What is a toxic work environment?
If you find yourself in need of a workplace detox, what do you do?
Trapped in a toxic work environment? Is your boss just horrible? You may be working in a toxic environment. It's time to detox and plan your escape. Get out! #WorkDrama #Workplace #QuitYourJob #MentalHealth
And, how do you avoid working in a toxic environment in the first place?
Like, what are the warning signs of a toxic workplace?
They say that most bosses are horrible, some are just okay, and a rare handful are amazing.
Table of Contents:
They told me that the primary reason most employees leave their current position is because of bad bosses.
But nobody warned me about how easy it is to find yourself in a toxic work environment. Nor the signs to look out for and questions to ask during an interview to avoid a toxic work environment.
I didn’t learn how to navigate toxic work environments until my late 20s. To be honest, I still have much to learn about how to avoid a toxic work environment in the future.
What is a Toxic Work Environment?
I once realized I was working in a workplace that was toxic.
Like so toxic that there was a figurative coup d’etat of leadership occurring!
Toxic work environments are rife with negativity and a corporate culture that destroys and drains their employees.
Maybe your skin even crawls when you walk through the doors, and you’re constantly counting the seconds until you can walk out on the workday?
You’re afraid for the security of your job and constantly feeling judged about your work performance? Are you stressed to your limits and motivated by fear? Maybe the rules apply to some, but not to all and gossip and drama are the priorities of the day.
Anyway, you get the picture, I seriously can write a book about my experiences within this department. And know what, maybe I just might do that! If I do, you all will be the first to know!
But until then, this is what I want to do for you – I’m going to share with you an action plan for when you happen to find yourself (because you probably will at some point in your career) in a toxic work environment.
4 Steps to Escaping Your Toxic Workplace
Step #1: Identify If Your Work Environment is Toxic
Toxic workplace symptoms are well documented, the ones listed above are just the beginning.
To properly diagnose the health of your work environment, check out these two comprehensive articles on toxic workplaces. Read about signs your workplace is toxic and the negative effects of toxic work environments.
Below are 2 seemingly innocuous symptoms of a toxic work environment. However, if you look beneath the surface, you are likely to find more symptoms of a toxic work environment.
- High turnover. Great companies worth sticking around at have a few things in common: employees are paid well, employees are valued, employees value their colleagues, leaders invest in their team, work-life balance is respected. If companies do not offer at least most of these, you will see high turnover and chances are that is is because the environment is toxic. Oh, by the way, high turnover includes the firing of employees too.
- The pay is either really, really good or really, really bad compared to the market but the company is not a startup. Ok, seriously!? Startups are either in one of two states: 1) bootstrapping or not funded well yet; so the pay won’t be good. Or 2) are well-oiled machines that can pay a livable or lucrative wage.
- So, if your company is not a startup and you are being paid horribly, either the company is on a financial decline. But more likely than not, the company does not value its employees.
- On the other hand, if your company pays well above market, either they are raking in the dough, and handing all the profits to employees. This isn’t the norm. More likely than not, they are trying to entice talent from leaving for greener pastures because everyone is miserable.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How to Get Your Dream Job
Step #2: It’s Time for a Detox
If you are like most people, you will only be able to tolerate operating in a toxic work environment for so long.
I mean, we spend the majority of our waking hours at work. Therefore, it is important to be able to recognize the signs that you have been exposed to too much toxicity. It’s time to spring clean your life and detox your mind!
- Increased stress at home. You may find yourself arguing more with your spouse, friends, and family. Many arguments may start off because you are complaining about work, and truthfully, your loved one is tired of hearing about your workplace drama. While other arguments may begin simply due to increased irritability.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How to Declutter Your Mind to Focus At Work
- Health issues may suddenly appear. For instance, increased and unresolved stress can lead to insomnia, gastrointestinal troubles, migraines, and many more illnesses. Also, stress can lead to weight loss in some and weight gain in others. Therefore, it is important to note if you feel like you have drifted significantly from your physical baselines.
- Mental health becomes problematic. If you have any mental health issues, you may find your symptoms flaring. Regardless of having a diagnosed condition or not, you may find yourself dreading going into the office when your alarm goes off in the morning. This feeling happens more often than not.
