“I’m not a cog in the machine — I am the machine”. How grind almost ruined my life.
How many times have you dreamt of a break during a busy work week? How many times have you felt miserable after the boss went all over you with the latest report? How many times have you questioned whether you ended up in the right place after all?
I know I have done that plenty of times. I kept feeling that something was off until the understanding came to me. In this piece, I’ll tell you exactly what it was.
By understanding the mechanisms of work culture, you can get a bit closer in search of your own identity. Hard work and constant grind are what’s appraised in our society, for the simple reason of it being convenient to those who we serve to. Employers strive from their workers’ labor, however, the compensation they offer simply does not cover the damage done. Workers are put under pressure, are asked to go about tasks that they see no value in. They are asked to perform in the best interest of the company and are told that it’s what everyone does.
And all that in exchange for the condescending look on the boss’s face? No, thank you.
How Dostoevsky beautifully put it in his “Crime and Punishment”, some people tend to think better of themselves. That they have an impeccable right to control others’ success for their own profit, seeing others as “bugs” that are not worthy of anything rather than basic needs. Well, guess what, if you’re reading this right now and reflecting on the problem — you are one step ahead. You are unique and excellent at something. And you are worthy of fair treatment.
After years of working for someone instead of myself, this revelation came to me: I am the most important thing that I possess. I am a human being with a certain set of skills, likes, and dislikes. I am not defined by my co-workers or by my boss. I’m not a cog in the machine. I am the machine.
That was about when I started looking for my true interests, things that benefit me and no one else. I managed to scare the “slave mentality” away from my mind and pursue what I truly like, start mastering the skills that I have and appreciating my own input into the universe. It may not be the quick-and-easy profit, but it’s worth it in the long term.
So, why grinding is bad, and how’s working for yourself any better than having a stable income from doing someone else’s job? Well, there’s an answer: you’re quite literally doing someone else’s job, living someone else’s dream, being treated as a tool to perform a certain task when you’re way more than just a tool. And what’s in it for you, truly? Except for the monetary gain that is not even fair most of the time? And some condescending bonuses that should have been given to you anyway?
Take a look around, mind yourself, and don’t be shy to turn down that next offer to long extra hours. Say “no” to the proposition that doesn’t sit right with you. Say goodbye to toxic practices that negatively affect your mental health. Take care of yourself, for you’re unique and worthy. Not just a cog in the machine — but an entire highly functioning machine of its own.
