After reading so many other post on here I finally found the courage to post.

After reading so many other post on here I finally found the courage to post. It’s now or never . . .

currently working at a toxic work environment. The owner of the company passed away during COVID. Ownership passed on to the wife and unfortunately the wife is completely clueless on how the business is managed and comes off as a narcissist. The wife down talks and goes over everyone’s head including the GM that she assigned. Makes it difficult for all to deal with the issues left behind. I have been with the company for 8 years and the compensation is great but now I’m second guess my decision to stay or look for something else less stressful. Makes me nervous not knowing if I would be able to find something similar? Not sure what the workforce is looking like after 8 years of employment with this one company. Any advice??

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9 Comments

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  1. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    The longer you stay, the harder it's going to be.

    If the person now in charge has no idea what they're doing, you should be concerned for the long term outlook for the company. As an employee, all you really have to invest is your time.

    Invest it where it will pay off best for you in the long run. You're in a good position - you're not desperate to get out. You have time to find the right fit.

    Fire up that resume.

  2. Anonymous

    Sounds like it might be time to plan that exit.

    If you find yourself in a skills gaps to take the leap elsewhere, look at what courses you can take now to increase your chances.

    The job market is crazy! Everyone is looking and honestly, job security isn't a thing anymore (never has been). So you should put yourself out there, regardless. Good luck!

  3. Mislyn

    Ya time to go! I would never be able to work for the wife of my old boss. She was worse then him. Why is it they think they are better then the employees? The employees make them the money they have so they can spend and have the glamour life they have.

  4. Heather Bingham

    You are in a great position, even though it doesn't feel that way. You are in a job that, however suboptimal these days, you can continue to do up to standard while looking for something else. Now is the time, therefore, to start exploring alternatives. You don't have to do it in a do or die way, but you can gently fill in your gaps of knowledge around what's out there, while continuing to do this job at the same time. Just set aside some time each day - half an hour? - to start looking. As you make steady progress with your search, I promise your current role will become less stressful to you, simply because you will no longer feel trapped. I sense loyalty, certainly to your previous CEO, and that is understandable and admirable, but these days 8 years of service equals loyalty - you don't need to give any more. You stuck with them during the hardest years and now you're simply looking for a change.

  5. Christine

    I agree with the other comments. There is no stigma in being somewhere for many years. I think there is enough changing that you should look elsewhere but I agree be positive and enthusiastic about a new opportunity when you get out there. The negative things going on in the current place can be left behind.

  6. Gem0124

    You won't know what's out there, if you don't look. Update your resume just in case you see something that you like.

  7. Cindy Glover

    Working in a toxic environment is debilitating.Unfortunately , I’ve found myself in the same position. Long story short - family business, dad and “stepmom” are retiring and my boss and wife are acquiring the business. If I didn’t see or experience it first hand, I’d not have believed someone could be so miserable and cocky - she is rude, obnoxiously cruel and disrespectful. Although she’s not my “boss” yet is able to endure my day is ruined. My boss tells me to hang in there as they’ll be gone soon enough but I’ve been hearing that for a year. My nerves are shot and I’m working 70 hours a week - how stupid am I Regarding your situation, I’d run and find a company that appreciates your expertise and commitment- ❤️

  8. Anonymous

    I would imagine she is still grieving though perhaps using others as a vehicle for her angst about her loss. Since you have worked there for so long perhaps pull her aside show some compassion and let her know that you are needing a different type of management for specific things be kind cite examples and let her know you are committed to staying in the company and business but that perhaps she might need to let go and let others do their jobs. If that does not resonate then it is perhaps time to look around. Give her a chance if you think it will help and if you are set against it your only option is look around.

  9. Farah Bajwa

    It never hurts to look around. Just because you do, it doesn't mean you have to act immediately. jobs will come and go. If you care about this company and your work there, give it some time to figure themselves out with the new dynamic. If its been long enough, then start applying more actively. If you're concerned with the workforce, network and ask around. It really depends on the industry but I'd say not much has changed except for more and more ways to ping each other. Good luck!

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