The Unfair Dual Standards in Workplaces: Reflections from a Former Assistant Professor and a Software Trainee

Reflecting on my career, two specific instances stand out as massive injustices that exemplify the unfair standards often encountered in workplaces. The first is my experience as an assistant professor in college, where senior lecturers enjoyed privileges that denied me and my fellow junior faculties opportunities for growth. The second is my experience as a software trainee at a multinational company, where I faced gender and cultural biases leading to unequal opportunities.

Unfair Treatment as an Assistant Professor

As an assistant professor at an upwardly mobile college, I encountered a stark discriminatory pattern that marginalized junior faculties. Senior lecturers consistently took on the easiest and most popular courses, while the most challenging and less attractive subjects were assigned to junior lecturers. Additionally, senior staff were given extra responsibilities and benefits, leaving junior faculties without significant recognition or support. This toxic environment severely impacted my career growth and daily work experience.

Gender and Cultural Bias in the Workplace

My second experience was during my first job at a multinational company in a different location. The initial weeks of training were tailored to meet the demands of the organization. However, this quickly changed as the company's internal dynamics played out. After the myriad of training, I and my male colleague were unexpectedly released from project assignments, while the female members continued their involvement. We were left in limbo without access to vital resources to continue learning and developing our skills.

Unfavorable Project Assignments

Project assignments were often given purely based on gender and cultural preferences. My friend and I both faced similar challenges. When my friend inquired about an opportunity, he was told that no one was free and even suggested bringing on a non-SAP person. Disappointed, my friend found me to ask if I was available and miraculously managed to secure a project assignment. This stark pattern of favoritism fueled my determination to challenge these biases and advocate for a merit-based workplace.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

These two experiences taught me valuable lessons about workplace equality and the importance of standing up for what is just. Today, I am committed to fighting against unfair treatment in the workplace, ensuring that everyone is judged based on their merit, not on external factors such as language, gender, or cultural background.

Conclusion: The unfair standards in workplaces must be addressed to create a more inclusive and equitable environment. Whether in academia or the corporate world, we must strive to ensure that every individual is given equal opportunities to grow and achieve their full potential. By advocating for meritocracy, we can foster a culture of fairness and respect that benefits everyone.