Why don't you speak up?

By Hayden Ng
Jun 25, 2015
2 min read

For the longest time, I've been keeping quiet at work. You know, the reserved one who always says yes to every single task even though I have 10 other assignments to concentrate on. Navigating my way around any professional working environment is tough. Finding my own voice as a working adult is even tougher.

The thing is, there are many questions to consider: If I speak my real thoughts, will my boss dislike me? Will my ideas sound stupid to the rest of the team? Do you really expect me to tell you what I'm thinking or are you just casually asking and don't expect a reply?

Speaking up for myself means two things: a) I know clearly what I want now. b) I don't want to be a pushover anymore. I feel more in control and happier because things work better when I speak the truth. Here, the three pointers to consider when you're deciding whether or not to speak up for yourself at work.

1. Talk to your boss

Are you swamped by too much work? Stop suffering in pain and arrange for a catch up with your superior to talk about it. Be realistic and let him/her know what you can/cannot cope with and hopefully, get some help from there.

2. People will think otherwise

When you're saying no to a task assigned by your co-worker or boss, they may think that you're becoming rebellious. The most important thing is to map out your roles and responsibilities clearly because the more shit you have to shoulder, the easier you'll get burnt out. So, it's only right to ask your co-workers to stop bullying you and do their stuff by themselves.