They didn’t teach you this, but I will

Read time: 4 mins

A lot of workplace advice assumes you already know the game.

The small talk.
The power dynamics.
The way some people rely on confidence instead of competence.

If you didn’t grow up around people who navigated corporate spaces, you might wonder:

I’ve asked all those questions.

Because like many of you, I came into these spaces without a playbook.
And I had to figure out how to do the job without losing who I was in the process.

So in this second edition, I want to share two more truths I’ve learned about navigating the workplace when you come from the outside in:

1. There is a game. Learn it, but don’t mistake it for the job.
You’ll meet people who are incredible at managing up.
They know how to talk in meetings. They copy the confidence of those in power.

It’s easy to feel behind when you’re still catching up on the unspoken rules.

But don’t confuse being seen with being skilled.

Learn the patterns. Watch what’s rewarded. But never lose sight of what makes you valuable. Your thinking, your resilience, your unique approach.

2. Protect your energy. No one else will.
When you’re one of the few or the only, you carry extra weight.

Explaining yourself. Proving yourself. Navigating microaggressions that others don’t even notice.

That’s real.

And it’s why boundaries matter.

You don’t have to say yes to every coffee chat.
You’re allowed to log off without guilt.
And no, you don’t owe anyone your entire backstory just to “make them comfortable.”

Your energy is your asset. Spend it wisely.

You don’t have to become someone else to succeed at work.

You don’t need the perfect background, the polished accent, or the “right” network.

You just need tools. Practice. And a community that gets it.

🟩 If this helped, pass it on to someone who’s learning how to play the game, too.
🟩 Have your own rule to share? Reply back, I’d love to hear it.

– Mawuena