation on Reddit in the first place, we reached out to OwOKronii to hear why this tweet resonated with him.

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“Seeing how society treats the average person, whether, in school or work, I think this post has shined some light on the issue,” he told us. We also asked him if he thinks working hard and being kind are worth it if they’re not rewarded or acknowledged. He remains optimistic, telling us, “I believe working hard enough for your satisfaction is always worth it, even if others do not necessarily acknowledge it.”
#2

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 24/25. Basically, after I'd been in the world of work for a few years to see how the game operates. Quiet, diligent workers aren't valued nearly as much as louder but far less knowledable individuals. Rude awakening for me.

bobbyjoe221 , Dylan Gillis Report

Final score:
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D. Pitbull
D. Pitbull
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being managed by one of the louder, FAR less knowledgeable is the worst... then being thrown under the bus and wholly blamed... then punished because of the less knowledgeable, louder co-worker... the cycle is vicious.

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#3

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) I swear, this is what I love about my company. Putting the wage discussion aside for a moment, the non wage benefits and company culture are amazing. 1 month into my temp to perm assignment, my MIL passed away. I told my hr person, 100% ready to walk away and instead was met with "family first, go do what you need to do". Almost 6 years later and im still here.

Devon Rupp , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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Beth S
Beth S
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how you keep valuable employees... companies need to take notes.

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Next, we asked OwOKronii if he has ever been discouraged from working hard after being ignored or taken advantage of. “In a way, I would say I have been discouraged before,” he told us. “I feel like everyone has been disillusioned from believing working hard will achieve great things,” he continued. “But what's important to me is not disappointing yourself.”

He makes a good point, acknowledging that it's more important to not disappoint yourself than to not disappoint others. Who cares what anybody else thinks anyway? But time and time again, we are told that hard work is responsible for our successes, and our shortcomings are blamed on not working hard enough.

#4

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 45. When I finally left a job where the owner of the company berated and yelled at me constantly in front of a room full of people. I was NOT bad at my job, he was just a garbage human being who wanted to get a ride out of me. He never, ever, got one. Which is why he kept getting more persistent.

When you’re the sole provider of a family, it’s harder to just deck a mf in the face and walk out.

shazamallamadingdong , StockSnap Report

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#5

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) Another thing is that, as a black man, I quickly started to realise that it didn't matter what I did or how much I tried to play by the rules I would always be judged by the actions of other black men and the inherent biases people have first and foremost, not by my own individual behaviour or achievements. When I succeed, it doesn't matter because others like me didn't. When I fail, it's just proof that I can't be trusted or am inherently weak/inferior.

So I realised (arguably too late) that I can't ever give a s**t about society, the opinions of others or really anything besides myself and the people I care about. As far as I'm concerned, all the rest of it can burn.

MyrganGyrgan , Ivan Samkov Report

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#6

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) I was 16 years old when I was sent to my 6th foster home and I realized that no matter how hard you work, with a good attitude, and doing as much as you can, some people will never give a fu*k about you. BUT when I was 16 this last foster family wanted to adopt me because of how good I was, so it was then that I learned that there really is people that will see the good and you will be rewarded. You just have to disqualify people quickly and try to keep moving till you find the right people to work with.

This happened in my career too, when I was 24, 28, 32, and 36.. I made moves after working as hard as I could consistently and performing at a high level but as soon as I realized it wasn’t valued?
I knew that wasn’t the right “foster family” since I’m an adult now, I can choose to stay or leave. So I nicely, kindly and with thanks left whichever the job was not serving me and have continued to grow personally and financially from this.

chriszmichael , Bench Accounting Report

Final score:
68points
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c0303
c0303
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who was also in foster care... I didn't figure this out till my early 30's... figuring this out is honestly life changing for me.

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Zoe Beaty at Refinery29 realized that this idea is outdated, so she sought to update readers' mindsets on it in her piece, ‘Work Hard & You’ll Succeed’ Simply Isn’t True, So Let’s Stop Saying It. She explains how oversimplifying the idea that hard work equals success can be insulting, and even harmful, because not everyone has had the same opportunities in life. As life coach Harriet Minter says, “The whole 'we have the same 24 hours as Beyoncé' thing is, for want of a better word, bollocks. We don’t all enter the workplace on the same playing field. While we continue to live and work in a society that favors white, middle class, straight, cisgendered, able-bodied, thin people, this mantra can only truly apply to the few.” People like Donald Trump might see hard work as the reason for their success, as he made clear many times on Twitter and in speeches, but it’s much more nuanced than that. There are always contributing factors making some people need to work much harder than others.
#7

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) Like 30? Was my job before my current job where I worked crazy shift patterns over their busiest period when others refused making them millions to then get 0 bonus whilst others got bonuses and then they back tracked on offering me a new contract. Literally had me train my replacement without my knowledge who would get paid less. Just to be told by my manager he did all he could to fight for me.

