Thank you both for the responses.

I have indeed done CBT and DBT. Perhaps I will revisit the skills.

So my therapist told me to listen to my assertive voice in our last session... I did it! It was SO hard but I actually listened to my assertive voice and stood up for myself!!

I challenged my boss. I tried to be assertive, not passive nor aggressive. I told him I was feeling angry at him and I didn't want to suppress it anymore. I told him I am a bit upset that I have been laid off three times and that I keep coming back and now he wants to lessen my hours. I asked him to reconsider minimizing my hours; telling him that I almost quit after he broke the news to me. He said don't quit and then he actually listened and he facilitated my wish! I was so surprised and proud of myself.

I worked for a couple days, showing up at 8 AM. I was feeling a bit upset still because I have been working for him for 7 months and I keep coming back whenever he needs me. I decided to call him one afternoon and asked if he would consider giving me a raise. He said yes! Without hesitation! It's one a dollar an hour raise but it was the principle that counts. It made me feel so much better. I struggle with standing up for myself and being assertive. I am so happy he was able to facilitate my wish.

By no means am I extremely happy about my wage, but I am content with the fact that my boss seems to value me, at least in some small way. If he had not have given me a raise or allowed me to work the extra half hour I would have left for sure.

Thanks,
HD7970ghz