Lately I’ve noticed something that really saddens me the business world seems to harden people. Makes them less friendly, less approachable.
I get it. People are tired. Burned out. But some don’t even greet you anymore. Some respond with rudeness to simple, respectful messages.
I understand how exhausting constant outreach can be.
Still, I think kindness matters even in business. For example, someone recently reached out to me looking for a job.
I didn’t have anything available, but I still greeted them and replied kindly. If I’m too busy or not in a good place to respond, I just wait until another time.
But I’ve seen others respond harshly to people who approach them respectfully. I know we’re all tired of spam and scams, but sometimes it’s just someone genuinely trying to survive.
It’s 2025 people are struggling. Cost of living is rising while jobs are disappearing.
You don’t owe anyone your time or energy, but if it’s not a scam or a shady offer, just remember: it costs zero to be kind.
What do you think makes people so hardened in the business world?
And if you’re a business owner do you still try to stay kind, even when it’s tough?
Has anyone else noticed how the business world hardens people?
byu/ProgramExpress2918 inEntrepreneur
Posted by ProgramExpress2918
2 Comments
Unfortunately in business, it sometimes doesn’t just cost zero to be kind
When I first started, a lot of people took advantage of my kindness
You need to learn to be a good person and not a kind person – who can see right from wrong, and know when to say no but still be polite
But with business, you’ll see the worst in people – it’s a given unfortunately, and I can see why it changes people
I couldn’t tell you the number of times I’ve been threatened to be sued, lied to, stolen from, scammed etcetera. People will try to take any advantage they can. Even friends and family. The more experience you have, the more times you witness the behavior.
You can be kind but firm.