- You have become numb to your work environment. You may think this is a good thing, but it can actually be counterproductive. When you withdraw completely from your colleagues, you may find that you cannot effectively perform at your job. Additionally, going numb is effectively brushing the issues under the rug. In reality, you should acknowledge the issues you encounter for 2 reasons:
- 1) to report to HR in case something is illegal or unethical directly affects you
- AND 2) to note for when you transition to a new department or company that you don’t want in your life in the future.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 8 Motivation Killers You Need to Know About
- You feel drained and lack the motivation to do what you use to love. You may feel burned out and find it hard to remain productive. If this sounds like you, complete the “Why Don’t You Feel Like It” Self-Analysis. After completing this self-assessment, you may just discover that it is your job that is the source of your lack of motivation. Burnout often occurs when you love the work you do, but hate the job.
Step #3: Damage Control and Minimize Future Exposure
If you find that you are in a toxic work environment and are experiencing any toxicity symptoms as described above, it is important to detox and proactively protect yourself from future exposure.
The following are 3 areas I believe will offer the greatest impact on your well-being while you are still with your current work team.
- Practicing Mindfulness. Try following guided meditation or practicing yoga. The art of both of these practices is to allow yourself to be in the moment: not judging why you feel a certain way. Instead, you are taking the time to focus on your breath while noticing how thoughts and feelings pass through your mind and body.
- Overall, mindfulness allows you to be at peace with what is going on around you, which leads to a sense of calm and control. I personally started using Headspace and I haven’t looked back. Read more about my Headspace journey.
👉🏽RELATED POST: 6 Steps to Staying Positive No Matter What
- Selective Isolation. Most toxic work environments are toxic because of select colleagues. One bad apple ruins the bunch, right? If there is a certain co-worker or leader whose actions rub you wrong, if possible, decrease the frequency of when or how you have to interact with them. Identify co-workers who you enjoy and who bring positivity to your work environment. Begin to nurture those working relationships to add some sunshine to your day.
- Taking Breaks. If you hide out at your desk for a working lunch, STOP! If you work nonstop until lunch and then again until it’s time to go home, STOP! Research suggests that we are more productive if we take a 20-minute break after 50-90 minutes of work. While on your breaks, consider enjoying a brisk walk outside or getting an express mani. Basically, just do something that allows you to pamper yourself during the workday.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Quotes About Quitting Your Job
Step #4: Plan Your Escape
Now, onto the trickier part of your action plan. If you identify that you are in a toxic work environment, and there is no hope for improvement, it may be time to plan your escape.
You should immediately begin actively looking for another employment opportunity or begin seriously building your freedom business. While you are planning your escape, I suggest that you also do the following:
- Reflect and Prepare for Your Future. Think about your current department and your skills:
- What did you like? What did you not like? What do you want to learn more about? What was not interesting to you?
- You want to be thoughtful about this step because you don’t want to run off to the first job that gives you an offer letter because you may find yourself in a similar or worse environment. Whenever I am at a career transition point, I revisit the book “What Color is Your Parachute?” which has helpful activities to guide you in career reflection and action planning.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How to Set Goals to Escape the 9 to 5 Life
- Increase Networking. Networking and relationships are key to building a strong career or business. Relationships literally can make or break you. If you are serious about finding a new job, most jobs are landed through networking. If you are for real about developing your business, most clients are going to find you through networking.
- Begin Stacking Your Paper. You never know when your current environment will take a turn for the uglier. Therefore, you want to start saving as much as you can in what we can call a “F*ck Off” Fund. Set a goal for at least 3 months of living expenses that way you can leave with your financial feet under you in case you need to quit before landing another opportunity.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Can I Afford to Quit My Job?If you want to escape your toxic workplace increase networking and start saving that money. #millennial #networking
How to Leave a Toxic Work Environment
No employee deserves to work in a toxic or hostile work environment. If you are currently in a toxic workplace, know that you deserve better and that you have options.
If you’ve spotted the signs of a toxic work environment at your place of work, and you don’t see things improving, it’s time to start planning your escape. Either to a new position with another company or by starting your own business, building a blog, side hustle or start making money at home.
Also, let’s face it, if we are trying to grow our side hustle into our main hustle, a toxic work environment is a contraindication to becoming our own boss!
Don’t ignore the signs and signals from your toxic workplace that are affecting you, use them to motivate you to make a change.
Get the Slay Your Goals Guide below, with the ten steps you need to take to achieve your biggest goals like escaping the toxic 9-5 you hate.
Trust me, once you’ve decided to go, quitting is the easy part, it’s making sure you’ve prepared for your transition period between jobs and career choices that requires proper planning and preparation.
