Editorial Update: How to Handle the "Not I" People in Your Life

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We’re beyond grateful for all the love and enthusiasm surrounding our magazine’s redesign! The new format makes it easier than ever to engage—whether you want to share what you love or offer constructive feedback. And that’s what excites us most—real conversations, real connections, and a community that thrives on participation.

But speaking of participation… let’s talk about something we’ve all experienced at some point.

The “Little Red Hen” Dilemma: When You Do the Work, and Others Reap the Rewards

Have you ever found yourself carrying the weight of a project while others sit back and watch? Maybe at work, in friendships, or even in your own household—you’re the one putting in the effort while others wait for the payoff. I know even I experienced this when it came to getting this magazine started. 

Believe it or not, a simple children’s story might hold the answer.

A Hardworking Hen and Her Lazy Friends

Once upon a time, the Little Red Hen found a grain of wheat. Inspired, she decided to plant it, nurture it, and eventually bake delicious bread. But she needed help.

She asked her barnyard friends—the duck, the cat, and the dog—“Who will help me plant this wheat?”

“Not I,” they all said.

So, she planted it herself.

As the wheat grew, she asked again for help with watering, harvesting, milling the flour, and finally baking the bread. Each time, her friends refused. They were too busy doing nothing.

But when the delicious aroma of fresh-baked bread filled the air, suddenly, they were interested.

“Who will help me eat this bread?” she asked.

“I will!” they all shouted.

But this time, the Little Red Hen had learned her lesson.

“Oh no, you will not,” she said. “I worked for this. I will enjoy it myself.” And with that, she ate the bread alone.

It’s a simple story, but wow—does it hit differently when you realize how many real-life Little Red Hens exist.

If you work hard, take initiative, and shoulder responsibility while others avoid effort but expect rewards, then congratulations (or maybe condolences?)—you might just be one.

Do you recognize these signs?

At Work: You take on extra tasks, stay late, and solve problems while others disappear—yet when success comes, they all want credit.

In Friendships: You’re the one checking in, making plans, and putting in effort, while others only show up when it benefits them.

At Home: You handle chores, emotional labour, or finances while family members assume things magically get done.

In Business: You hustle, sacrifice, and build something, yet suddenly, people who never supported you want discounts or a share of your success.

How to Handle the “Not I” People in Your Life

Here’s the tricky part—the Little Red Hen didn’t waste her time trying to change the duck, the cat, or the dog. She simply set boundaries and owned her worth. You can do the same:

✅ Recognise Patterns: If someone is always there for the reward but never for the work, take note.

✅ Stop Enabling: It’s okay to say no. Don’t keep doing everything for people who won’t lift a finger to help.

✅ Prioritise Yourself: You don’t owe everyone a seat at your table, especially if they didn’t help you set it.

✅ Find Your Flock: Surround yourself with hardworking, supportive people who value effort.

At the heart of this story is a powerful truth: Not everyone deserves to reap the rewards of your labour.

This isn’t about being unkind—it’s about valuing yourself enough to stop giving to those who only take. Work hard, share wisely, and remember—the bread always tastes better when it’s earned.

Are you a Little Red Hen? Have you encountered “Not I” people in your life? Until the next issue, thank you for being part of this community. 

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