Story The power of one word

[WaitingForTheBusInTh]

So boss bought everyone pizza today and asked me right before it was time to leave if I could work 3 hours overtime tomorrow (a day off). I hesitantly said I could, as I know we've been working on a large project that had a lot of complications. He clarified as I was leaving that I'm not under any obligations to do the overtime (even though underlying social constructs create subtle obligations) and I said I was fine and I'd work it. I thanked him for the pizza. He said, "Sure."
The flatness of the response sent me spiraling the whole ride home. I slipped up. I broke the perfect employee persona. He hates me. I'm not going to keep my job. No one cares about me. No one likes me. I dont matter. No one cares. No one cares. Why didnt I ctb when I planned to? Why dont I do it tonight or tomorrow?
It's amazing how fast I went from passively wanting to ctb to actively wanting to do it.

 

[UterEntonaur]

If you CTB today (Friday), your company LITERALLY would've employed someone else to fill your position by this time next week, that's how little they care about you as a human being... so don't give a second thought about this "perfect employee persona" that you feel you have to live up to. People get sick, people get stressed, people need time off. Any company that hasn't accounted for the human factor in their budgeting, and put contingencies in place to handle it, obviously doesn't care AT ALL about their staff.

TLDR; Just because your company considers you "expendable", it does not mean you are expendable, it just means that they care more about profits than you. Do not kill yourself for/over your work

 

[lunargreenx]

Regarding your situation with boss, I think he may be emotionally inept. Either way don't beat yourself up for it.

I was like that at the start too. I wanted this to be the job where you at least give a little shit about your collegues and boss and make some relationships. Quickly realized these are just corporate pricks that value only their ego. Let me give you an advice: Set up a line, that you won't cross. Because these morons can drain the life out of you.

I set my line like this: I try to be better than average employee. I do a lot of work during the day. But when it comes to working overtime and stuff like that I am unwilling to compromise.

 

[Sprite_Geist]

Do not serve those who belittle and look down on you. Your intention might be to try and make them like you, or to earn their respect (which you should not have to), but in reality it will likely end in failure. The more that you do for someone who mistreats you - the more they will take advantage. Eventually it will get to the point were they will no longer be asking of you, but demanding.

 

[Avyn]

The harsh truth is that no one deeply cares about others. Especially in workplaces, they couldnt care less. Everybody is extremely selfish and wants to get to the top. In your situation, your boss seems like he takes you for granted and doesnt seem to care. But thats normal, if you quit the job or kill yourself they wont be grieving for you. They will hire new employees. Its sad, but the truth. When its about the job/workplace, no one gives a shit.

So please dont let it beat you up, everyone goes through it and this is the harsh reality. Dont take it personal, he would have said the same to your colleagues aswell, and he probably does

 

[WornOutLife]

Don't be so hard on yourself. I don't think your boss will fire you, I mean, most employees would just say NO.
You can even sue them for making you work overtime.

And if the worst happens and you're fired, remember that there are plenty of jobs out there.

I used to try like 10 different jobs a year and then quit. I just couldn't find my place until I found teaching.

Hope things get better somehow. Just try not to act impulsively.

Hugs

Edit: Still, I agree with all those who say we're just "replaceable numbers" for bosses. The system just sucks. That's why I decided to be my own boss.