Now I realise that the only person looking out for me is me and I won’t be walked over again.

cotch85 , Anna Shvets Report

Final score:
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Anne McKinney
Anne McKinney
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tell that to the younger people I work with. If you don't look out for yourself no one else will. Stand up for yourself!

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#8

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 28. Got fired and my boss literally said, "you used to work so much harder but are now just doing the job you were hired for. As a PhD I expect more out of you." Important note, I was a contract, not full time employee and had no PTO, sick leave, heath insurance. Everyone else I worked with had all that and full time employees as not a PhD (not shaming, just saying that I wasn't paid for my experience level but expected to work harder).

Dorathy-Ann Harris , Marten Bjork Report

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59points
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Zero
Zero
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"If you want me to do more, you'll need to hire me for those jobs."

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#9

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) Working at Whole Foods. December 23rd, 2016. We were busy as heck, everything looked great, we were cranking with customers.
Regional president showed up, pulled me aside. She says, "one of your part timers doesn't have an apron on. Why is it every time I'm here, one of your team is out of dress code?"
Didn't last long after that. Took my leading the area numbers elsewhere, and don't regret the move for a second. Haven't set foot in one of their stores since, and never will.

Nick Inzalaco , Brittani Burns Report

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“Hard work alone cannot override a gender pay gap and it can't prevent unconscious bias from filling offices with people who all look (and likely speak) the same,” Zoe says in her article. She also spoke to Arnie Puntis, a physiotherapist for the NHS who didn’t even realize until a few years ago that she may have faced discrimination. “I’d always worked hard – before I had kids I would frequently stay late, take on extra work and make sure I was doing the absolute best I could,” Arnie said. “But looking back, I was the only Asian in my physio school. Comments that I 'speak well', I think, differentiated me; colleagues assumed that I’d been privately educated and treated me as such. Previous employers have said things to me like 'you’re basically white' as though I should be pleased with that. I’m not – I’m brown. If I hadn't been 'accepted' as 'one of them', would my hard work have been rewarded so willingly?”
#10

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) after I was passed over for a promotion working for a company for over 5 years. It was game over and I refused to work for them anymore. I wasn't walking the new idiot manager thru everything by the nose and explaining everything to him while he makes double.

Everyone says if you dont like it LEAVE ; THEN when you announce your leaving they all act shocked and surprised...............

vodkastraightup23 , Christina @ wocintechchat.com Report

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Enlee Jones
Enlee Jones
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Boss: If you don’t like it, leave. Employee: Okay, Bye!!! Boss: -surprised Pikachu face-

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#11

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) Heh. Keeps happening. When I was 25, realized I had to go take things I wanted in my career. Then I mellowed to my default style. At 40, I had to make it about myself again and not rely on anyone else’s “attaboy.”

Now in my mid 50s, I do a great job, but it’s not for the boss or for any affirmation. I know what value I bring, but it’s for my kids’ college and my retirement accounts. If those aren’t being served, I’ll move on.

PapaSteveRocks , Patricia Prudente Report

Final score:
53points
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#12

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) I was 29, nearly having a burnout. My boss sent me to a workshop learning to cope with heavy workload and saying “no” to work. On my first try in real life (on the job), I got fired for refusing to obey my managers instructions.

Marrit de Jong , Christian Erfurt Report

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Rachel Simmons at the New York Times also addressed the issue of knowing what to tell our kids when they still fail, despite being told hard work would inevitably lead to success. She explains that the issue with feeling responsible for our successes is that it can make our downfalls feel devastating. We blame ourselves for doing something wrong, rather than realizing something outside of our control might have happened. There is also the idea of “cruel optimism”, a term that University of Chicago Professor Lauren Berlant coined for “when the pursuit of a goal actually harms you because it is largely unachievable”. Rachel goes on to explain that we shouldn’t discourage our kids from doing their best, but instilling the belief in them that if they work hard enough they can achieve anything is not really in their best interest either. Sometimes, life just happens, and we shouldn’t take it personally.

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#13

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 23 when I was in the Air Force. I'd sign up for volunteering, do extra assignments, crushing exams then when my flight was getting new bases the group f**k up gets Italy and I got Idaho. All that work meant nothing.

kikiweaky , Nick Morales Report

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ThumbsUpGuy
ThumbsUpGuy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is called "the curse of competence"... it happens a lot to highly competent workers and engineers who can't understand why they are never promoted

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#14

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 28, when my boss stole a deposit and tried to have me prosecuted for it. The case eventually got thrown out for lack of evidence, but defending myself cost several thousand dollars more than what she'd taken.

Chelle Besing , Tim Gouw Report

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HeatherDPanda
HeatherDPanda
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is so aweful and boss should be criminally prosecuted for both the theft and for lying to authorities!

