💼 Know Your Worth: Why Labourers Deserve More Respect and Better Pay

Published: July 2025
By: Jessica Ayyoub, True Solutions Coaching

Too often, people in physical labor jobs—cleaners, movers, painters, handymen, landscapers—are overlooked. They’re treated like they’re replaceable. And because many work without contracts or union support, they’re left vulnerable to exploitation, manipulation, and emotional burnout.

I know this firsthand. I’ve lived it. And that’s why I created this article: to help you realize that you are not alone, and your work deserves more recognition, protection, and pride.

🚧 The Real Cost of Being Taken for Granted

When you're constantly underpaid, overworked, and disrespected, it takes a toll—not just physically, but emotionally. Many laborers begin to question their value. They accept poor treatment because they feel like it’s “just the job.”

But your work is the backbone of homes, businesses, and communities. Without you, nothing runs.

So let’s stop normalizing mistreatment and start creating standards that work for you.

✊ You Deserve:

• A written agreement before you start

• Clear expectations about hours and duties

• Respect for your time and health

• The ability to say “no” without fear of being replaced

💬 Real Talk: Why It’s Hard to Speak Up

Many laborers—especially women, immigrants, or those working in private homes—fear losing work if they speak up. They’ve been taught to be grateful for anything they get. But gratitude should never replace fairness.

If you’ve ever:

• Stayed silent when a client asked you to do more than agreed…

• Felt uncomfortable but unsure how to speak up…

• Wondered if you were being “too sensitive” or “too demanding”…

Then this is for you.

🔧 Tools for Change

You don’t have to walk away from the industry. You just need tools to navigate it better:

✅ Scripts to ask for what you deserve
✅ Boundary-setting tips to stay safe and sane
✅ Confidence-building so you don’t shrink yourself to keep work
✅ Emotional support so you’re not carrying your stress alone

📚 What’s Next?

This blog is part of a monthly series built just for laborers like you. We’ll be covering:

• How to raise your rates without guilt

• How to protect yourself legally and emotionally

• How to turn your labor work into something you’re proud of

• How to spot toxic clients before they drain you

🧭 Ready to Take Back Control?

Sign up to get these blogs straight to your inbox. You deserve more, and it starts with education, support, and a community that gets it.