26 Comments
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Kevin Stuckey's avatar

another one! may this reach those that need to hear it most. I know the version of me that left corporate 3 years ago did.

maya watson's avatar

thank u for the direction, guidance and hand holding 🤍

Johanna Smith's avatar

OMG so, so, many thoughts. I did not expect your story to take that turn. Yet it is not surprising and something that far too many of us experience. Our bosses are indeed human. Because of my degree in counseling, I am a bit more keen on some of these insecurities. And many of them are a hot mess, like my last boss. But I had to draw a boundary, I wasnt hired to be her counselor. I could be supportive if she wanted to do and be better but that didn't turn out to be the case. So I wasnt about to take on a role that I was not hired for. Her personal problems were not my responsibility.

maya watson's avatar

Johanna! omg, having a degree in counseling means you see and understand everything lol. i was as surprised as you were with the turn! i wish we were taught earlier about boundaries and how to navigate them in the workplace.

Johanna Smith's avatar

I think we all know what the boundaries should be but we believe we will be penalized if we enforce them. And for most that cost is too high.

Im now reading Careless People from your recommendation. I might finish it just as quickly as you did. Will check out the book club chat. Thanks Maya and Kevin!

maya watson's avatar

it is a fast read ... you won't want to put it down!

Pamela Rosario, Esq.'s avatar

"the workplace will still try to dim you even though you are actively advancing their mission and their goals" - absolutely. Loved this read! I've experienced this many, many times in corporate (mostly from other women, sadly)

maya watson's avatar

is so wild that this is how it's designed but nevertheless here we are. i've heard how many people have had this experience with women and it makes me sad but i understand. it's really the environment and not them. thank u for reading Pamela! (do u go by Pamela or Pam?)

Pamela Rosario, Esq.'s avatar

100% - same thing with race, gender, microagressions, etc. I could talk about this alllll day. (Pamela! thank you for asking <3)

Nyle Washington's avatar

What a whole word !! Thank you both for this excellent piece !

maya watson's avatar

nyle! great to see u and thank u for reading 🤍

jen randle's avatar

“love them, but don’t follow them. and fight to stay bright” … wow. wow. wow. mic drop. an excellent piece. just excellent. ✨

harriet's avatar

Sad saga.

Tiffany LaTrice's avatar

Yes yes yes! A message and a balm to all of those who seek something outside of corporate life + hustle! When I realized my manager was trying to dim my light when I started my business after work and saw the articles in major publications, I decided to leave. I was the only black girl on my team. And they tried to make rules and regulations where I couldn’t leave my desk or take meetings outside of work. And cultivate a sense of fear. I put in my two weeks notice and never looked back! Been working for myself for over 10 years and only take projects where I can operate in my zone of genius. Thank you for this! Sharing with so many of my friends who have felt the same thing 🫶🏽

maya watson's avatar

where u couldn’t leave your desk?! that is CRAZY. good for you for choosing you and staying in your power. and thanks for being here and reading 🤍

Sabena 🪄's avatar

thank you for sharing this !!

maya watson's avatar

thank u for reading! any takeaways or moments that resonated with you?

Jerveris Floyd's avatar

Yes, everything, all of this, YES!

Gilles Bardot's avatar

🙏🏾🧘🏽‍♀️🌊

Gilles Bardot's avatar

Keep. Preachin’… ☺️

Lauren Waring Douglas's avatar

I am so glad to know you have a subscriber chat - because I am sitting here with "Life is In the Transitions" and the "Art of Pacing" and now I put a hold on for "Careless People." Thank you for showing my entreprenurial budget some love too cause these are available at the public library! When I tell you, I read this article out loud because I could feel it? Yeah, I need y'all to have a book club go with this newsletter. Use me. Google data mines me, and y'all can too!