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#15

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) I don't have a life goal anymore. Just like Vince Vaughn's character said in *Dodgeball*, something like: if you don't have a goal, you are never disappointed, and let me tell you it feels great.

I just work and chill, over and over, until I [pass away].

Flopolopagus , La-Rel Easter Report

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Alma Muminovic
Alma Muminovic
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My goal has been the same one for 15 yrs, get land and a small cabin and some bees. ☺️ Work wise, no goal, make enough money to live off of.

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But just because hard work and kindness aren’t always rewarded, doesn’t mean that we should give up on them altogether. In fact, there are plenty of reasons we should still aim to be nice, including how it can benefit our health. Acts of kindness can boost our serotonin levels and release endorphins. So if you’re considering bringing your coworker a cup of coffee spontaneously, remember that it’ll probably make their day and yours better. According to a study on happiness from the University of British Columbia, participating in acts of kindness can also ease anxiety by increasing the participant's positive affect, or how they experience positive moods. Similarly, prosocial behaviors, or actions “intended to help others” have been found to reduce stress. When we step outside of ourselves and focus on doing something nice for someone else, our stressors tend to shrink.
#16

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 21 after I spent 70hrs a week at my job as a manager in a failing store making $9 an hr and still being under appreciated. I think I got a 5 cent raise after a year.

heybunnybunny , Elisa Ventur Report

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#17

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 43-this year-when I realized that I’ve worked for the same place for 12 years, done everything job they asked, worked 60+ hours a weeks for YEARS. Ashamed to say choosing the job sometimes over my kids, thinking I was doing right by them. They are adults now and I’m full of regrets about how much I was away from them. Plus, essential workers got s**t on during COVID (I’m a nurse and I LOVE my job). Once I let go of the idea I could make a difference in the workplace culture, I felt so free! I wish I’d realized this sooner.

Korinne Renee , Vladimir Fedotov Report

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RafCo (he/him)
RafCo (he/him)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tell the kids starting their careers. I promise you will not be on your deathbed thinking "if i only finished that project for my boss". Live your life and when the clock hits 5pm, do not look back.

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#18

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) Hmmm the first time it happened I think I was 19 or 20. Instead of putting in my two week’s notice, I worked two jobs for about 2-3 months to help them transition. I worked my a** off. Usually when someone leaves they throw some sort of party, everyone signs a card, etc. I was told I was the best manager that ever worked at that location. I didn’t even get so much as a card or a goodbye on my last day. They were upset that I was leaving. When you leave a job, most of the time they’re going to be mad no matter how much you do to help them.

Bri Marie-McKnight Vaught , Anna Shvets Report

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The Starsong Princess
The Starsong Princess
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When something happens and you don’t get a card or a party but everyone else does, you realize that you are the only one organizing cards and parties.

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Dr. Amra Rao, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, wrote about the psychological benefits of being kind for The British Psychological Society, and she mentioned the importance of remembering to show kindness to ourselves as well. The more self-compassion we have, the more compassion we can have for others. We must not be too critical of ourselves, instead we should try to understand what we are feeling and experiencing. When we are more gentle with ourselves, we can see the same reductions of anxiety and stress as when we help others, and we will be in a much better place to strengthen our bonds and relationships. It's a beautiful cycle of kindness leading to positive affects that make us want to continue showing kindness. 
#19

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) I’m 32 and only just now, in the past 2 years or so, have I stopped feeling like the world is fundamentally good and just, and that if you work hard and go above and beyond for people then good things would happen to you. I’m ashamed it took me so long to shake off that naïveté and realise that people will happily use you and take advantage of you without a second thought if you let them. Now I’m starting to do the bare minimum that I need to do just to get through the day.

MVIVN , Simon Abrams Report

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Touch Connors
Touch Connors
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are working people in their 50's ad 60's who still haven't figured this out.

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#20

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) It's the last part about taking on more than you should that is the mistake most people make, myself included.

It wasn't until I was in my mid thirties and through therapy learned I can say 'no' and still be 'nice'. In fact, people tend to respect people who respect their own boundaries.

As a corollary, I can demand (not just ask) to be treated / paid fairly and also still be considered nice and respected.

The trick for me was I had to learn how to give myself the same respect I gave others. That was hard, still is, but at least I'm better at recognizing when I'm being disrespectful to myself.

theDaninDanger , StartupStockPhotos Report

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Emmett O'Brian
Emmett O'Brian
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely, saying no doesn't mean you're not nice. In fact, disagreeing can be the nicest thing you can do in some situations. Being nice isn't about being a pushover. It's about framing your messages in a kind way.

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#21

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) A couple of months ago I realized this, almost 40 years old. It doesn’t matter what I bring to the table. If the bosses like you, they like you. A coworker of mine does much less than I do and he was given a much larger merit raise recently.

