“The price of doing the same old thing is far higher than the price of change.” — Bill Clinton

Sadly, you can’t do much about the work environment except change jobs—that’s what I’ve been told and seems to be my going experience. I used to love my “traditional” job—love it—much to my detriment. Sound familiar? Then I found myself in a place where I wasn’t okay anymore, and the job I had given so much for had zero support to give. I glared at the options and they glared back. Continue at the expense of my health or consider—like a number of other professionals—leaving a traditional job to become a freelancer.

But how does a person make such a monumental and terrifying decision? I wish I had an answer to share, but I don’t. Months ago, I started a slow transition from the traditional world into the freelance world, but it has had its moments of hesitation. I’m not sure if hesitation is the right word. It’s more about acceptance. Here’s what happened when I had doubts about the decision recently.

My first red flag should have been when the representative intentionally waited till the thirty-day timeline for submitting a grievance passed before sending me the documents, effectively shutting down my ability to lodge that complaint. I blindly pushed forward, believing it was an oversight by the rep. Union representation of an employee is supposed to be fair and without hostility. Unions are supposed to represent the worker’s interests. A union is designed to be the voice for employees.

Here is how my recent union representative advocated for me. We spoke several times about some workplace issues and the rep advised me that there were labour code violations, multiple grievances, and a harassment complaint. Thanks, I know, hence the reason I reached out. The rep then advised that it’s a typical proceeding to speak to the other party or parties involved. A few hours later, the rep advised me that there were no grounds for any forward movement and there was no “malicious intent.”

When I questioned the rep, the rep met me with anger and a sudden lack of support; it was a night and day change in attitude towards me and my concerns. The rep advised of a previous work history with the offending party and that the offending party was a good person. Now, without going into specific details, my seeking union assistance had nothing to do with claims of malicious intent and I, at no time, questioned anyone’s character. There was and is an employment and work condition issue.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” — Rumi

I’m looking back at the words that have been thrown at me over and over, “you can’t do much about the work environment except change jobs.” Was this another message from the universe, a sign of alignment? Whether it is or isn’t, it sure made me shake my head and question W.T.F. I was doing, trying to fight a battle that is so clearly stacked in a way that can’t be won. The goal of having a rewarding career shouldn’t be overwhelming, stressful, or harmful. Having a healthy and safe work environment shouldn’t be a mammoth and unrealistic expectation.

My goal of success as a freelance book coach, editor, author, and book reviewer requires passion and a bit of elbow grease, but no disservice to my health.

“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.” — Nathaniel Branden

By Shari Marshall – 2023