Value

I remember working for a digital media outfit as a Television Presenter mid 2017 in a Group of Companies. I initially applied for the paid job, only to get there and be told it's a Volunteer job - not to be paid, not even a stipend. I accepted. Why? Broadcast journalism is something I love and wouldn't mind doing what I love, even if for free, as long as I got satisfaction from it. It was the grace of God that made me last for a month.

The Head of my department was fond of making a statement, telling we the Presenters (OAPs) that we were not doing the company any favour that it was the other way round. He would tell us not to feel too important as there were many people put there who wanted the opportunity. I wonder how many people had left before me, how many left during my stay and how many, after I left there.

Our first friction came up during a meeting or so. I realised he doesn't like his authority challenged and I hate status quo - everyone getting scared to talk to the Boss's face. I challenged him once, not rudely but every since then, he always addressed me, perhaps not totally respectfully but with an iota of reverence.

Then it happened. During one of those meetings he said his normal lines of presenters not offering anything special. I couldn't have it. I aired my mind and it didn't go down well with him. He asked me to leave and never come back. I did leave.

A few days later, my other colleagues got in touch and said he called for a meeting and I should come but I vehemently refused. To me, I was done with them. I have a value more than what they represent. Few days after that unit (Digital media) of the company was closed down. They couldn't sustain it. You can't survive by rubbishing the efforts of others not even when those efforts are made in your cause.

This was a company that was paying me "no dime" for all the work I was doing and yet was still trying to kill the "me" in me. I would not have it.

A lot of people find it difficult to say "No" or reject something that doesn't work for them and that is the reason some people lose themselves.

You need to stand up for what you represent. Value yourself. Make the world see your worth and never settle for less.

#ValueYourself
#YouAreWhatYouSayYouAre