KNOW YOUR WORTH

Sometimes you ask yourself, "If it were someone else, would they have done the same thing that they did to me?" Sometimes you come to the realization that you pose that question to yourself WAY too often.
It's true. You teach people how to treat you. Even if the infamous "THEY" KNOW to do better, if "THEY" get no incentive from you to behave properly, fairly, reasonably, or differently, WHAT, other than their OWN sense of right and wrong, will motivate them? Do you have time or reserve resources enough to wait for others to do the right thing?
When you don't speak up, don't value what you do, aren't sure of, or don't understand your reasonable worth, or live life dreamily hoping that people will miraculously do right by you personally and professionally, you may find yourself disappointed, disillusioned, and shortchanged quite a bit. Fortunately, a wise person of integrity will/can surely help you to change your view and put you on the road to honoring yourself, your time and effort. That wise person will undoubtedly be someone who has walked quite a few miles in your shoes. They have memories of being repeatedly disrespected, delivering goods and services but leaving empty- handed, listening to sob stories, and dealing with other instances where the end result was them feeling foolish--and in the red.
Respect doesn't have to be forced, but it is given--even reluctantly-- to those for whom it is a non-negotiable requirement.
When you finally see the light, you may realize that you have probably been:
1. Too nice
2. Gullible
3. Fearful of rejection
4. Insecure
5. Confusing humility with a sense of charity
6. Just plain fearful.
You'll find that a change is necessary when you wake up and realize that the biggest sucker you know is you. Some people won't like the change, but will soon find some other unsuspecting, trusting individual(s) of whom to take advantage. Ignore any manipulative tactics and words intended to keep you in a position to be misused.
Speak up. Know your worth. Ask for what you want, not because you're an, arrogant jerk, but because you have a healthy sense of self. At least one of the people who should benefit from your labor is YOU.