AppropriateTime261 , Redd Report

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Hazel Sage
Hazel Sage
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My younger sister recently quit a job for this reason. She worked at a name-brand cosmetics store. She was their best salesperson, to the point that her manager told her that their store’s average sales on the days she was working were up 15%. She got two raises and a promotion within 6 months, due in part to the fact that she knows as much about skincare as a licensed aesthetician. She is openly queer, and surprisingly was always treated with respect and dignity by her coworkers. Seeing how well my sister was treated, one of her coworkers came out. She was by no means a bad worker— but she was bullied, harassed, and ridiculed by the managers. When my sister found out, she tried to change things (sister had a fair amount of clout in the store because she was such a money maker) and discovered that that was impossible. After an agonizing few days of soul searching, she handed in her two weeks’ notice. This was her dream job. I have never been so proud! 🥰

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Working hard can also be satisfying for us personally, even if nobody else is acknowledging that hard work. According to psychologist Martin Seligman, author of Authentic Happiness, we actually find rewards much more enticing when we have to work hard for them. In his book, Seligman provides the example of a lizard whose appetite couldn’t be awakened until he had to work for his food. Being given dead flies, fruit and pork wasn’t interesting him. But once there was a ham sandwich hiding underneath a newspaper, the lizard jumped at the opportunity to destroy the newspaper and then go to town on the sandwich. Humans are much more complex than lizards, but the idea that working hard for something makes it more satisfying rings true for us too.   
#22

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) As soon as I joined the "REAL" world a.k.a my first job!

You know, as a student you reap what you saw, which was almost always in my favour cause I'm what you can call good mixture of smart and hardworking (nothing special but definitely above average)!

That s**t doesn't help you when you step out there! You win or you fail and most of the times it depends on someone else! S**t's depressing sometimes NGL!!!

stinky_fingers_ , Annie Spratt Report

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#23

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 30. Employee of the year at an IT company and got a belt buckle. Moved on, things worked out very well, but I never gave a company my life again.

willtag70 , Marjan Blan | @marjanblan Report

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Sue User
Sue User
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My company missed my three year anniversary present because i moved divisions. I was given a pen knife. Couldn't help but think they wanted me to use it on myself.

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#24

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) I dunno - I have worked really hard in my profession for 20 years and have been consistently rewarded & treated like a valued contributor. I know the whole purpose on this sub is to p**s and moan but just wanted to say it doesn’t have to be like this for everyone

ZeroEffort_ , Brooke Cagle Report

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Lady Goldberry
Lady Goldberry
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nnnnoooo...it doesn't have to be like this for everyone. But it shouldn't be this way for anyone. There are others with equal experiences to this OP who have worked just as hard, only to find it wasn't enough in the end. It isn't just about working hard. It's sometimes the people one knows, the area one lives in, social standing, race, religion, gender, sexuality, all these things, that affect how successful one is in life.

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Barbara Fredrickson, a professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina, says that the way we experience pleasure can be broken down into two categories: hedonia and eudaimonia. Hedonia includes “things that provide enjoyable sensory experiences or emotions”, and eudaimonia refers to “experiences that ‘transcend’ happy feelings and provide people with a sense of purpose, meaning, contribution, and interconnectedness”. She explains that “there’s nothing wrong with empty calories”, referring to simple pleasures that require no effort. “But in growth and health and thriving,” she continues. “The eudaimonic piece is more important.”

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#25

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 23, I learned that incompetence gets rewarded and hard work and dedication got punished.

Bhino93 , Sergey Zolkin Report

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Jerry Lane
Jerry Lane
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked for a BIG university in NYC in computer support. I kept a job for 5 years that usually had a 6 mo. turnover (no one stayed). Even though the school spoke English it soon became clear that my supervisor wanted only native speakers of Spanish working in the department because it was her native language. I watched her fire every single American -born staff person and hire more of “her people”. The only reason I was spared was because I didn’t quit the high turnover job. I never got a raise or compliments for my entire time there. I quit but before I left I informed the new President of the university everything I knew about all the incompetence and the BS I had witnessed (I named names). I walked away with a severance and went to medical school.

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#26

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 2 weeks into a job at a nursing home. I was put in the unit that required 2 people due to the patients being immobile. I asked for assistance, the two nurses just sat at the desk and wouldn’t help (night shift). I got yelled at for not getting things done on time, went home and had a seizure. Until then, my seizures were controlled for 13 years. I was 21 and the date was 9/11. I returned to the office later that day to talk to the manager and was told I would never amount to anything in my life. I quit.

Amanda Reicha , MedicAlert UK Report

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#27

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) I was 25. My first couple bosses liked me enough that I did get a very minor promotion after a few years, but once the boss got replaced by someone else who seemed to hate me (I have no clue why), I quickly found myself being the guy who did the jobs nobody wanted. And because I was a casual, when those tasks weren't there I wasn't given shifts.

