The hustles of work as told by Ivy D. Kunihira. Story 1

She walked in and everyone stared. Her clothes were crisp and fresh. She smelt like the morning dew with a mixture of heavenly glory. The face was as smooth as silk or at least the make-up made it appear that way. Her strides were commanding and firm just like her handshake. And once in her office, the invisible “do not approach” sign was up. As she sat down at her desk, a hush fell over the room. The hum of the office machines and the chatter of the coworkers died down, and everyone's eyes were fixed on her. It was as if she had cast a spell of silence and attention. From a far there was envy or was it fear towards her! Maybe a mixture of both. Her presence was overpowering, her aura was captivating, her posture was intimidating. Everyone knew she had just arrived at the office. And everyone knew she was in charge. She was the CEO.

Then in came the most enthusiastic, high spirited and always smiling newest hire Olive on a bright Monday morning. As Olive began her new role, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervous energy. She had always been a go-getter, and this new opportunity was the perfect chance to prove herself and today she began her journey to greatness or was it so! Induction was done and she met the CEO. “Hmmm what an elegant lady. It is great having more ladies take up leadership positions. I believe I will excel in a place where female leadership is encouraged” she thought to herself. Olive was starting her journey as the Executive Assistant to the CEO.

But little did she know, this was only the beginning of a journey that would test the very fabric of her being. It was a journey that would push her to the limits of her sanity, a journey that would make her question every decision she had ever made. This was to be a journey of many late work nights, one where weekends were long forgotten, a time where her family barely saw her, a daily screaming and shouting expedition, a no-privacy-for-her period, a time of endless toilet crying breaks, a chronic fatigue season,? a life surrounded by great fear and dread and the time when she daily regretted ever joining the company. Mental health was a thing long forgotten.

Olive contemplated leaving the company daily, she woke up every morning and what engulfed her was exhaustion mixed with anxiety and fear. The weight of her daily routine was crushing her, suffocating her. The once-vibrant spark within her had been extinguished, leaving behind a dull ember of despair. All that kept her going was the salary at the end of the month. And seated on her bed that morning, reflecting on her miserable work life and no personal life she decided to resign for the 100th time since she joined the company.

When Olive got to work, she quickly penned down the resignation letter. “Tulu Tulu” was the sound from her phone. “Dear Olive, you are reminded that your monthly loan repayment is overdue. You are encouraged to speak to your accounts manager to ensure the loan is paid timely”. As she sat at her desk, staring blankly at her resignation letter, she couldn't help but wonder how she had gotten into this predicament. She had always been responsible with her finances, but life had a way of throwing unexpected curveballs. That was how Olive’s 101st resignation attempt was shelved.