Here's What I Didn't Say
Part 2 of That Time I Went Off at Work
You already know the part where I went off.
Where I finally snapped on a colleague and received my first (and only) write-up.
But what I didn’t say is why it really got to that point.
This has turned out to be one of the most-read issues I’ve shared. So I want to pull the thread a little further because, if you saw yourself in it, this part matters just as much. If you missed the first part of the story, jump in with the link below.
Now, the truth is, most of us don’t go off out of nowhere even when we’ve got a colleague who’s always saying something annoying.
We snap because we have been stretched too thin, for too long.
We’ve been holding the weight of our ambition. Our identity. Our fear. Our pride.
And sometimes? Just the weight of doing way too much with way too little.
So, let me back up.
By the time that moment happened, I was already operating on fumes.
Not because I didn’t like my job.
Not because I couldn’t handle the work, but because of the kind of exhaustion that builds when you’re chronically unseen, underpaid, and overqualified.
The kind of exhaustion that builds when you know you’re capable of doing more and making a real impact but instead you sit in meetings where people repeat your ideas like they made them up.
The kind that builds when you’re managing clients, your peers, and your emotions better than your manager manages you.
This wasn’t about one coworker being slick.
It was about a system that had been slowly wearing on me.
Maybe you know that feeling, too.
Maybe you’re the only woman on your team. Or the only person of color. Or the only one who prays during your lunch break, talks about your kids or doesn’t drink.
Maybe you’ve watched less capable people get promoted ahead of you.
Maybe your manager doesn’t advocate for you, support you, or even talk to you with respect.
Maybe every time you ask for help, they ignore you.
Yet, you continue to show up with grace.
You’re professional.
You try to keep the peace even when it’s costing you your own.
Until one day, the wrong comment on the wrong day from the wrong person hits a nerve and the worst happens…
You explode.
When that happens, remember HR is not a savior.
Your spouse might love you, but they don’t always get it.
Your work bestie can lend an ear, but they’re just as tired as you.
That’s why I do the work I do now.
I wish I’d had someone, in addition to a go-to phrase. Someone to help me navigate what was really going on.
Someone to help me make a plan, protect my peace, and reclaim my power.
If you’re thinking…
“This is just how it is. I need to deal with it.”
“I should be able to figure this out on my own.”
“I don’t have time to get support right now.”
“I don’t want anyone to know I need help.”
I’ve been there and I want to offer you a different next step.
Work with me one-on-one to eliminate the work stress that’s weighing on you and grow your career.
👉 Click here to book a call to learn more about working with me.
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If you’re a manager (or trying to become one) and need help thinking through:
A tricky team issue
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That Time I Went Off at Work
I used to pride myself on being polished. Like, seriously polished. I was young, Black, and working in finance. The kind of finance where every client had a million dollars or more invested in their portfolio. I answered their questions, placed their trades, and worked my magic to bring any outside assets they had under our roof.
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