If you’ve ever been at a job you felt mistreated or underpaid you in any way, you’ve likely had fantasies wherein you take a stand, talk back to your boss , make sure they know your true worth before storming out!
One man decided to take that opportunity while at a performance review for his position. When they ask him why his performance has gone down, he sure does tell ’em.
RELATED STORIES
A TikTok that’s gone viral this past week shows a man sticking up to his boss regarding pay and performance.
A video uploaded by user @krisdrinkslemonade that now sports over 12 million views and over 2 million likes shows the moments where he stands up for himself while on a call with his boss.
It begins with him setting up his camera, nervousness evident in his face.
We then hear his boss’ voice come through the video call.
“Mainly I want to discuss the difference in your performance between last year and 2020,” she says, “You were the top-rated employee in 2020, but it doesn’t feel like you’ve been nearly as present or focussed since then. What’s changed?”
As she speaks, Kris is clearly gassing himself up to deliver response.
As soon as his boss finishes the question, he launches into his answer.
“Well yes, 2020 was the second year in a row I didn’t get a raise even though I was the top employee.
“When I asked why I couldn’t get a raise, you said it was because my position – no, my pay was a ‘fair market value for my position’.”
He reveals that it’s even worse than simply not getting a raise.
“And when I asked where my pay falls on the pay grade scale, you said it was ‘below the median’, so below the average of what I could make in my position. So, at that point, I just decided I’m going to become a fair market value employee and put in a below-average amount of effort because that’s what I feel like you pay me to do.
“You’ve created an environment where there’s no incentive for me to work hard. So I don’t.”
He’s met with silence.
It’s a powerful statement, one that had his boss at a loss for words. The video does cut before she can respond, which had viewers begging for a follow-up.
The caption of the original video read, “I have 9 weeks left at this job so.” This is relevant.
In his sequel, Kris makes it clear that he actually loves his boss.
She had no direct influence on how much he was paid, but just had to get his ‘pent up’ feelings out that he’d been holding onto since he was told he was paid a ‘fair market value salary’.
He also revealed that both he and his boss were being laid off, which is why he only has 9 weeks left. What she said after the video cut off was, “Can you please just do your job for the rest of the time that you’re here, because we’re only here for a few more weeks.”
Kris was praised for his confidence while his company, like many others, was disparaged.
“And that’s on knowing your worth! Love love love to see this!” Wrote one encouraging commenter.
“Funny how employers always have an excuse for below [average] wages, but accept no excuses for below [average] work,” said another.
And in repeating Kris’ well-said declaration, one comment read, “Again in case she didn’t hear it the first time, NO INCENTIVE TO WORK HARD. [Get] it!”
h/t: Lad Bible
