I’m in my second job ever out of college. My first was a horrible experience due to a horrible manager and micro aggressions. I was put on a PIP, discriminated against while being a token all at once. I managed to get my self a pay raise and title jump at my current job, but 5 months in and I had to go to HR today because I’ve come across another manager who purposely excludes me and assumes I’m incompetent. Mind you. I’m the only black person in my department. Everything you said resonated so hard.
As a white person I can relate. Worked in the tech industry as a software / platform engineer for 18 years now. There are a few people at work I can relate to but for the most part I keep my distance. I hate small talk, I hate formality, I hate office politics (or politics in general). As someone who lives an alternative lifestyle, I don't fit in culturally with most people. I just keep my head down and do my job.
Being a black man in tech majority of my jobs were around old white men. I’m lucky that this recent job I’m at has majority black folk at the top and I’m getting paid decently. It’s a rare experience so I’m going to stay a bit longer because I know once I continue to rise it’ll be hard to handle being the only black man.
The worst part is that at times they expect you to have extreme reverence for the firm, as if to say you are so lucky to be there. It doesn’t make sense because you worked to be in that position, so why should you have to show fake enthusiasm. “Yes boss I’m so keen to print this email!” The games and the politics are both mind boggling. Good luck though. Stay focused.
As a young 20yr old black man currently about to major in a finance, I always question if the corporate life will drain my soul fr. Especially as I am trying to enter the consulting industry 😅
It will if you let it. I'm around your age (20 - 29) and while I acknowledge that double-consciousness does play a big role in draining you it doesn't have to be that way. You must try your hardest to be yourself at all times NO MATTER THE COST (opportunities, "network", etc.). What it can look like is speaking in your normal voice, reacting how you normally react (ofc to a degree), and other things. I myself am trying to do it and it is hard, prolly will be the same for you BUT it will help! Another thing, whenever you interview always ask for a tour of the facility and pay extra extra attention to the skin color(s) in the rooms and what position you can glean they might have. To take it a step further you can ask for the other mangers to be pointed out or meet with them so you can see their color as well.
Speaking facts! Thank you for the heads up and insight. I’m almost done with college and I have the same mindset. Once I get into the corporate field I plan to just stack bread then do my own thing.
Unfortunately we have to play the game. I have a very similar story, stay strong were all going through it. “You have to learn to move in a room full of vultures”
Thanks for making this video bro. I feel the exact same way. I’ve been persecuted for being quiet on the job. I’ve also been the only African-American male (Africans don’t count, lol) in jobs I’ve held recently, and so much more you said I can related to. I only do this for my black family (my wife and four kids) but I want no parts of it! I would much rather start my own business but I’m trying to figure it out before I have a mental breakdown. Thanks again for creating this video and speaking up.
I worked in corporate logistics for almost 10 years and last year I had enough and left. The stress was literally killing me. My workload kept growing and I would have to beg for help. I now have my CDL and I'm making more part-time than I did working full-time in corporate. Im not burned out and I have my sanity and freedom back. Blue-collar is where its at. And I just turned 32 so dont feel like its too late. I will never stay where I'm dont feel respected and safe.
we have to set an example though. I am in the civil engineering consulting industry and currently the only black engineer in our office. It is definitely weird but at the end of the day, we are letting those companies know that black people can perform in-office roles too. Hopefully, we will have more black people in those roles in the future too.
Trust me. They know we can perform. They know the lazy from the hard hustlers, it's why they hire you in the first place. But then things change and fast. Not all places are like this, but a vast majority yes. I thought like you. If we can function and apply knowledgeable skills at the job, we can set an example for those who are afraid to navigate the corporate world. But over time, I saw that it wasn't true. It's like a Chinese man that works for a soul food kitchen. They wont treat him like one of theirs no matter how good he cooks, or how polite he may be. They wont allow him much of an identity. Seen it happen too many times man. I understand you too tho fr.
