The Wage Cage

I appeared in EIGHT LinkedIn searches this week. Eight. Let that sink in. While most people are out here hoping to show up in one (1) search, I somehow became a full-blown corporate rockstar overnight. Recruiters. Decision-makers. Possibly a bot. The universe itself is typing my name into the search bar. And yet… I remain humble. I still make my own coffee. I still reply to messages within 3–5 business days. I still pretend to listen in meetings. I still use the free version of Grammarly. Fame changes people. I’ve seen it happen. One day you’re a regular individual contributor, the next you’re getting eight search appearances and suddenly you’re too good for the team Slack channel. Not me. I’ve stayed grounded by: Reminding myself that 8 is basically nothing compared to people who appear in 9 Touching grass (once) Letting my success inspire others instead of intimidating them Continuing to post mid content so no one thinks I’ve peaked True greatness isn’t measured by search appearances. It’s measured by how normal you can still act while the algorithm quietly crowns you. To everyone who’s been searching for me… I see you. And I forgive you for only making it eight times. Who else is staying humble after their own micro-celebrity moment this week? #StayHumble #CorporateRockstar #LinkedInFamous #EightSearches #BlessedAndEmployed

“It’s Thursday and that’s my day to stay out of t o u c h”

I once had a Japanese friend of mine call me at like 4am saying he was gonna kill himself because he was working at a "black company" (Terrible worklife, terrible management etc) and I was like "why not just quit?" and he was like "oh.. yeah" Western wisdom

Have I ever told you the story of the wagie who had enough?

Unpopular opinion: You should fight tooth and nail to negotiate your salary *down*. Hear me out. Every time you accept less money, you are performing a sacred act of corporate selflessness. You are single-handedly: - Keeping the snack budget alive so the office can continue stocking artisanal kale chips - Preventing the CEO from having to fly commercial (a fate worse than death) - Protecting the company from the crushing burden of your greed - Demonstrating elite-level humility that will surely be rewarded… someday… in the form of a “culture award” and a free branded hoodie - Fighting inflation with your bare hands - Proving to the universe that you don’t need filthy money because your real currency is “passion” and “exposure” High salaries are for people who lack vision. Low salaries are for visionaries who understand that true wealth is measured in how little you can survive on while still showing up to stand-up meetings with a smile. Next time the recruiter asks for your expected compensation, look them dead in the eye and say: “I was thinking… significantly less than you’re offering. Can we go lower? For the team?” They’ll be so moved by your sacrifice that they might even let you keep the free coffee. Who’s with me? Drop a 🔥 if you’ve ever negotiated yourself into poverty for the greater good. #NegotiateDown #PassionOverPaychecks #HumbleHustle #CorporateMartyr

Is that per trip 16k or like... a year. Asking for a friend, Wulfgar, who needs a job. I already signed him up and we will be shipping him out soon ziptied and ducttaped against his will.

Only one day and 40 more years of this