I am Cancelling a Reader Like You
Work Whistleblowing: Home Depot Employee
Work Whistleblowing #9
A reader recently sent me a hot tip about their employer, but here’s the thing—I don’t actually think the company is doing anything wrong. In fact, I believe this reflects deeper issues that can sometimes be misunderstood in this community. Often, people interpret my lazy, anti-work messaging as an excuse not to advocate for themselves at work.
And that creates a bigger problem: the less we stand up for ourselves, the more ignored and resentful we’ll feel. This leads to becoming disgruntled, which is not the same as quiet quitting or practicing work-life balance. Being disgruntled leans into cynicism and nihilism, which can seriously affect your quality of life—and, by extension, the lives of those around you.
With that in mind, I want to share a recent tip from an anonymous worker—not to call out Home Depot, but to highlight some positive behaviors we can all learn from.
Note from Gab: this isn’t about singling anyone out or making fun of anyone. My goal is to address some broader social norms that we all carry, which can be pretty toxic, especially when it comes to the hierarchical caste system of jobs.
Key Points
Advocating for Yourself: Misunderstanding work policies can lead to resentment and burnout. But knowing when and how to advocate for yourself—whether by securing accommodations or understanding new responsibilities—can help you feel valued and supported in your role.
Breaking Down Job Hierarchies: Let’s challenge the social bias that sees some jobs as “lesser.” From customer service to tech, all work has value, and sometimes the most unexpected roles can shape your skills and career in profound ways.
Embracing Complexity: True freedom in work comes from embracing contradictions. Knowing your worth while staying adaptable isn’t easy, but it’s crucial. As F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.”
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Also, if you missed it, I am hosting a Holiday Contest (read the details here)!!
Converting to a paid reader for the month gives you one entry to win prizes like a new iPad and my skin care routine!