Why I could have kept on complaining but chose not to

I’ve seen a lot of online ESL teachers/tutors complain about their ESL companies and students and I bet, you too! You may be even one of those who complain a lot online. Low pay, high deductions, delayed salary, rude and demanding students, poor tutor support, unfair evaluations, inconsiderate and unreasonable penalties, and the list goes on. And yes, your complaints are all valid and understandable. I have complained about a few things as well, but never did I do it online, not even in secret groups exclusively for tutors in the company I worked for. Instead, I professionally expressed and directed my complaints to the people concerned.
In public and private groups, I did the absolute opposite. I posted encouraging and positive posts. But only very few appreciated and found value in them. A lot started arguing with me, sending me private messages to express their disapproval of my posts, calling me inconsiderate for not acknowledging their complaints, etc..
It was surprising to get such feedback. Who would have thought optimism could be so offensive? And for a while, I wondered but, I was quick to realize that just as when your eyes get hurt and you get irritated when you’re suddenly awakened by light, people blanketed in pessimism react just the same to optimism. They’d rather stay asleep in the dark and be cozy with all the other people who comfort them with similar complaints than wake up and grab the opportunities being lit up for them to see.
I remember being told I didn’t know what I was talking about because perhaps, I didn’t experience the same and perhaps, I was a newbie in the industry. Another speculation was that, I was part of the company’s management and that’s why, I was defending the company. Hahah! Really, I could only laugh but at the same time, I felt pity for them.
I decided to stop wasting my energy sharing best practices and spreading optimism in that group so as not to offend anyone anymore. Besides, a better use of my time was in improving myself and taking advantage of all the things they complained about. I could have complained and blamed my students, the staff, the tutor support, my ISP, the weather, the CEO of the company, etc., but I chose to stand and deal.
Of all the negative reactions there are, complaining and blaming others are probably two of the most dangerous ones because if you complain and “blame others you give up the power to change yourself.” I could have complained. It was reasonable to do so. Many people would have definitely agreed and shared the same sentiments, would have comforted me with all those likes and hearts of Facebook and I would definitely have felt better after complaining and blaming. But, that’s exactly why I didn’t and I’m very glad I didn’t give in to that kind comfort.
It takes a lot of hard work, responsibility, and discomfort to go out and teach on your own, to go claim that rightful pay, and to finally be truly the boss of your own. Unless and until you choose to take on that responsibility, the changes you want to happen in your life will always be at the mercy or under the control of others. Your life can only change to the degree that you accept responsibility for it.
So be in charge of and take initiative for yourself and don’t give up your power and control over what you are able to change.
Now go do yourself a favor and make this your first change : Stop complaining.
Cheers! 😉
P.S.
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