If you aren’t in a toxic work environment, but you know a blog/biz best friend who is, be sure to share with them this action plan.
Like most things in life, the first step is acceptance.
Are you working in a toxic environment?
More About Guest Contributor
Hi! I’m Christa! I’m the Founder and Curator of Freeing She— the Ambitious Woman’s Guide to Life + Career. I started Freeing She to document my journey of achieving my most ambitious goals. While I share my career and life chronicles, I also provide tools, resources, and fresh perspectives for women of color who are seeking freedom in their careers: breaking through the glass ceiling or excelling as an entrepreneur.
Last Updated on July 11, 2021
Lori Bosworth says
Those are great tips for recognizing toxic workplaces! I was in a toxic workplace and yes, it had a very high staff turnover. I ended up leaving soon after I started because it was too stressful!
Christa says
Hey Lori, thanks for reading. I’m glad that you found my tips helpful. I more glad that you were able to escape your own toxic workplace!
Jasmine says
Great post! I too worked in a toxic workplace! It’s important for people to recognize the signs early on.
Christa says
Hey Jasmine! A celebration should be had for everyone who has recognized the signs and left a toxic workplace. In these times, it takes courage to leave your job “too soon” or even without another one lined up. But we should act courageously for our happiness! Thanks for reading.
Amanda says
A toxic work environment is the worst! It is horrible to wake up and dread going to work and then spend your entire time off dreading having to go back in. These are great tips, a detox always helps- turn the email off and just relax!
Christa says
I totally agree Amanda! Life is much more than your job, especially your job at a toxic workplace. That is a great tip! Disconnect! A great step is by removing your work email from your phone, if possible.
Censie Sawyer says
Already did!!! 2 months ago I was done. I couldnt do it anymore. After 12 years of drama and toxicity I was over it. I made the choice to move to working on my website full time and it is fantastic. I am so happy with my choice.
Christa says
Whoohoo! Congrats Censie! I think choosing yourself and positivity over negativity is always the right choice. Good luck with your business! Thanks for reading.
Karlyn Cruz says
This is such a great post because I believe most people who have had quite a few jobs have had to go through toxic work environments. It’s sad that some people, whether it be the managers or bosses or even colleagues can make another’s work environment so bad. We are all there for one purpose but sadly we do spend quite a lot of our days in it. This is such great help and insight for us all.
Christa says
Hey Karlyn! I’m glad that you see the value in my post! Yes. Unfortunately, I am certain we will all experience one or more toxic work environments throughout our working careers. I believe there is a lot of unlearning that needs to be done in the workforce. A lot of toxicity comes from lack of valuing one another as human beings, not just the means to a profitable end. Thanks for reading.
Melissa Dixon says
In my experience, every workplace I have ever been a part of became toxic overtime. When I worked at an animal hospital, my coworkers were inhumane and killed anything they could so that was more than I could take and then working with teenagers at a local animal facility here in Iowa, I had to get out because their lack of being responsible really took it’s toll on me. I am happier than ever before now that I work from home, it really is the only non toxic work environment I have ever had.
Christa says
Melissa, I am so sorry to hear that. Working in an environment where you are literally dealing with death can be tough. I wish that you were surrounded by more compassion. But, I’m glad that you were able to find peace at home. Working in a peaceful, positive environment is what is driving a lot of us to work from home, or build our own businesses. Good luck in your venture!
Anne from Weird Hacks says
I have never really had a regular 9-5, but I’ve heard chilling stories of how negative a work environment can get. So happy, I work online
Christa says
OMG Anne! Yes, I’ve always heard stories. Once I experienced a toxic environment first hand, I would like never wish it on anyone. My experiences have lit a fire under me to create environments that are healthy for women to thrive in!
Lisa Favre says
I remember having jobs here and there where the workplace was completely toxic! You can just feel it with the surroundings… clients, coworkers, supervisors. The energy would be really bad and that’s when I knew that I had to give my notice and leave!
Christa says
Absolutely. I remember walking into my old office one day: the lights were dimmed and all the doors were closed. It really felt somber. You can totally just feel toxicity in your gut. I’m glad you trusted in your instincts enough to leave. Thanks for reading.
Nina Lewis says
I have worked in a in a toxic environment and it is the worst. It permeates every part of your life and can make you so unhappy! These are some fantastic tips and advice
Christa says
Thanks for reading Nina. I’m glad you found the tips and advice useful.
