Hey everyone, Harper here. I’ve been meaning to share this wild story for a while now, and I finally found the time to sit down and write it out. Buckle up, because this is a rollercoaster involving politics, some seriously messed-up situations, and a lot of “what the heck just happened” moments. I’m still processing it all, to be honest.
So, here’s the deal: I used to think I was pretty good at my job, but I never thought I was that good. I mean, I’ve been working hard, sure, but I didn’t expect to get so caught up in this whirlwind of drama. For context, I’m a staff member for Mr. R (not gonna drop his full name for obvious reasons), and let me tell you, things got intense. There were moments when I was so stressed I couldn’t even hear myself think—I felt my heart racing like I’d just run a marathon.
I genuinely thought I was on the verge of a breakdown. I mean, I was this close to losing it. But somehow, I pulled through. I guess I’m tougher than I thought, because I managed to keep it together even when everything around me was falling apart.
Here’s where things get even crazier. After a short break, I came back to work, and let me tell you, it was like stepping into a warzone. The fast-paced chaos, the constant noise—it was overwhelming. I kept trying to stay focused, but it felt like I was barely keeping my head above water. I mean, I was this close to losing it again. I kept thinking, “I can’t wait to get out of here and just… breathe.” I was always taught to push through, to keep going no matter what, but this? This was next-level.
A lot of people have been saying I don’t have what it takes to make it in politics. They think I can’t handle the pressure, that I don’t belong in this world. And yeah, I get it—I’m not exactly the most experienced person in the room. I’ve only been working in the Minister’s office for a short time, trying to prove myself while also juggling my studies (I’m aiming for a CV-worthy degree from a top university, by the way). But come on, give me a break! I’m doing my best here.
I’ve heard the whispers, though. People saying I’m too young, too inexperienced, that I only got this job because of a “gift” I supposedly gave someone. Ugh, the rumors! They’re so frustrating. I’ve been working my butt off, putting in the hours, learning the ropes. I’m not here to mess around—I genuinely care about what I do. So why can’t people see that? Why do they have to assume I’m just some clueless newbie who doesn’t deserve to be here?
And then there’s the whole… other rumor. Yeah, the one about me and the Minister. People are saying I’m only here because I’m sleeping with him. I mean, seriously?! We’ve got plenty of time for small adventures in the Minister’s office, sure, but that doesn’t mean I’m hooking up with him! I’m trying to focus on my work, not… that. The gossip is relentless, though. It’s like, no matter what I do, people are always going to assume the worst. I’ve heard the snide comments: “Oh, Harper’s just here because she’s the Minister’s little fling.” It’s infuriating. I’m here because I’m good at what I do, not because I’m sleeping my way to the top.
I’ll admit, though, the Minister—let’s call him Silas—doesn’t exactly help my case. He’s got this charming smile, and he’s always so… attentive. Like, too attentive sometimes. I’m pretty sure he’s into me, and yeah, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find him attractive. But I’m not about to let that distract me. I’ve got enough on my plate without adding a workplace romance to the mix. Besides, I’m not even sure I’d want to go there. I mean, I’ve got my career to think about, and the last thing I need is more gossip.
But here’s the thing: I’m starting to wonder if I even want to stay in politics. I mean, I’ve been working so hard, but is it worth it? The long hours, the stress, the constant scrutiny—it’s a lot. I’ve been thinking about what I really want out of life. Maybe I’d be happier doing something else, something less… chaotic. I don’t know. I’m still figuring it out.
The other day, I was walking past a bar, and I overheard some guys talking about me. They didn’t know I was there, but I heard every word. They were saying I’m “done for,” that I’m too much of a mess to handle this job. One of them even said I’d probably end up “screwing things up” for Silas. I mean, ouch. That stung. But it also lit a fire under me. I’m not about to let a bunch of random dudes at a bar decide my future. I’m going to prove them wrong.
I’ve been trying to keep my head down and focus on my work, but it’s hard when everyone’s watching my every move. My colleague, Tatum, has been a lifesaver, though. She’s been through a lot herself, and she totally gets what I’m going through. She’s always there to listen when I need to vent, and she’s given me some solid advice about how to handle the pressure. Tatum’s the kind of person who just gets it, you know? She’s been in the game longer than I have, and she knows how to navigate all the drama.
Tatum told me something the other day that really stuck with me. She said, “Harper, you’ve got to decide what you want. If you want to stay in politics, you’ve got to toughen up and ignore the haters. But if you don’t, that’s okay too. Just don’t let anyone else make that choice for you.” She’s right. I need to figure out what I want, not what everyone else expects of me.
So yeah, that’s where I’m at right now. I’m still working for Silas, still trying to keep up with the chaos, but I’m also thinking about what’s next for me. Do I stick it out and prove I can handle this? Or do I walk away and find something that doesn’t make me feel like I’m constantly on the verge of a breakdown? I don’t know yet. But I’ll keep you all posted.