Definitely an interesting perspective. So, do you have any advice about how more black people, men especially, can not only exist in these environments, but thrive and win? Does it really matter what "you" like and find comfortable? You're a part of something bigger than yourself. Everyone in the office is sacrificing aspects of their individuality in order to be there. You mentioned being treated as an "equal." Equal to whom? Btw, have you had a chance to reach out to the landscaper or anyone on the warehouse team about moving into a corporate role? Volunteered to mentor them and get them to where you are? Lastly, like, do you have a decent professional social circle outside of work? If so, how did you cultivate that?
Man I go through this everyday and I have lost my cool a couple of times at the job and it’s cost me.. and special being a black welder but I does get annoying at time specially bc I’m only 21 years old and I don’t have a criminal background or anything and I done everything right but that the world we live in as black folks
@@dmiller6134He is. Why mention how tough business is when that's a given ? Because it's tough, you just not pursue business ? This guy is making good money, and is grateful. But at the same time wants to produce income for himself, like most people. Why highlight how tough it is ? Business is very much tough and will weed the weak and lazy out naturally. Give him tips instead of shooting shit down
@@RalphEllisonX It means that it's not built for smart, educated, productive, law-abiding black men with good stability. The so called "black community" was built off of being in dysfunctional broken homes. Most other races and even black people do not know and understand what an normal black man looks like in society because they are brainwashed by what they ONLY see us on mainstream, music and even through observation on the streets. Especially if you came out of the womb during the baby boomer, Gen X and millennial generation era and you've been taught ur whole life on how black people's minds operate through all that, that's how they gonna see us ALL by default when you first step foot into Corporate America. Everybody wants to see ALL black men to become actors, entertainers, the life of the party, buck dancing monkeys 24/7 inside any warehouse or corporation you go...really because most of em are bored and miserable as fk and wants us to distract em temporary from the real problems they have at home and if you refuse to do ANY of that and would rather stay to yourself instead, you will become Public Enemy #1 and they will try to either make you quit or get you fired real quick because "You Don't Fit In". They will even go above and beyond by trying to pick a fight with you even if u didn't do anything to them. The black male image has been completely permanently tarnished possibly forever and this is why a lot of black men do not like working in Corporate America and would rather go into business for themselves.
@@RalphEllisonXIt means what it says. It's an unfair game a lot of the time, and it's not just black men. I've seen it done against Viets, Mexicans, and even an Irish guy with an accent. If in corporate you don't fit with their whole shtick, they'll definitely isolate you. You won't receive as much or as good of an education on moving up at all. Not unless you eat a lil meat, and play the oreo cookie. And even then they still may not value you. You can be well spoken, well groomed, well educated, have great knowledge of the job's functions, have great relationships with multiple departments, be trustworthy, be reliable, and possessing various skills. Guess what ? Theyll give you more work. They don't see you as one of them. You don't speak their language, you don't fit with their culture, you're an outsider that got a lucky opportunity to work and be paid such good money. How I know ?? Former and current leadership figure heads actually educating me on how corporate functions. And by hard hard experience.
I don't care who at the top racism don't bother me because I can care less who like me I would treat them like they treat me I'm the master it don't bother color racism
Spot On! I experienced everything you’re saying first hand. Black Women Pioneers: Dr. Brenda Jones - In Plain Sight- Episode 1 th-cam.com/video/aWxccCoZ_e4/w-d-xo.html
I’m in my second job ever out of college. My first was a horrible experience due to a horrible manager and micro aggressions. I was put on a PIP, discriminated against while being a token all at once. I managed to get my self a pay raise and title jump at my current job, but 5 months in and I had to go to HR today because I’ve come across another manager who purposely excludes me and assumes I’m incompetent. Mind you. I’m the only black person in my department. Everything you said resonated so hard.
