My first job out of University was at an advertising agency, and I was so excited to start. I was a young graphic designer ready to make my mark. But that excitement quickly faded. My boss was notorious for his favoritism and aggression towards his staff.
From the beginning, I found myself pulled away from my design projects to run errands. “Can you grab lunch for the team?” he’d bark without looking up from his desk. I obliged, hoping my hardworker would eventually be rewarded with meaningful assignments. But instead, the demands grew more demeaning. Delivering coffee, picking up dry cleaning, even walking his dog during lunch breaks.
One insanely hot afternoon, he called me into his office and handed me a stack of company leaflets. “We need to boost our presence in the area. I want you to hand these out on the streets,” he ordered. I was stunned. “But, I’m here to design, not distribute leaflets,” I protested, my voice trembling.
His response was cold and dismissive. “Do as you’re told, or find another job. Don’t waste my time please”
That day, as I stood on the street under the scorching sun handing out leaflets, tears streamed down my face. The humiliation was too much to bear. I felt so small, so undervalued. I cried openly, unable to hold back my frustration and sadness. That evening, I sat on my bed, still crying, and made a decision. I couldn’t continue working in such a toxic environment.
The next morning, I handed in my resignation letter. My voice cracked as I explained my decision, and I left the office with tears still stinging my eyes. But as I walked out for the last time, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I knew I deserved better.
With renewed determination, I set out to find a job where my creativity would be valued and my potential recognized. As God will have it, after a few months I got a great remote Job, working for a foreign company. Every now and then, I imagine if I would have gotten this job if I stayed at that useless company out of desperation. Thank God!
SUBMITTED BY SUSAN F/32