Never again.

Frogmouth_Fresh , Glenn Carstens-Peters Report

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It can be easy to become pessimistic in a world that often values hard work and kindness much less than money and connections, but we must not forget that we can always find our own reasons to continue working hard and being a good person. Maybe you don't want to waste your energy going above and beyond at a job you hate, but you can work hard after hours on your personal passion projects that bring you fulfillment. Enjoy reading the rest of this list of realizations, and remember to upvote your favorite responses. Then let us know if you've had any epiphanies like these in the comments below, we'd love to hear your stories.
#28

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 20 was when I finally realised being a good boy was getting me nowhere and I've been a selfish a*****e ever since.

MyrganGyrgan , Crew Report

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#29

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) About 15

Coincidentally that’s when I entered Highschool

Don’t listen to people older than you kids, it doesn’t get better after middle school

It gets way worse

Lohan3xists , Jeswin Thomas Report

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Juan Ghote
Juan Ghote
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's that joke about learning algebra... So glad I learned it now that it's algebra season...

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#30

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 20. When I managed three businesses for 500 dollars a week and worked 7 days a week for three months.

FTMcami , Firmbee.com Report

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ThumbsUpGuy
ThumbsUpGuy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if you are really as good/smart/competent as you say you are, start your own company... that is the best revenge & vindication of all when your new company works well

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#31

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) I know I’m going to be downvoted but it might really depend on the company. When I took on more than I should it was because I saw a need and it wasn’t a problem for me to do it. I ended up getting a cash award and a promotion. My manager also told me never discount how much and far personally goes in the workplace. She was the one who recommended me for the cash reward too, but she also wrote the most glowing recommendation I’ve ever received and my new boss said they’ve never read a recommendation mostly focused on what a kind and empathetic person I was and it was refreshing to them, and also put me over the other candidates trying to get a job. For reference I work in biotech so this isn’t minimum wage/entry level work. I did start out in entry level but I didn’t work more than I had to lol.

As someone who quit a job because my life was miserable working with miserable people- being really nice is a treasure and it radiates out beyond what you may think. I hope people who are unkind find a job that makes it easier for them to be kind because it really brings the energy down working with people who aren’t nice because they hate their life/job

ganeshas_rat , Brooke Cagle Report

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#32

Honestly? This came as a surprise to me multiple times throughout my life and I’ve finally accepted it as true.
We teach “hard skills” (academics and knowledge) but those with superior “soft skills” (networking, chitchatting, talking up themselves) will get ahead. Working harder just gets you tired and makes them look good.
There is no such thing as “exceeds expectations “ in a corporate evaluation. Managers are literally told not to use it. It’s there to make you work harder.
“Everyone gets a raise” isn’t. They are always taking that money from somewhere else - benefits or bonuses or reducing hours.
“You are replaceable” one of the harshest truths a manager ever laid down on me. There isn’t a position out there that can’t be replaced with someone else.
Let me tell ya. Adulting is fun.

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#33

Worked at a conglomerate for 5 years to be awarded raises that totaled 11 cents per year. Currently, this conglomerates stocks are worth approximately $275 per share.
I no longer work hard unless I am fully compensated. No overtime pay means no overtime work.

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#34

28. Got a written warning for getting a hernia from all the work I did, and needing time off to recover from surgery.

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BetterBitterButter
BetterBitterButter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well some people are just a**h**es. Guy goes to surgery and they punish him for taking time off?

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#35

It's an incomplete plan. And doing the opposite is also incomplete.

* Don't be nice, be collaborative and diplomatic.

* Do work hard, but on the right tasks and projects. If in doubt, ask your manager. Working hard on things that are unimportant to the goals of your department or company will lead nowhere.

* Do volunteer for extra work, but only if the project is meaningful to you and your dept/company.

* Never hope you will be automatically rewarded. Hope is not a strategy. You have to advocate for yourself, firmly but not obnoxiously. Watch how successful people do it.

If you're doing everything right but getting nowhere after a year or so, look for a better job. Only quit after you have the offer in writing.

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#36

29, 30, 31, 33 and 35... I just never learn.
As a train driver I have always agreed to overtime when I know we're understaffed. The problem with always agreeing though is that others will bargain and get paid more for the same workload. I never learn, I keep being nice and just agreeing unless I feel like I'm bordering on burning myself out... Again.
I've also put in extra hours from home sometimes to help colleagues by providing a handbook for very specific and different assignments and giving pointers to both bosses and co-workers when asked yet all I've ever received is a pat on the back. At one place I even got my overtime revoked because I "Didn't specifically ask for overtime for that shift so you just get more hours made" which ment I worked a 36 hour shift (with a rest in the middle) for free. I quit after that.
Much better at my current job though.

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BetterBitterButter
BetterBitterButter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am happy for this person and hope you have nicer coworkers this time.

