A New Day, A New Fire

So I walked into a new day—another round of what feels like corporate hell dressed in khakis and a power trip. It’s only her third day, and somehow the new manager already acts like the queen of compliance. She called me into the office like I was a teenager sent to the principal.

"What time did you clock in?"
"Did you use the restroom before or after?"
Is this real life? Do we need pee logs now? Should I chart it on a whiteboard?

This is the same manager I was encouraged to welcome with open arms. “Just give her a chance,” they said. “She’s really nice once you get to know her.” Right. If ice had a personality, it would be her. And not just with me—even the kindest guy on the team said she’s giving him weird vibes. (This is coming from someone who once casually shared his thoughts on necrophilia documentaries. So… perspective.)

Corporate, let’s be real: You dropped dynamite into a store that had finally found its rhythm. We weren't perfect, but we were holding each other up. Now it feels like we’re on the chopping block. Forget Christmas—I’m not even sure we’ll all make it to the next paycheck.

And here I am, sitting beside someone questioning my qualifications, while I hold a master’s degree and I’m halfway through my PhD. Swallowing my pride. Smiling through the bitterness. Watching my self-worth get picked apart like it’s some kind of threat. It’s exhausting. It’s infuriating.

But I’ll rise. Not just for me, but for the team. These people are more than coworkers—they’re my family. I won’t let them get torn down by toxic leadership or corporate indifference. I won’t let whispered doubts or passive-aggressive policies break what we’ve built.

One day, corporate might realize the mistake they made. Maybe by then it’ll be too late. But until then, I’m still here. Fighting quietly, leading gently, and refusing to be broken. Continuing the battle of the unspoken. 

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