Why It Is Important To Stand Up For Yourself

Friday, January 20, 2017


Why It Is Important To Stand Up For Yourself


I have now been unemployed for seven days.  This morning, however, was the final wrap-up of my employment.  The final collection of income and documentation.

To say that this past week has been completely exhilarating would be a bit of stretch.  Yes, moments and portions of each day have been exhilarating:  Snowshoeing in the snow-capped alpine with girlfriends, laughing and chatting with more girlfriends scattered throughout the country, not having to blow dry my hair every morning in preparation for the office, sipping a chai latte at one of my favourite neighbourhood cafes.

Other moments have been painful, stressful, anxiety- and anger-ridden.  Moments that have left me in complete bafflement as to why, WHY, other humans act the way they do.  Why some people will deliberately decide to act in a hostile manner and be an obstacle to everyone involved moving on with their lives.  Why some people would prefer to be mean and nasty and make a negative impression on others, rather than being helpful, or at least non-obstructive, when change is taking place.

This past week I have had to stand my ground in order to collect my final pay cheque.  I have had to look into Employment Standards.  I have had to attempt to get my former employer to properly pay me my earned income.

At this moment, even though I have not received all the income I earned, I fully admit that I am willing to step away from this matter and be satisfied with what was deposited into my bank account today.

I have decided to cut my losses.

Why?

Because I no longer wish to subject myself to such low levels of antics.  I do not wish to stoop to their level of behaviour.  I do not wish to expend any more effort and energy into tending to this matter.  I do not wish to be involved at any level with my former employer.  I am quite happy to simply move on with my life.

I posted a saying on Facebook yesterday:

"Knowing when to walk away is Wisdom,
Being able to is Courage.
Walking away, with your head held high, is Dignity."

That about sums it up in a nutshell.

Even though my final paycheque was short-changed, I have chosen to walk away with my head held high.

And it feels incredibly empowering to do this.

That I have chosen to maintain my own standards of behaviour, and not succumb to the behaviour of those around me.

That I have upheld my own definition of Integrity.

That I put a halt to any further compromising of my conscience.

I took the high road and it was worth every moment of unease and anxiety I have experienced in the past four months.

Never be afraid to stand your ground.

Never be afraid to stand up for your own values.

Never be afraid to stop those who want you to compromise yourself for their benefit.

Never be afraid to be you.

Strong As Steel, baby.

Strong.  As.  Steel.