19/03/2025
Do you still try to prove yourself at work, or do you just go with the flow?
For context: I have been working as an administrative assistant for a project in a well-known university for five years now. When I first started, my boss was very harsh. He often said bad things about my work. Since I was new, I was still learning, so I tried to understand and just kept working.
After a year, even though I had learned a lot, he told me that I was not doing anything and that I was too slow. At that time, all our processing tasks went through me, but he still blamed me for any delays, even though they were not my fault. This happened during the pandemic when all offices were still adjusting to online work. Instead of understanding the situation, he was very demanding and strict.
Now, I have been working for him for five years. I know my job well, and I have become very skilled at handling all processes. I even received certificates from other offices because of my work. But my boss still treats me badly. He often gets angry for no reason, and if I forget something small, he becomes very mad. No matter how much I improve, he still treats me like I am a beginner.
On top of that, he even asks me to do personal tasks for him, like paying his mortgage and handling other personal errands—things that are not part of my job. It feels unfair because, aside from my regular work responsibilities, I have to handle things that have nothing to do with my role. But since he is my boss, I feel like I have no choice but to do them.
Recently, we hired two new staff members, and my boss gave them a salary increase. But I was not included. When I asked why, he simply said that my salary was already "okay." It made me feel unappreciated because I have worked hard for many years, yet I do not get the same rewards as the new employees.
By the way my boss is gay, and I am a transgender woman. I wonder if this affects the way he treats me. I have endured everything because I am afraid of losing my job. I cannot afford to resign, so I just keep working, even though it is very stressful.
Now, I am not sure what to do. Should I still try to prove myself, even if nothing changes? Or should I just go with the flow and accept that this is how things will always be?