Nina Lewis says
I have worked in a toxic environment and it really can permeate ever aspect of your life. These are great tips and advice!
Toya says
I personally walked away from a toxic work environment four years ago and I never looked back. When I started all of the warning signs that you have listed were there but I needed the job. Leaving was the best decision for me. I grew so much after that. Great post!
Christa says
Absolutely Toya. Moving forward and learning from the past is the best action. I’m glad that you have experienced personal growth in doing so. Thanks for reading.
Pam says
I work from home now and definitely don’t miss working in toxic environments. I have definitely experienced this a few times in my life. I love your tips, though! I know they will help someone who’s in a bad situation.
Christa says
Hey Pam, I’m glad that you like my tips. Please do share with others who you may know dealing with this situation too. It’s not rare for people to feel stuck! Thanks for reading.
roch says
Mental health is just as important as physical health. When you feel drained and very stressed in a work environment, I guess the next best thing to do is to look for other workplaces where you can be yourself and become more positive. There are so many other opportunities outside and it would be a waste of time to stay for longer.
Christa says
Absolutely! I tell people that all the time! I agree, there is always another opportunity out there that can serve as a better fit if you land in a toxic environment. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!
Ali Rost says
I remember the years of working in an office, and how toxic it could be. All of that changed once I started working from home. Now, when we are on a conference call, we talk about the topic at hang and hang up. For me, it’s truly the best of all worlds. x
Christa says
My mom left a toxic work environment to begin working from home. Though she misses having an retirement pension (these don’t really exist anymore lol), she always says she would not have life any other way! Glad that you escaped your toxic environment and found an alternative suitable to your lifestyle!
Sheri says
I agree with the fact that no one needs to work in a toxic environment. You spend so many hours of the day in a work place that when the environment is bad or causing stress or anxiety, then your mental health is affected. I see too many people staying in a toxic work environment because they are paid well or feel they cannot find a different job so they just suffer through it.
Christa says
So true!! A toxic work environment can make even the strongest person feel stuck, which is a reason I felt inspired to write this blog post. Thanks for reading.
Crystal VanTassel-Lopez says
I have worked in some really bad environments and I have to agree, anything that steals your peace is costly! Just leave!!
Christa says
If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive! Absolutely! Thanks for reading!
Reeni @ Simply Reeni says
Great article! I once had to leave a toxic work environment since it was effecting my health entirely too much. I had a plan for leaving, and I worked that plan until I was able to finally resign from my position. I look back on that decision, and it was one of the best things I have done for myself! It’s difficult to be in that place, and these are some great coping skills and ways to plan to leave that toxic environment. Thanks for sharing!
Christa says
Thank you Reeni for reading. Having a plan is critical. I try to tell people that having no physical plan is still having a plan. Lack of systems/processes creates chaos because there is still a system/process in place. I’m glad that you were able to enact your own personal plan.
Natasha says
Having been in this situation before, I can say that these tips were all on point. I truly had to meditate on God’s word to keep my sanity! And I’m so thankful to be out of that place.
Christa says
Yes Natasha! Definitely. I had to constantly stay in prayer when I was dealing with my old work environment! I’m glad that you escaped your toxic workplace and was able to find greener pastures.
Jennifer Seigler says
I have been in that situation twice! The first one made me feel sick to my stomach the moment I set foot inside the building. I filed a 30 day notice that I will be resigning, but I could no longer wait for the 30 days to be over. i filed an immediate resignation instead. The second one was a workplace where leaders were appointed as leaders not because of their competency, but because of their tenure in the workplace. These leaders were so insecure of their posts that every good input during weekly/monthly business reviews were taken as an attempt to take their position away from them. Again, because of the negativity and mistrust, I filed for another immediate resignation! I am now happy being my own boss and running my own business. I will never again go back to looking for a regular paycheck in the corporate jungle. Never again.
Christa says
Hi Jennifer. Thanks for reading and opening up about your own experiences. I do find that insecurity unchecked breathes toxicity into the environment. I’m glad that you have found your own path! I wish your business and you plenty of success!
Jenna says
This is a great advice and inspiration.
Thank you
Christa says
Thanks for reading Jenna. I am so very glad that you found my words inspiring!
Isaya says
Great article! I once worked in a really toxic place, all of us (the employees) hated it there and we all left within months apart. In our case it was our boss who not only did notpay well but also tried to make us “hate” each other by saying for example “this person said you’re not doing your job correctly and adviced me to fire you”.
