Hey Reader,

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When I quit, they looked at me like I lost my mind.

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Even though they couldn’t give me the schedule I asked for.

Even though they shamed me for actually taking leave (unpaid at that!).

Even though my boss disrespected me—and lied straight to my face.

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I was the crazy one.

Ungrateful.

They said, “This is the best job in town. You’ll never find what you’re looking for. Why would you leave?”

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And the truth?

I was grateful.

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That job had been a blessing at one point.

I met amazing people. I learned so much.

For a few years, it was my dream job.

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But like all things in life, it changed.

And so did I.

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The leadership started choosing profit over people.

I started choosing peace over performance.

I began to value my time and freedom more than feeding into hustle culture.
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And I learned something that changed everything:

You can be grateful and still walk away.

You can appreciate the good and still have boundaries.

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The truth is, toxic systems often aren’t all bad.

They give you just enough perks to make you second-guess your pain.

They gaslight you into thinking your discomfort is entitlement.

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But listen closely, Sis:

You’re not ungrateful for noticing disrespect.

Gratitude is powerful.

But it should never come at the cost of your dignity.

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Here are 3 ways to practice active gratitude with boundaries:

1. Be honest about the whole picture.

You can love parts of your job and still have your boundaries crossed. Allow yourself to see the whole truth.

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2. Don’t let appreciation keep you stuck.

Being appreciative for the opportunity doesn’t mean you’re obligated to tolerate mistreatment.
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3. Redefine loyalty.

Real loyalty starts with you. Be loyal to your growth, your peace, your purpose—even when it requires walking away from what you once prayed for.

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So let me ask you:

Have you ever let a little bit of “good” keep you in a job that was quietly breaking you?

Have you confused being thankful for having a job… with being required to stay no matter the cost?

Hit reply and let me know!

I’m guilty, so you defintely aren’t alone.
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You deserve a spaces and people that see you, honor you, and respect your boundaries.

Gratitude doesn’t mean you have to stay.

You can say “thank you”… and still say “I’m done.”

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With you always,

Nikia

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