Have you worked hard on a project but realized the effort put forth was completely underappreciated? You feel devastated when you have been trying to nail a project and someone nonchalantly asks, “What do you expect us to do?”
Sometimes, we have to accept the reality that we will not be appreciated. But, there is a line to be drawn when you have spent months working with people, thinking that your contribution is valued, only to find out they do not appreciate your existence. It is very annoying when you know you have delivered value to the team and have aided in the success of the project and they do not appreciate it nonetheless.
In this age of modern technology, everyone is in a hurry, so you must be clear about how much effort you’re willing to put in. We all know these types of people, those who promise to deliver everything but only give little. Let me tell you something, don’t set unrealistic expectations and then fail to meet them. Set goals that you know for sure you will meet.
In my writing journey, I have had the chance to work with different projects on promotional and marketing campaigns content since I consider this to be the most important part of every project. While I do not give a promise of commitment, but rather do my best to make the projects successful. When you are chosen to be the promoter of a project, you assume the role of a figurehead. This is because you are the link between the team and the customer. The goal of your endeavor is to ensure the success of the project.
But, once you have done your part in helping a project gain visibility, only for someone to claim that you have not done enough and wanted you removed. That would be a stab in your shoulder. That will break your heart and leave you aching for a long time. I have had this kind of a stab in the shoulder even from a colleague I recommended to join the team.
A lot of times, people expect way more commitments from you than what you are able to offer and blame you for the negative sentiments that come from the public over a poorly received product. If you are in such a situation, what do you do when the blame is laid on you?
In my case, I quit and that is my approach. I think it is much better to move on than letting myself feel so much pain because of how others view me. If I am no longer taken seriously for my efforts toward a project, then I cannot accommodate being considered of less importance.
Let me share a specific example; 5 years ago, I took part in a marketing and sales team's work for two months. My role was to generate sales and enhance the credibility of the projects through content writing. For this, I anticipated around $500 but was given only $250, out of which $50 was meant to be put back into the project. They told me my contribution wasn't worth more.
Had I known it was a waste of my time, I would have opted out of it completely. The source of information was someone I trusted and had suggested for the team. Just because they had some technical skills that wowed the team leader, they decided they had the right to determine other people's value. It offended me - and one shouldn't have to even care about that as a project sponsor.
But I wasn’t going to accept it as it is. Within five days of my departure from the team, I got a promotional freelance job that offered $350 for a single article, no marketing work needed. The last thing I could bother myself with was how the client will utilize the article.
This is why I believe everyone should know their worth. If your contribution isn't valued anymore, don't let yourself be let down. Don't undervalue yourself. Move on, there are plenty of opportunities out there where you'll be properly valued and appreciated.
This is what experience has taught me about working with others. Sometimes, the best decision you can make is to walk away and find somewhere your efforts will be truly appreciated.
The image used was redesigned by me on Canva.