It was awful!
Thankfully I left and I’m now trying to make blogging my job!
Christa says
Hey Isaya! Oh my! That is such a horrible thing for a person to do. Toxicity always starts from within. When people hate themselves, they want others to hate themselves. I’m glad that you decided to do what is best for you and I wish your blog/biz much success! Thank you so much for reading. Good luck in your ventures.
Shauna Walker | shaunacoleman says
I know some people that should really read this post! The question is would they? Some people just wants everyone to feel sorry for them while they complain and do nothing to fix the problem.
Nicole | Glamorously You says
This is a great piece! I recently quit my job because of my negative (and not very experienced) boss. The environment, morale, and turnover was truly horrible. I had to escape! Now, I work from home building my business and my future has never been this bright 🙂
Christa says
Hey Nicole. Congratulations on moving forward on a path that is best for you. I wish you luck with your new home business! Thanks for reading.
Bria | Tendril Wild Blog says
Thankfully, I’ve never had to be in this type of situation before. But it seems (unfortunately) all too common in the corporate world. This is a great strategy to identify the core issues and get yourself out of that negative situation! I’m sharing this for anyone else who may currently be stuck in this position.
Christa says
Bria, I’m so glad that you have not experienced a toxic work environment. I would never wish a toxic environment on my worst enemy! Thanks for reading and for sharing with your network.
Dee says
I used to work in a toxic workplace and it was horrible-I would cry every day and have panic attacks. My current workplace is so, so great! I’m glad I made the change.
Christa says
I’m so happy that you found a better environment for you! Thanks for reading.
Erin R Creeks says
Phenomenal post! I think most people can relate to this. I worked at a toxic job due to work load and ridiculous expectations from management, but I actually loved my co-workers. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t have stayed as long as I did. You’re right though, if it costs you peace of mind, the cost is too high.
Christa says
Absolutely! Finding a few co-workers who make the environment somewhat pleasant is key while you search for greener pastures! Thanks for reading. I’m happy to know that people are finding what I had to say meaningful.
Adriana Lopez says
I hear you that si why I decided to go freelance and have my own business, nothing better than being yoru own boss and create yoru own success
Christa says
More and more women are starting their own businesses! Congratulations and best wishes with your freelance career. Thanks for reading.
Kelly Reci says
We are working because we want to leave. Very ironic if we did not take good care of our health. So if we have proper mental, physical and emotional health, we can avoid stress in our work and we can enjoy it. I love this post.
Christa says
Thanks for reading Kelly. Yes, putting your mental, physical, and emotional health first is always the right thing to do!
Czjai says
Great advice! Having experienced toxicity at work makes me even more grateful that I am now a work-at-home mom. No regrets in leaving the corporate world. 🙂
Christa says
My mom left corporate to become a realtor. She worked from home to raise my sisters and me. I am grateful and she was successful. Thanks for reading and I wish you all the luck in your career.
Deepa says
I know how difficult it is to work in a toxic atmosphere. It not only makes working difficult but creates so much negativity. Great article.
Christa says
Thanks for taking the time to read my words Deepa!
Michelle says
Great information and writing. We all need a F— Off fund. Love it
Christa says
As long as you are working, you should always keep a F– Off Fund! Always *clap clap lol That way you can part with a horrible job or even a horrible client if you are a freelancer. Thanks for reading Michelle.
Amrita says
Wonderful post.Loved how you helped identify toxic work environment.Holds true for all relationships which need letting go.
Christa says
Amrita, I totally agree. People can definitely take aspects of this article to apply towards toxic relationships. Thanks for reading and for making that connection.
Jeni Hann says
This is such great advice!!! I think it should be given to employers so they understand all the impacts of a toxic working environment!!
Christa says
Hey Jeni! I totally agree that most toxic workplaces start from the leadership. I wish that more time was spent educating leaders on why it benefits everyone and the company’s bottom line to have an environment that people love. Maybe I may email this to my old company 😉 Thanks for reading.
Erinn Sluka says
I used to work in the medical field and although I loved my job and people, my co workers made many days miserable. If you aren’t willing to participate ion gossip you are the next victim-it was a horrible morale and I am so glad I left that place. I now feed school kids lunch and it is the best job ever!
Christa says
Hey Erinn. Thanks for reading. I’m glad that you were able to find a job that makes you happy. Best of luck!
