Day one, thought I found my lane,
Big goals, sharp mind, corporate chain
But under the gloss was a rusted frame,
Where talent’s wasted and they play the game.
They smiled real wide while the ship was sinkin’,
PTO vanishes while they champagne drinkin’.
Gave ‘em strategy, hustle, heart on the keys,
But they’d rather promote folks sayin’ “yes” with ease.
It’s smoke and mirrors, a maze of fluff,
Fake flexibility, policies tough.
You raise your hand? They shut you down.
But stay quiet? You drown in the background sound.
“Be visible.” “Be kind.” “Be a team.”
But don’t outshine or they’ll clip your wings.
Good people leave, the rest pretend,
Just smilin’ through it till the bitter end.
Behind the glass walls, the truth don’t speak,
Just metrics, optics, profits, leaks.
They flex for clients, dismiss the crew,
But the ones who build? They’re broke, burnt out too.
I gave my all but I’m takin’ it back,
They ain’t breakin’ me down, I’m done with the act.
No more smoke, no more shame
I’m leavin' with my name.
I sat in rooms where nothin' made sense,
Where buzzwords fly like they’re self-defense.
“Agile,” “alignment,” “circling back,”
Translation: no plan, just covering tracks.
Emails spinning like five full-time jobs,
While hallway talk becomes a fog.
Leaders love credit like midday treats,
But vanish when the deadlines aren't beat.
I watched folks go during silent storms,
Then heard the words: “we’re just growing.”
“Restructure,” “realign,” “culture shift,”
Just code for you’re next that’s the grift.
Tried to care, tried to grow, tried to lead
But you can’t build vision in a room full of greed.
So I took my power, logged that pain,
And turned that poison into flame.
They’ll say “it’s just work” when things go cold,
But it’s more than a job when it wears down your soul.
You cry in the car, they count their wins,
And wonder why nobody ever stays in.
I left the maze. I burned the map.
Saved my soul and that’s a wrap.
Glass walls crack when truth gets loud.
I ain’t quiet now.
If you have ANY other options - go with that. Heck even if you don't, just don't sign that offer. Do yourself a favor, keep looking!
