Mistreated in your office?

The Harsh Realities of the Corporate World: Betrayals, Foes, and Setbacks

The corporate world is often described as cruel, filled with more betrayals than justice, more enemies than friends, and more setbacks than successes. These harsh realities aren't just confined to the workplace; they extend into the broader world, making thriving in a corporate environment even more challenging. But what makes the corporate world even more difficult to navigate than the real world?

Why Is the Corporate World So Challenging?

The problem with corporate life lies in its structure. Everything is meticulously orchestrated, with planned events and predictable outcomes. Opportunities often appear overnight, only to be filled by a select few. And other applicants? They’re given absurd reasons for rejection—things like “your house isn’t coloured pink,” making it feel more like a reality TV show, Big Boss, than a real business environment. This scripted environment can be frustrating for those who want to make an impact based on their skills, not their connections.

The Role of Favoritism and Groupism in Corporate Culture

“Favoritism” or “groupism” is often seen as a key to survival in the corporate world. Like any political system, the people in power often surround themselves with those who are loyal and close to them. It’s a hierarchical system where only those who align with the dominant group or “herd” are embraced. Like sheep, if you don’t conform or challenge the status quo, you risk being ousted from the safety of the circle.

The Struggles of the “Black Sheep” in Corporate Life

Many people choose not to be part of the “Yes Sir” brigade, voicing their honest and often unpopular opinions. But what happens when you decide to be the "black sheep" in the office? Instead of being seen as a valuable team member, you may soon be viewed as a threat to the established order.

The consequences can be severe for those who refuse to follow the herd. When the next appraisal cycle comes around, you might notice your performance is evaluated unfairly, with reasons like:

• “You were already given an increment during the last promotion.”
• “You’re touching the threshold of your pay band, so no better increments are possible.”
• “Your performance this month has been below expectations,” ignoring your hard work from the past year.
• “The budget is tight this year,” even though your colleagues seem unaffected.

The Double Attack: Financial Struggles and Increased Workload

As if being financially shortchanged isn't enough, you may find yourself reassigned to a different team, often under a manager notorious for their poor treatment of team members. This new team might have an overwhelming workload, further adding to your stress.

Upon analysis, you'll find yourself:

• Denied rightful pay for the last 11 months of work.
• Tasked with double the work in the coming months, all while your pay remains stagnant.

The Price of Honesty in the Corporate World

In the end, the only reason for this treatment is simple: you chose to be honest and not part of the “Yes boss” clan. Unfortunately, in the corporate world, integrity often comes with a price—one that can affect your career, compensation, and mental health.

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