As a white person I can relate. Worked in the tech industry as a software / platform engineer for 18 years now. There are a few people at work I can relate to but for the most part I keep my distance. I hate small talk, I hate formality, I hate office politics (or politics in general). As someone who lives an alternative lifestyle, I don't fit in culturally with most people. I just keep my head down and do my job.
Thanks
You don't have too go through nothing because you're white
Being a black man in tech majority of my jobs were around old white men. I’m lucky that this recent job I’m at has majority black folk at the top and I’m getting paid decently. It’s a rare experience so I’m going to stay a bit longer because I know once I continue to rise it’ll be hard to handle being the only black man.
The worst part is that at times they expect you to have extreme reverence for the firm, as if to say you are so lucky to be there. It doesn’t make sense because you worked to be in that position, so why should you have to show fake enthusiasm. “Yes boss I’m so keen to print this email!” The games and the politics are both mind boggling. Good luck though. Stay focused.
As a young 20yr old black man currently about to major in a finance, I always question if the corporate life will drain my soul fr. Especially as I am trying to enter the consulting industry 😅
It will if you let it. I'm around your age (20 - 29) and while I acknowledge that double-consciousness does play a big role in draining you it doesn't have to be that way. You must try your hardest to be yourself at all times NO MATTER THE COST (opportunities, "network", etc.). What it can look like is speaking in your normal voice, reacting how you normally react (ofc to a degree), and other things. I myself am trying to do it and it is hard, prolly will be the same for you BUT it will help! Another thing, whenever you interview always ask for a tour of the facility and pay extra extra attention to the skin color(s) in the rooms and what position you can glean they might have. To take it a step further you can ask for the other mangers to be pointed out or meet with them so you can see their color as well.
Speaking facts! Thank you for the heads up and insight. I’m almost done with college and I have the same mindset. Once I get into the corporate field I plan to just stack bread then do my own thing.
Unfortunately we have to play the game. I have a very similar story, stay strong were all going through it. “You have to learn to move in a room full of vultures”
Thanks for making this video bro. I feel the exact same way. I’ve been persecuted for being quiet on the job. I’ve also been the only African-American male (Africans don’t count, lol) in jobs I’ve held recently, and so much more you said I can related to. I only do this for my black family (my wife and four kids) but I want no parts of it! I would much rather start my own business but I’m trying to figure it out before I have a mental breakdown. Thanks again for creating this video and speaking up.
I worked in corporate logistics for almost 10 years and last year I had enough and left. The stress was literally killing me. My workload kept growing and I would have to beg for help. I now have my CDL and I'm making more part-time than I did working full-time in corporate. Im not burned out and I have my sanity and freedom back. Blue-collar is where its at. And I just turned 32 so dont feel like its too late. I will never stay where I'm dont feel respected and safe.
we have to set an example though. I am in the civil engineering consulting industry and currently the only black engineer in our office. It is definitely weird but at the end of the day, we are letting those companies know that black people can perform in-office roles too. Hopefully, we will have more black people in those roles in the future too.
Trust me. They know we can perform. They know the lazy from the hard hustlers, it's why they hire you in the first place. But then things change and fast. Not all places are like this, but a vast majority yes. I thought like you. If we can function and apply knowledgeable skills at the job, we can set an example for those who are afraid to navigate the corporate world. But over time, I saw that it wasn't true. It's like a Chinese man that works for a soul food kitchen. They wont treat him like one of theirs no matter how good he cooks, or how polite he may be. They wont allow him much of an identity. Seen it happen too many times man. I understand you too tho fr.
Its crazy and hard to explain but i understand completely. We have to wear a mask. No debating.
Definitely an interesting perspective. So, do you have any advice about how more black people, men especially, can not only exist in these environments, but thrive and win?
Does it really matter what "you" like and find comfortable? You're a part of something bigger than yourself. Everyone in the office is sacrificing aspects of their individuality in order to be there.
You mentioned being treated as an "equal." Equal to whom?
