the struggle of self worth when feeling undervalued at work
I’m so tired of advocating for myself at work. I’m exhausted from explaining in the same words how I’m valuable and want more for myself. I feel like I’m fighting a silent battle where no one appreciates my worth.
When no one seems to understand or appreciate your value, it truly affects your mental health and makes you question yourself and what you bring to the table.
In those moments of doubt, remember that you are worthy, valuable and meant for the right company. Try your hardest not to take it personally, advocate for yourself and don’t be afraid to walk away.
“Your value doesn't decrease based on someone else's inability to see your worth.” — Zig Ziglar
advocate for yourself
You need to advocate for yourself! You have to have the hard conversations and bring up your value in those meetings. Sometimes you really have to force people to see your worth by being persistent and communicate often about how you’re feeling in the company and what you want.
“Sometimes the hardest part of the journey is believing you're worthy of the trip.” — Glenn Beck
I’ve had at least 5-10 conversations with different people over the past three months about how I need growth and a promotion at this stage of my career. I can’t be entry level forever. It’s been years, and it feels like they're not taking me seriously.
It seems like they think I’ll stay forever and I’m loyal. While loyalty is a good quality that employers like, you should never be too loyal to anyoneee who isn't returning the loyalty. Jobs are transactional and should be treated that way.
“Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.” — Malcolm Forbes.
be prepared to walk away
If you’ve had the hard conversations and still don’t see any indications of growth, be prepared to do the difficult task of letting go.
“The moment you feel you have to prove your worth to someone is the moment to absolutely and utterly walk away.” — Alysia Harris
It’s so powerful to know what you bring to the table and stand on it. The next company or business you work with may see you as the most valuable and important asset. You deserve to be seen in a positive and respected light.
People don’t see your value until you walk away sometimes. And there’s something so satisfying about saying one last f you. I daydream about the days I’ll finally get to leave. I fantasize about my exit interview and how much they’re going to miss me when I’m gone.
“Sometimes walking away has nothing do with weakness, and everything to do with strength. We walk away not because we want others to realize our worth and value, but because we finally realize our own.” ― Robert Tew
prioritize your mental health at work
I encourage you to be transparent, open and honest when you feel undervalued. We push things to the side too often. I’m sorry to your boss, but your mental health is always more important than a job. Do not let them ruin your mindset and life. Speak up when it’s getting to be too much and interfering with your life or self worth.
“Self-worth comes from one thing — thinking that you are worthy.” — Wayne Dyer
America’s corporate scene can be draining, high pressure and major stakes, when it doesn’t have to be. I don't think anyone should feel like they have to choose between mental health and affording to live through a job.
“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” — Maya Angelou
It’s our job as a society to create healthier workplaces for people and to put a bigger focus on mental wellness. It’s essential to put yourself and your mental health over your career. Be bold. Be brave. And advocate for yourself.
read more: promoting mental wellness in the workplace
self worth affirmations to keep in mind
When you’re feeling undervalued at work, self worth is important in those low moments. You know how valuable you are, and I want you to constantly remind yourself of what you bring to the table. When you begin to forget that, you begin to lose some of your power.
Repeat these self worth affirmations when you’re feeling undervalued and questioning your value at work:
I trust that my presence makes a positive impact.
I refuse to allow anyone to make me feel small.
I will not shrink myself to fit into spaces I’ve outgrown.
I hold myself in high regard and expect the same from others.
I know my self worth is not measured by my achievements.
I overcome self doubt with every step I take forward.
I know my value is not up for debate.
I know my voice matters and I use it confidently.
I believe in my success even when it isn’t immediately obvious.
I do not settle for less than what I deserve.
My worth is not tied to others’ opinions of me.
read more: affirmations to improve your self confidence & self worth