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#37

15, when I understood that being basically an intern and working for free kinda wasn't worth the burnout and depression

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Alma Muminovic
Alma Muminovic
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Intern=scam. Any work experience you can get in life you can get paid for. Don’t ever intern unless it’s a paid internship.

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#38

never ever gonna regret being nice but being a little more selfish with my own comfort is something i regret not doing earlier, and i’m only 23 lmao

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#39

28, about a week ago when I quit my job of 7 years when they wouldn’t even match pay I was offered to be an assistant (way bellow my current position) elsewhere. Took me for granted because it seemed like I’d never leave and yet here I am half assing my two weeks. F**k old people and their poor management of younger employees.

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#40

17/18, when your first experience is working in a warehouse you realise it fairly quickly. Overtimes “would be eventually paid”. I never saw that money

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#41

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 14, parents punished and grounded me for bad grades, got all my grades up to Bs or higher, was told it doesn't matter I'll just fail again and was grounded for the entire school year. I then just did the bare minimum and costed with Cs and Ds why put in any effort if there is no outcome?

I then was ousted into the working world and realized bosses are the exact same just with money instead of child imprisonment.

either way I see no point doing anything in this world or ever bringing children into it.

69bigstink69 , Santi Vedrí Report

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#42

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 19. I was the “do better than what they expect” type. I’d do my job and then some. I’d do my job perfectly whilst doing mini projects throughout my day. I was told how good of a worker I was and was then told about 2 years into my job that I should apply for a higher position.

I did not want to move up. But my boss and “manager” (we don’t technically have managers, but I can’t remember her title) told me to very sternly that I need to apply. So I did what I was told and applied. I blew my interview out of the water. Apparently I was very impressive. I got the title and a raise on the spot.

Then one day I’m working and I’m not feeling the usual but my title gets thrown in my face. “Low potential, you have that title so you HAVE to do this!” Or “that’s what you get for taking that promotion”. Every time I do one little thing wrong or say something negative, the title that I didn’t want gets used against me. And if I don’t do my job to my standard perfection every single day, I get yelled at. So I no longer take my job that seriously. “I’ll get to it when I get to it” is what I follow now

Low-Potential666 , Jason Goodman Report

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#43

I learned very early on, with my family and then in school, and then in the workplace. No matter how hard I worked, what continuing education I took, how available and accommodating I was, it was never enough for anyone I worked for, they always just wanted more and more.

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#44

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) Realised in my home country when I was studying as much as I could and did relatively okay only to witness kids who constantly copied work doing suspiciously well. Turns out getting extra paid lessons with your own teachers was allowed (and expensive) and very often they’d get given the tests we were about to be assessed on as “practice”. It made education feel a bit futile as our grades were all decided by teachers, a bit like in US. Parents with money could always push their kids into the better unis after school too.
I moved abroad to a country with less corruption and did really well in high school since my efforts were actually appreciated :) that paid off more.

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#45

33. I was married then. Realized nothing was worth breaking my back over...the world goes on if I [pass away] today. Might as well do everything I wanted to do; living everyday as it's my last day.

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#46

I own a house and used to live alone. During lockdown last year, my gf (now ex) moved in and took advantage of my living situation when she had no money. She was all about social justice, equality, equity and fairness... until three months ago, she landed a 80k/yr tech job and became Jeff Bezos overnight. She did not want to contribute AT ALL and I also learned later (from my friends) she hated my dog. I'm much happier without her in my life.

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#47

I was 33 when I decided that my family and my own happiness was far more important than making a CEO a millionaire. I left management roles behind, only work my hours in my new job, very rarely do overtime. I've never been a materialistic person so the pay cut hasn't been a problem. Never been happier

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#48

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) Honestly, a mix of social media, laziness and eastern philosophy made me give up before even trying

validestusername , Tim Mossholder Report

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Juan Ghote
Juan Ghote
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Social media is quickly becoming the new smoking, asbestos, lead in paint/fuel.

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#49

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) About 20. Turned into manipulative jerk who only did things for myself and without consideration to others. Turns out, no one wants to be friend with such a person. I’m now back at being nice and working hard even though I sometimes makes mistakes but this I apologize for my behavior. Also, sincerity.

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#50

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) 40… yep I’m here. It doesn’t mean s**t. Live your life doing what makes you happy, and brings you peace. Enjoy your youth and health. If you don’t feel like doing something, DON’T.

Mysterious-Pair1412 , Josiah Gardner Report

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#51

About 12. I always tried to be a model kid. But after my mom told me she wished that I was not her son (even if it was just her venting her frustrations after a bad day at work) i just realised it isn't worth it.

