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I've been training in MMA for two years now, but people give me a strange look when I tell them that I don't fight or like the UFC.

I got into martial arts by accident. My friend (a former cage fighter) was visiting after not seeing each other for years and he said he was back into MMA. I took interest, he brought me over to his gym (our buddy's garage with all the equipment we need) and the rest is history.

I don't fight because I just don't want to. Sure I've thought about doing some amateur local fights, but I'll NEVER go pro or join the UFC.

I don't like the UFC or any pro MMA company because I feel like they put martial arts in a bad light.

There's no more respect, no more sportsmanship, no more honor, none of that. Everyone wants to puff their chest, swing their dicks, and talk nothing but shit.

I train in martial arts to keep my mind clear and my body strong. I believe in martial art philosophy, that our gym is a sacred place where people bond and not only improve themselves but also their training partners. I also go to support my friend since brother killed himself earlier this year.

But it's hard to keep that philosophy when every young kid walks in and acts like a Conor McGregor wannabe. These piss me off the most because at least Conor McGregor has the hands to back up his shit talking, these guys just watch YouTube videos and rehearse unoriginal shit talking in front of the mirror thinking their just gonna walk in and beat everyone's ass and get a black belt in a year.

Don't get me wrong, I'll watch UFC every now and then (mostly to learn), but I hate what the UFC has done to the martial arts community.

I was hired for $15 in my industry. They gave me a chance w no experience. In my last job i was hired for $12 I was happy w $15 and didn't know any better. I have been on the job for 3.5 years. No raise in that time... I finally decide it is time to ask for a raise. I do my research and see the company avg is already $21 an hour. I politely request a meeting for a salary adjustment. My boss tells me it will have to wait.

In my 3.5 years I have improved every year, I have taken on new responsibilities. I have helped train new hires. I am helping a new hire and say , what the heck, ill ask what she is making. She tells me she is starting at $22 an hour. Here I am training her at $15. She has no experience and frankly, looks like she won't be good at the job. No complaints. I politely explain to my boss that I would really like to consider a salary adjustment.
He tells me that it is unlikely and they probably won't raise my salary past the usual 5% no matter what phrase I want to use. That is about a 35c raise.
I feel completely disrespected and underappreciated. Im training someone who can't write complete sentences and she is making so much more than me. I am now struggling with what my next option is. Do I leave or stick it out?

Apparently, I'm the least funny person on GAG! 😢

Kinda makes sense though; I've been a little down these past two weeks. I'm working on self-therapy and learning to be less negative, but it's also bringing up a lot of insecurities in me, as I try to go through "trial-by-fire" to improve myself. But still; it's got me thinking of stuff I hate, like my height, looks, unattractiveness to women, etc. So I can understand me not being too upbeat these past two weeks. I still think I'm smart, though. (Not smart in everything, but still smart in general.)

Inspired by @DizzyDesii 's post.