We all have expectations, including our bosses. But where is the line between that expectation and the appreciation for what we achieve, or even go above and beyond for. How many of us have been approached, been asked to do a little extra or a favour? Stay late after work miss dinner with the family, or work through lunch, get the work done a little quicker as the deadline has moved. We agree as a favour, even though the pay is low and the working conditions are terrible, but human nature we do a favour a good deed and all that right? The appreciation is there, they cannot thank you enough. You have done it once, twice and then ten times. Then suddenly the thanks stops, the well you did it before why not now? Never let yourself say no, or god forbid you have made plans and this time you cannot stay to achieve that favour, suddenly it is not appreciation for what you have done, and how much you helped out! It is now an expectation, take on a bigger work load because of a few favours, but alas the pay, the working conditions and the horrible attitude from the uppers remains the same. How many of us have said, how is that person paid the same as me, with the low work ethic or the sheer laziness of their work attitude? The fact is that they have low expectations so go under the radar, the bosses know not to approach them, due to they do not produce product as good as the others. Whereas people who work hard and push for deadlines, quality of work as we take pride in what we do, become an expectation of that! so why appreciate what you expect to produce. Who else has had that mentality, I want to work hard push for promotion and pay rises, really prove myself take the next step and make a career for myself? Just to fail, does it matter how much you do or how good you are? if the face fits, or it does not. Suddenly you think why do I bother, and become distant and displaced from the environment and start looking for a new job. The damage though has already been done, mentally exhausted and physically drained. Is the next job going to get the best of you, or is it going to get a creation from the last company that wronged you? But it is always the workers fault, why can't you be a robot, why do you get sick that should not be allowed. Saying no that is a disciplinary, they don't care your gran died or you broke that leg, they will find another to replace you.   I started to learn that it is healthy to say no a few times, and not become the expectation. I remain a hard worker and will go above and beyond for anyone, but I do have my limitations now I will not be taken for a free ride. Set working boundaries, never cancel plans with family or friends because your boss is short staffed. time is very limited you can earn money, but you will never get that special occasion back. Never sell yourself short, be a good worker and attempt to benefit from the heights you are pushing for, but remember to have boundaries and set limitations and what you are willing to do. The time you get outside of work though use to rest, relax and spend time with the people you love. once that 5pm hit's work should be moved to the back of your mind. Who else has had similar working environments? What did you do to change that?