GiGi Eats says
If I needed to escape my toxic work place, that would be a problem – since I work from home! Ha! Luckily, I love my home and I get LOTS accomplished here, so nope, not a toxic zone at all! 🙂
Christa says
HAHA! I love your humor GiGi. Thanks for reading! I’m glad that you have found a work from home career path that works best for you!
Carol Cassara says
I used to feel this way when I was working at my 9-5 desk job especially since it feels like the women in the office are often overlooked. I think it’s really important that you think about what you want to do or whether you want to leave or not. It’s never going to make you happy and fulfilled.
Christa says
Carol, I definitely agree that women are often overlooked. Honestly, there can easily be a split in company culture that creates a toxic workplace only for women. It is unfortunate! That is why many women are starting their own businesses more and more. Thanks for reading.
Hannah says
Great post, with a lot of great advice
Christa says
Thank you for reading Hannah, and for the compliment!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Thank goodness I’ve already escaped mine! The most toxic I have to deal with now are the screams of 1-year-old twins, ha!
Christa says
Awww, how precious! I’m glad you were able to escape that environment!
Patricia says
Great post! Sometimes I feel like I’m in a toxic work environment, but I love my job because I try to stay positive and spread God’s love to others. ..and because people there have taught me so many valuable lessons about life.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Patricia,
It’s great that your love for your job can outshine any toxicity in your workplace. We all have our moments where we don’t quite love our place of work. I’m happy you’re able to stay positive.
Christa says
Thanks so much for reading Patricia. Likewise, as Nadalie mentioned, I’m really glad that you have been able to stay positive. Continue to shed light!
Lois says
Unfortunately, most workplaces are toxic!
Nadalie Bardo says
Isn’t that the sad truth! I wish it wasn’t so.
Sydney says
This is so necessary for people who are unhappy in their jobs. Mental health is the most important thing! Thanks for sharing ❤
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Sydney,
Mental health is sooo important. I’m relieved that the importance of mental health is moving more to the forefront. It’s not just about the dollar bills anymore, it’s about our whole health. Not just financial.
Christa says
I totally agree. Thanks for reading!
Rhonda Swan says
Cheers to this unstoppable info. Lots of value here. Thanks!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Rhonda,
Glad you found it valuable! Christa did an amazing job on this one!
Christa says
Awwww! Thanks so much Nadalie! It was a pleasure being allowed to share with your community!
Christa says
Thanks for reading Rhonda! I appreciate your kind words!
Trapped says
I cried the entire length of this article. Thank you for sharing.
Nadalie Bardo says
Aww, *passes the tissue*
It’ll be alright! You can be free! Hope things improve at your work.
Christa says
It’s okay to let it all out. Crying is seriously one of the most cathartic things that you can do for yourself. I hope things get better soon.
shelley says
This is such good advice and I’ve been in a couple of toxic workplaces myself! I’m sharing this in a roundup post to publish on 11-11-17.
Nadalie Bardo says
Glad you found it helpful, Shelley!
Joyce Blass says
Health must still be at the top of our priority. If work becomes too much and if it is clearly affecting our mental health, we should start thinking if the job is still worth it. Nothing is more degrading than being demotivated, as I’ve experienced. Thank you for posting. I’m so thankful I come across this post.
Caribbean Woman says
Thank you for this article. I have just given notice to resign from my job because my manager bullies me incessantly. I have been job hunting for 2 years and have just gotten a suitable position. My mental health is in shambles. I have a history of depression and anxiety plus I have an autoimmune disease that showed itself less than 6 months into my present job. My female boss is also the HR Manager so I have no one to turn to to express my grievances. I have been made to feel as if I am the worst employee with the least contribution despite my dedication and conscientiousness. I am walking on eggshells every day as I do not know if I will meet Dr. Jeckyl or Mrs. Hyde. All my time away from work is spent dreading going back to work. My thoughts are consumed with ways of avoiding conflict with her. Should I say this or that. Do this or that. Maybe if I did or maybe if I did not. No matter what I do or say there is a problem.
My fear was that when I resigned that she was going to act out and that is exactly what is happening. She has belittled me…disrespected me every since I handed in my resignation letter. I thought she would be happy seeing that in her eyes I can’t ever do anything right. My anxiety has peaked knowing that I have to endure 3 more weeks of her abuse. I don’t want to be stripped of the remaining self esteem I have….I want to be positive a d fresh when I take up my new position. I am at my wits end. What do I do?