Btw, have you had a chance to reach out to the landscaper or anyone on the warehouse team about moving into a corporate role? Volunteered to mentor them and get them to where you are?
Lastly, like, do you have a decent professional social circle outside of work? If so, how did you cultivate that?
I would be nervous putting this on TH-cam . Someone from job might see
@@xavierwilliams2228 can’t be scared to speak the truth
Man I go through this everyday and I have lost my cool a couple of times at the job and it’s cost me.. and special being a black welder but I does get annoying at time specially bc I’m only 21 years old and I don’t have a criminal background or anything and I done everything right but that the world we live in as black folks
Mann the higher ups are probably looking at this
Dudes be saying that, "when I own my own business" until they get there and realize, "oh shit."
@@RalphEllisonX yeah “oh shit” I should’ve done this years ago. It’s all about perspective my guy, that hater mindset will get you nowhere
@@oheyzayhe aint hating he is saying having a business is super tough
@@dmiller6134He is. Why mention how tough business is when that's a given ? Because it's tough, you just not pursue business ? This guy is making good money, and is grateful. But at the same time wants to produce income for himself, like most people. Why highlight how tough it is ? Business is very much tough and will weed the weak and lazy out naturally. Give him tips instead of shooting shit down
Even in da UK bro
Corporate America is not for real Black Men 😂😂😂😂
What does this even mean?
@@RalphEllisonX It means that it's not built for smart, educated, productive, law-abiding black men with good stability. The so called "black community" was built off of being in dysfunctional broken homes. Most other races and even black people do not know and understand what an normal black man looks like in society because they are brainwashed by what they ONLY see us on mainstream, music and even through observation on the streets. Especially if you came out of the womb during the baby boomer, Gen X and millennial generation era and you've been taught ur whole life on how black people's minds operate through all that, that's how they gonna see us ALL by default when you first step foot into Corporate America.
Everybody wants to see ALL black men to become actors, entertainers, the life of the party, buck dancing monkeys 24/7 inside any warehouse or corporation you go...really because most of em are bored and miserable as fk and wants us to distract em temporary from the real problems they have at home and if you refuse to do ANY of that and would rather stay to yourself instead, you will become Public Enemy #1 and they will try to either make you quit or get you fired real quick because "You Don't Fit In". They will even go above and beyond by trying to pick a fight with you even if u didn't do anything to them. The black male image has been completely permanently tarnished possibly forever and this is why a lot of black men do not like working in Corporate America and would rather go into business for themselves.
@@RalphEllisonXIt means what it says. It's an unfair game a lot of the time, and it's not just black men. I've seen it done against Viets, Mexicans, and even an Irish guy with an accent. If in corporate you don't fit with their whole shtick, they'll definitely isolate you. You won't receive as much or as good of an education on moving up at all. Not unless you eat a lil meat, and play the oreo cookie. And even then they still may not value you.
You can be well spoken, well groomed, well educated, have great knowledge of the job's functions, have great relationships with multiple departments, be trustworthy, be reliable, and possessing various skills. Guess what ? Theyll give you more work. They don't see you as one of them. You don't speak their language, you don't fit with their culture, you're an outsider that got a lucky opportunity to work and be paid such good money.
How I know ??
Former and current leadership figure heads actually educating me on how corporate functions. And by hard hard experience.
so its for fake ones?
Stay out of the way (and they will still talk ish about you anyway). There are plenty of people can relate to this stuff.
You have to fight back with a nationality card and then you can suit them in court for discrimination don't be afraid so what they mad
Go tell a white man on a white man. I worked for the courts and that rarely works
I don't care who at the top racism don't bother me because I can care less who like me I would treat them like they treat me I'm the master it don't bother color racism
You are right
Spot On! I experienced everything you’re saying first hand.
Black Women Pioneers: Dr. Brenda Jones - In Plain Sight- Episode 1
th-cam.com/video/aWxccCoZ_e4/w-d-xo.html