I want to share two scenarios with two different LVM at my workplace, and then discuss how I employed FDS strategies in my work-life to level up mentally and professionally.

I have a Masters, Bachelors degree etc and I have been working in my field for 6 years. It's an incredibly competitive line of work. At the start of the year I took a position at a new site. Like all new employees I negotiated the social and cultural complexities of a new environment as best as I could. I didn't want to rock the boat. During my time I encountered two LVMs in particular, who are the focus of this discussion. One was my line manager, and the other was a same level employee.

Previously there have been instances at work where my line manager took credit for my ideas and hard work, and then physically presented it as his own to head office and other staff. My response previously was to complain about it to other staff and then send him an email, where he refused to acknowledge what he did and give me any recognition. Head Office gushed about it and I moved on. Well yesterday he pulled the same trick. Only this time I called him out on it in front of other staff in an innocent way, and he blushed and admitted to stealing my ideas "because they are so good". I overheard him excitedly telling a colleague about my newest idea (his idea) and how he was going straight to Head Office. This morning I sent a well articulated and excited email to Head Office about my idea and something along the lines of "I wanted to make sure my line manager shared it with you". Boom. Take that, you little weasel.

The other win for me in the workplace, is with another LVM who throughout my time there has made inappropriate compliments about my appearance which undermined me professionally. Yesterday he did it again, and I finally put him back in his little box and said if he ever does it again I'm reporting him. He tried to gaslight me and act innocent but I was not overreacting. I'm not letting someone do that to me and belittle my professionalism with over the top comments on my appearance.

All boundaries in our dating life, need to cross over into work. Don't let anyone walk over you, but build yourself up. You don't need to step on others to get anywhere, you need integrity, a good work ethic and don't ever put up with workplace bullshit. Surround yourself with strong women at work with the same values and support each other.