i'm feeling like such a pushover at work these days? it's honestly starting to wear me down emotionally. what's worse is that i don't know why i keep letting it happen! sometimes it feels like people just walk all over me because i'm too polite or too eager to please; and man, it's getting old real fast!!!

take the other day for example (something similar happens almost every week): my coworker asks if i can help them with their project 'just this once.' of course, i said yes... thinking it'd be a one-time favor. well, guess what? now i'm knee-deep in work that isn't even mine and zero acknowledgment from anyone. it's like, do *they* think i've got nothing better to do? or am i just really that bad at saying no?

those times when we're in meetings: i'll have an idea but before i can share it, someone else conveniently chips in and takes over the conversation. suddenly, my suggestion never gets voiced and their half-baked version gets praised. infuriating much?! airing these grievances here kinda makes me realize... maybe it's not just about boundaries but also confidence??

i've read somewhere (can't recall where exactly) that some people hone this sort of assertiveness thing ; unfortunately for me, whenever i muster the courage to speak up or stand firm, it somehow ends up backfiring! after trying new tactics again and again only to end with similar results, should I simply resign myself to being background noise?

still despite everything going on inside my head, there's one part that's hopeful... change might still be possible if given enough tries. is there anyone out there who was once in my shoes??? if you've managed ways around this sticky situation i'd love any advice (if not friendship while we're at it). emoji appropriate right here 😂

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