Actions on How Your Job Thinks They Own You

"Actions on How Your Job Thinks They Own You"

Written By Jacob Finney 10/24/2025

You ever notice how jobs make schedules that seem designed to trap you? They’ll start your week with a day or two off, then schedule you five days straight. But here’s the trick — when the next week begins, they’ll schedule you again just a day or two later, making it feel like you’re working an entire week without ever getting overtime.

Then there’s the group chat politics — you’re added to a work text thread, and even on your day off, they expect you to respond. Ignore it, and suddenly they act irritated, throwing subtle shade or body language that screams “you’re not a team player.”

Try to speak up about your availability — maybe you can’t close one night or have a personal matter — and your boss will say, “It’s required.” If you respond politely, they’ll twist it into “you’re having an attitude.” It’s not about teamwork; it’s about obedience.

And let’s not forget the write-ups. Ever notice how management loves to find reasons to write you up for the very same things they do? When a superior says, “We’re not out to get you,” that’s usually the biggest red flag — they probably are.

To them, your paycheck isn’t just compensation — it’s an investment. And in their mind, when they invest in something, they own it. That’s how they see you: company property.

Your availability? Irrelevant. Their only concern is their ego and control. Remember when employers tried to force employees to take the “uncertain” vaccine during 2020’s chaos? Same mindset — comply or lose your job.

Unhappy with your pay or workload? Too bad. Complain, and you’re “breaking policy.” They’ll tell you to “be grateful,” as if struggling to survive paycheck to paycheck is something to smile about. Meanwhile, we’re the ones paying for housing, food, transportation, rent, taxes — and somehow still blamed for not “doing enough.”

If your boss’s favorite messes up, you’ll be the one cleaning it up — in the name of “teamwork.” And if you push back, they’ll gaslight you, saying it’s “just their opinion,” when in reality, you’re pointing out facts.

Stand up for yourself, and suddenly, you’re written up or told, “It’s hard to find work out there.” They’ll remind you they “did you a favor” by hiring you, as if that justifies disrespect. You could do everything right — show up early, follow the job description, go above and beyond — and they’ll still find something to complain about.

They don’t want workers. They want servants who never question authority. They’ll cut your hours one week, extend your shifts the next, and call it “balance.” When you point out the unfairness, they’ll say, “You’re earning money, so why complain?”

But here’s the truth: it’s not about laziness or entitlement — it’s about dignity. About not being treated like property in a system that profits off your exhaustion.

So will we ever have freedom and financial stability? Or are we doomed to work for “the man” forever — trapped in this invisible plantation they call the workforce?

Rest assured, there’s hope. The first step to breaking free is recognizing the system for what it is — and refusing to let them convince you that you owe them your life just because they pay you by the hour.