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Lucky2BAlive
Lucky2BAlive
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holy smokes. (1). I can’t promise life will be stellar. (2). Yes. The same words that hurt can heal (depending on tone, and situation. And (3) most importantly. You are 12 and excusing an adults behavior. That’s not your job doll. Your job is to simply be 12. I cannot speak for anyone else here, only myself. But, if you need to talk, I am here. You just be you for now. And hard work and self responsibility ARE worth it.

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#52

The problem is people do all that extra stuff and assume they will be rewarded without asking. You need to make your wants and desires known if you're expecting someone else to reward you.

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#53

Late 20s. Two bosses were SO EXCITED to hire someone (higher up in the hierarchy than me) because he knew how to write a sales contact management program. Showing him I around, getting him settled in, chatting….turns out he knew how to do a mail merge in Word. A mail merge.

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#54

People Who Regret Their Original Plan Of Being Nice And Working Really Hard Share When It Hit Them That This Wouldn’t Work (30 Answers) I was 8 years old, in grade three and thought, “Well this is f#cked! I’m not working five days a week for the rest of my life.”
Never quite got out of primary school but worked three days a week for over twenty-five years as a primary school teacher.
Eight year old me was spot on

Rick Weimar , Husniati Salma Report

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#55

In one job, I was made to do the work of two people. It almost [ruined me] and I started having weird palpitations and dizzy spells - no doubt stress-related.
I begged my manager for help and said that it was too much, to which she told me there was no one. It took them months to hire someone, and in that whole time I was left to struggle all by myself.
The person they hired barely lasted 6 months, and left shortly after, at which point I was left on my own again. To struggle with the work of two people.
I was still struggling with the work of two people when I handed my notice in because I had found a better job. They managed to find a replacement for me within my four weeks notice, with enough time for me to train them up before I left.
I’ve had multiple jobs since then and yet I’m still bitter over it.

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#56

This, I worked mine and my supervisors job for about 6 months after he was fired. I waited until they will see that and promote me. When I realized they wouldn't do it that way, I went to my managers office to ask for it.. he said, yeah.. we are hiring a man for your supervisor.. I asked, why not me.. you won't be able to take the pressure.. I mean what the hell was I doing for the last 6 months.. sending reports on time and all.. I resigned the next day and it shocked them.. they wanted me to wait at least until they get the guy onboard.. I said sorry.. I won't be able to take the pressure..

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#57

I'll continue to stay kind but I do it with my boundaries in place, I refuse to be walked on or taken for granted any longer.
I take pride in doing my job well but not at the expense of my health ot well-being.

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#58

Very young, just wasn’t willing to put it into practice until last year at age of 36.

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#59

A true sport is nice without seeking a reward. Not being used and working the bare minimum of your worth at a professional job is a different thing, but if you are kind to people with the hopes of being rewarded, then perhaps you should reevaluate your own kindness. As for friends and strangers, I often put too much on my shoulders and offer kindness when I know it won’t be reciprocated. Maybe that’s foolish of me, and asking to be abused. I often tell myself I’d rather be a fool than an a*****e.

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#60

About 28. I had a plan to work really hard and long hours.

Started work at a company (Hewlett Packard) and they wouldn't even let me work hard because they were so paranoid about security.

After that, one disappointment after another. Working hard got me nowhere

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#61

Probably 11. I still work hard when needed, but the idea of being rewarded without asking was already out of my system by then. Only so many times you can break the promise of getting me that Transformer toy for getting all A's on the report card. Now today I'm not much of a Transformers fan, but I *could've* been.

Don't get me wrong, I was still gifted plenty and appreciate that, I just know I didn't have to go above and beyond and also learned to do for myself more often instead of always looking someone else to provide for me.

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#62

around 15-16 when I started to test my theory than working hard and honestly is not necessary means better outcome, and was around 25 when decided it's a total b******t, and will never work hard as an employ in a big company, ever.

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#63

18 years ago my husband worked for a friend’s (J) start-up company with another friend (S). My husband and S would put in 80-hour weeks while J lived a normal 9 to 5. One day, J offered to fire S and put my husband in charge of their clients, even though the company was built by all three of them working together. My husband could NEVER betray a friend like that, so he warned S of the offer J made; it was a Friday. By Monday, S was given the same offer and HE TOOK IT! My husband was fired the same day for loyalty. Yeah. EFF YOU J AND S!

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#64

Being told you can’t earn distinguished (highest category) on yearly teacher evaluations so that you “always have something to work towards and improve.”

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#65

37. Worked my a** off to achieve a degree with the promise of better pay, consistent work ect, leading to more secure housing. Got a job, housing market went crazy, landlord where I live ended my lease when its renewal was up so he could charge $800pw.
Which is essentially in line with the rest of the state now.
So the whole work hard, get a better job, deal with little to no income for 8 years to hopefully earn myself and my children a more secure life was for nothing. Ended up homeless from circumstance anyway.

