Malaysian Guy Shares 'Harsh' Reality Of The Corporate World In Viral Post
"You may do well but you may get a three-star rating instead of four because your boss is afraid of being questioned."
By Tamara Jayne — 15 Sep 2020, 12:21 PM
If you've worked in the corporate world long enough, you probably know by now that there are some 'unspoken rules' that you might only learn once you've started working
In a viral Facebook post, a Malaysian guy revealed the 'harsh' lessons he's learnt, including having to deal with office politics and management
Ryan Nesh, who has been working for five years, shares that the corporate world is not always for everyone.
"[It] can be tough, mean, demanding, and rewarding. It's a pathway for not many people especially in this era filled with startups, [small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)], and family businesses," he wrote, adding that if you have 'soft emotions', it's probably not the best place to be in.
His post has shared over 19,000 times since May.
In his experience, he admits that in order to climb the ladder, one must be loud, aggressive, and at times, selfish.
"If you work silently, it may go unnoticed. It's just a competitive world with limited positions."
"You're paid to provide solutions not just to highlight the problems. The more problems you can solve, the more valuable you are to the company.
"A salary is not an entitlement, but a reflection of contribution. It's a business deal. Neither of you are doing each other any favour. Organisations run a business, not a charity."
When it comes to working with toxic managers, Ryan explains that it can really affect you mentally. If that happens, the best thing you can do is to leave.
He also adds that office politics are inevitable. And the only way out is to learn to deal with it.
"If your manager micromanages you, it means you aren't efficient. If he/she still micromanages you despite you feeling confident, then you have a toxic boss.
"Working with a toxic/manipulative/narcissistic manager will mentally damage you. It shatters your confidence and esteem. It's the worst thing ever. Never attempt to talk to change them. Just quit."
He continues, "If you don't believe in the company's vision, missions, and culture, just quit".
Another key lesson he's learnt is that work will always be there and is never-ending.
"Trying to impress your superiors by working beyond 6pm is stupid."
"Take sick leave if you're sick. Use your paid leaves. Learn to go back on time. The company can still function without you."
He reminds that your co-workers and bosses are most likely wearing 'masks' in office... And "the person who claims to know everything actually knows the least".
"Learn to say no and accept rejections. You're not stupid for having your campaign proposal turned down during the first meeting. If you can't take rejections or criticisms well, you will suffer in corporate."
At the end of the day, your bosses have bosses to impress too and may be questioned by higher-ups, stakeholders, and customers
"Performance reviews can be useless and awkward. You may do well but you may get a three-star rating instead of four because your boss is afraid of being questioned. The slackers and gossipers will get rated three as well. It's unfair but this is reality."
He concludes his post by saying that the first five years of your career are essentially just training years. So if you feel like you haven't reached your peak, don't worry.
"But if after five years you're still stuck, it's time to make critical decisions."
