After months of searching, he got a job. It was a dream come true. Elated, he resumed work, grateful for the opportunity to wriggle out of the poverty that had all but consumed his household. Fast-forward six months; he has become the most disgruntled staff on the company’s payroll.

This is how it happened:

He was doing okay on the job. He met his deadlines and performed above expectations more often than not. Within a month a colleague of his resigned. Her responsibilities were added to his plate. He didn’t complain. A few months after that, his business unit head resigned and another was recruited to take his place. Being the most efficient around, he was expected take his superior through his paces. The superior became so comfortable with the arrangement; he left the more tasking responsibilities to his very capable subordinate.

Meanwhile, Mr. Efficient is overwhelmed and things begin to slip through the cracks. He gets more conks on the head than pats on the back. He leaves the office late and resumes early, all in a bid to meet up with deadlines. The pressure takes a toll on his morale, his health and his relationships. Then the realization that he’s handling enough work to keep three people busy hit him. He believes he deserves more; more pay for being so overworked and combining so many responsibilities, more appreciation. He doesn’t say it however. He doesn’t say it.

Expectations not clearly stated or expressed cannot be met. No one is psychic. Your insensitive employer may be self-absorbed, inefficient or just plain overwhelmed and genuinely forget your confirmation letter was due 1 year ago.

The only way to get what you want is to ask for it. Build your case and take it to the person who has the power to make it happen. If you feel you deserve more, ask for it. If you feel you can’t take anymore, say so. If you’re upset about something, let the offender know. Assuming anything about anyone is too dangerous for your peace of mind and blood pressure.

Assuming bestows common sense on others. It believes the other person ‘should know’. But life has taught me otherwise. The guy stooling by the roadside may be unaware his act is an environmental hazard. It may be the only way he knows to do it. Expecting him to know better is tying your happiness to another person’s ability to do the right thing.

Leave nothing to chance in your bid to get what you want. Ask! If you don’t get what you want, rest assured of the fact that no one dies from being told no…

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This post is published with permission from Naomi Lucas