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#66

I worked with a group of women that used to back stab each other constantly. I didn’t fall in line with them and was always on the outer. One year three of us had operations in the space of a month. I contributed to flowers for both my colleagues after they had their minor, elective surgery. It’s nice thing to do. Yet when it came to my hospital stay to remove breast tumors (not knowing if it was cancer) they opted not to give me any flowers or even a get well card. That’s when I knew I had to quit my toxic job.

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#67

Unless there is a bonus structure at your job, there is zero reason to work yourself into the ground about it. If the best and worst worker both get about the same pay for the same job, all busting tail is going to get you is an early grave from a heart attack.

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#68

I have experienced doing too much so I could get established and ahead. About 5 years ago I decided I knew my worth and that's all that matters. Life is made for living, not just building. Take time to enjoy what you have built and love on those who sacrificed with you.

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#69

My friend worked so hard for so many years for a prestigious company only to have health problems of all kinds. Luckily, she won a lawsuit and is now resting comfortably in early retirement. But it stole some of the best years of her life. I learned from her experience.

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#70

28. I was working at a café, taking on extra work, staying after my shift to help, doing mostly unpaid work before shift (like getting what's missing for café, bringing stuff - they once forced me to bring something while I was in the middle of my lunch, it couldn't wait 2 more hours till it's my shift - taking cats to the vet (it was cat café), running to talk with media etc), carrying heavy stuff (I was around 43kg at the moment, and stuff I was carrying was all around 10-20kgs), always available. I noticed that the colleague who was always "feeling bad, sick or mentally exhausted" was getting less work and more money. So when I rejected to be exploited too, I got fired just because I was not f*cking the boss or bosses cousins as some other workers.

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#71

Like 20 when I got sick after my first job was so s**t that I ended up in hospital…don’t wanna talk about it but I’m still trying to get back into life

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Lucky2BAlive
Lucky2BAlive
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You will find your way and your path. It might not be the path you ever considered or imagined, and maybe the path has some bumps, but it’s YOUR path, lined with lessons, self appreciation, and lit by sunshine (the sun continues to shine, even when all you can see are clouds)

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#72

I might get here for it but I'm still doing today every day and it's still working great.

Loving family, fulfilling job making way more money than I ever thought I'd make from home.... I'm well known for being helpful and friendly and the payoff seems to be more than the downsides.

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#73

I know im being taken advantage of, especially at work where i do basically everything for everyone, but i still dont do anything about it. Its kinda annoying and completely my fault

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#74

I've lost a lot of "friends" and some "family" sees me differently over the past few years, since I've stopped enabling behaviors that hurt me

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#75

I was 41 when I found out early March 2021 that the new owners of where I worked only wanted me for 2 months from end of March then was going to make me redundant at the end of May. As I wasn’t on a contract at the time (family business), and at the time I started over 20 years ago the legal notice of leaving the company was 2 weeks, so thought I’d be generous and give them an extra week. The only reason they wanted to keep me on for those two months was so that I could show whoever was taking my job everything as a lot of people within the company knew that I knew everything. Showed the basics (and obviously left out a few steps), and a few months later one of my best friends who works there told me they heard that they wished they kept me on as things were going crazy. I’m now doing temping and loving it, can take a job and do work for a few months then have some time off to do what I want.

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#76

Doing all that stuff got me promoted every other year in my 20s. I think people forget that you actually need to have an attractive skill at your work.

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#77

That's an incredibly stupid and naive world view. I never thought this way in my life. You have to plan ahead in order to get ahead, it's that simple.

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#78

It's just about being strategic with where you invest your time.

Volunteering is fine.

Gives you lots of padding on a CV to set you apart in a job search.

Even better is to take on community leadership roles like being a School Governor or Trustee.

Doesn't require much time a week, and gives you experience towards middle management roles.

Staying up late at night talking to your hopeless friend on WhatsApp who's life is always falling apart?

Yeah. There is no reward in that.

Cut those people out.

Surround yourself with successful people, and success will follow you.

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#79

I do good, don't expect rewards and I definitely don't do more than I can fit on my plate.

Everyone's gonna [pass away] sooner or later. My kid might [pass away] tonight in her sleep and there's f**k all I can do about it. So what's the point in life? Religion's a device for controlling masses and astrology is a clear scam. So what else is there?

Most of the things I've got are made by other people and all I have around me, all I enjoy is made that way or left that way by others and/or our ancestors. Let me give something back in similar fashion.

I'm good because that's the point I've made for myself in life. I'm good because I might [pass away] tomorrow but at least I'll [pass away] knowing I've made a few lives better.

P.s. I don't think there's much inherent good in just working away as hard as you can. Inherent good is in helping others, helping your environment and trying to be a force of positive change. If your work isn't morally good and/or good to you, what are you doing with your life?

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#80

I dunno, 27 years old, NO degree, 150k salary, permanent WFH...

Seems pretty charmed to me

You have to work with purpose

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