In the age of Gen Z-led workplace reform, the traditional 9-to-5 job is under the microscope. It's not just about the soul-sucking nature of the schedule, but also about the power dynamics at play. Many employees feel like they're being taken advantage of by corporations that prioritize profit over their well-being. But what if there's a way to navigate this system without completely hating your job? Enter Nathan Fleischer, a content creator who has found a way to overhaul his relationship with corporate culture. In his TikTok video, he shares four key strategies that people who work a 9-to-5 and actually don't hate it usually employ to prevent being taken advantage of.
1. Operating at a B-Level
Fleischer believes that trying to be the best at your job is a huge mistake. "I personally have no interest in being the best," he says. "I feel like what you get for being the best at your job is more work." This approach works better for salaried employees than those on commission, but it's worth a try if it won't affect your pay. For people who are perfectionists or people-pleasers, this strategy could not only lessen their workload but also their emotional load. By operating at a B-level, you're still contributing, but you're not burning yourself out in the process.
2. Taking Time Off
Employees are given time off so they can actually use it, but many are afraid to. Even though PTO and sick days are there for them to use, a lot of people feel guilty doing so. This culture of concern over taking time off seems to be unique to the U.S., and Fleischer doesn't understand why. "That’s a benefit, and I take it," he says simply. While it's possible to take so much time off that you look like an unreliable or incompetent worker, there's nothing wrong with taking what you're given. This is the best way to recharge and avoid burnout, so it's necessary to keep doing good work.
3. Protecting Your Time
Fleischer learned the hard way that it's easier to set a precedent than to change one. "And, yeah, I’m talking [about] the availability that you actually give your job," he explains. In his experience, employees often make things harder for themselves by working late hours or not taking a lunch break, which the rest of the team just comes to expect. Setting work-related boundaries is hard when society teaches people to devote so much of themselves to their career, but it’s the only way to avoid becoming completely overwhelmed and feeling like you resent everything about your job. By protecting your time, you're ensuring that you're treated the way you deserve.
4. Communicating About What You Need
Fleischer's final point is something he excels at, but many people would probably say is a sore spot for them. "I’m very direct and communicative," he says. "If I ever have an issue, I speak up, and I say something." This is incredibly hard to do because a lot of employees think the surest path to job security is keeping their heads down and not rocking the boat. However, Fleischer reminds people that "work is not your full identity." It’s perfectly fine to put boundaries in place that ensure you're treated the way you deserve. By communicating about what you need, you're taking control of your work-life balance and preventing yourself from being taken advantage of.
Deeper Analysis
These four strategies are not just about preventing being taken advantage of, but also about finding a healthier work-life balance. By operating at a B-level, taking time off, protecting your time, and communicating about what you need, you're taking control of your work life and ensuring that you're treated the way you deserve. In a world where work is often seen as your full identity, these strategies are essential for maintaining your sanity and well-being.
Conclusion
In the end, it's not about hating your job, but about finding a way to navigate the corporate world without completely burning out. By implementing these four strategies, you can take control of your work life and ensure that you're treated the way you deserve. So, if you're tired of feeling like you're being taken advantage of, it's time to start taking action. Remember, work is not your full identity, and you have the power to change your relationship with corporate culture.
