I need an advice.

I need an advice.

I am working at an unhealthy working environment where the boss & management are macromanaging, rude, narcissistic and racist. It is very toxic that I am thinking of resigning without plan B.

I am the only one that has lasted this long (8 months), most of my colleagues left after 2 months or 3 months but they were lucky to leave with a plan B job. My concern is what do I say to the potential employers when they ask about the reason for living this job?

Please assist me.

Thanks

Anonymous

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24 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Is there HR at the company? It sounds like you already have your mind made up though do these managers know what the issue with people not staying is?

  2. Anonymous

    If it comes up you can say that after the time you spent there, it didn’t seem like you would be given opportunities to grow with the company. 8 months is a decent chunk of time. A rule that I heard is jobs that lasted less than 6 months will make you look like a job hopper on your resume. Anyways right now a lot of companies don’t ask about gaps and brief jobs with the current climate.

    I am sorry to hear what you’ve endured at your current position. Just try to have a positive spin and don’t go to much into the negative reasons if asked.

  3. Anonymous

    Sending support your way! This is awful to hear smh. I have resigned a job w/o another lined up. I used the gap time to travel, reflect, heal and reset my career. I don't know your financial circumstances but no job is worth your mental health (as I write this I'm contemplating the same move w/o another job lined up). I'm also sending positive energy your way that you'll find something better ASAP.

    Fairygodboss has a virtual career fair coming up in a few days so you should sign up for that. Even if you can't attend the event, you can drop off your resume to be considered by the companies that'll be there.

    You must do what's best for you! Good luck.

  4. Anonymous

    Say it wasn't a fit.

  5. Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.L

    Great, it doesn't sound like a good fir for her.

  6. Anonymous

    I've been job searching since June so please be careful! Make sure your finances are in order before quitting. I left a toxic environment as well but having savings has helped quell the anxiety. You don't want to put yourself from a bad situation into another. If you can, start putting your affairs in order, update your resume, reach out to your contacts and then give your notice. In terms of potential employers, I would instead of discussing the negative situation, focus more on what you're seeking in a next role and what the company you're applying for provides. In this job market, there are so many reasons why people left jobs that you don't need to get into why, instead what you can bring to the new company. Good luck!

  7. Anonymous

    at one point I would’ve said definitely leave because your mental health is more important however I’ve never quite seen how difficult it is to get a job supposedly there’s tons out there there’s a shortage of qualified people and employers are just not connecting the dots recruiters are just insensitive to your time and all they care about is making the placement they spend an hour on the phone with you screening you and that’s all they really do being a recruiter I have every right to say that because that is not what I did I got back to everyone so I don’t know what to tell you I guess staying While you’re looking is the wisest thing to do good luck

  8. Anonymous

    You can explain you are looking for a new challenge.

  9. Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.L

    I wouldn't necessarily say that for several reasons. Seems she is looking for less stress not more of a challenge.

  10. Anonymous

    She said a new challenge.

  11. Anonymous

    I guess I'm the only one that thinks someone saying "It's not a good fit" is not enough and opens up for probing questions.
    To me, saying this sounds lazy or incomplete. You should carefully think about why this jobs is not right for you and how to communicate that effectively. You do not want to find yourself working for another team that tolerates hostility and racism. I have said in an interview that I left an organization because the culture had become hostile due to staff shortages and reorganization. The interviewer asked for examples and I told them I prefer environments free of foul language and insulting comments.

  12. Anonymous

    My natural inclination is to be more open, yet professional, but the hiring process seems to be so performative and subjective — you can be out of consideration for saying the “wrong” thing. It’s odd. We all know there are many toxic workplaces and bad bosses out there. We know that’s a big reason people leave jobs. But we’re not to mention it. We are supposed to spin it in a positive way: “I’m looking for a new challenge!” It’s an odd dynamic!

  13. Barb Hansen

    Interviewer:

    "Why are you leaving your current job? (or why did you leave your last position)"?

    Me:

    "My last position wasn't providing me the opportunity to use all of my talents, and I'm excited about the position we are talking about today because it's a great fit for my skills."

  14. Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.L

    Well said.

  15. ReachingGoals

    I once gave 2 weeks notice on the spur of the moment with no job waiting in the wings. I did some temp work after taking a few weeks off to recoup. My family said that the change in me was immediate when I walked out of toxic office on the last day. It did take me 8 months to find another job that I wanted to do. Honestly, my husband told me to take my time and be happy, and I didn’t try super hard. I also wondered if my age had something to do with it. I just told potential employers that the owner and I had a difference of opinion on a few things and I decided it was time to move on. The guy who hired me told me after I started “Man, that woman you worked for was a piece of work and certainly blew a lot of smoke. She was not very nice about you.” Glad that he saw through that and didn’t rescind the offer ;)

  16. Anonymous

    I did the same! Never in my career had I experienced anything like it - I was ostracized by the staff of 3 others (all women), not given proper training (it was obvious after a short while I wasn't welcome) and discriminated due to my age. I was transferred to this department and didn't have a choice (I would not have applied to this area, btw). After 6 months of feeling absolutely miserable - mentally, emotionally and physically, I resigned. Although I didn't have another job, it was the best thing I could have done for myself and my family, to be frank. I became so angry and upset in my daily life. After I left, I was my old self again - happy, positive and motivated. This was in late August. I'm taking this time to pursue other career avenues while freelancing. While I'm fortunate to have some savings to fall back on, I would not suggest quitting w/out having a backup plan, but your health/well-being is paramount. No job is worth that kind of misery.

  17. ReachingGoals

    Yeah, the scariest part was no immediate income and no health insurance. What drove me over the edge was my husband retired so we lost his health insurance, I said to owner I was going to need to go on her company policy (that covered her, her son and his family) and I was happy to pay the full premium so it didn’t cost her. She said “well, we will see, I don’t know if I like that”. BAM. She paid her kid more than me and he maybe worked one day a month.

  18. Pam Heaphy

    I THINK you are making an important point here - as I’ve been job hunting for awhile, the application process often contacts your previous employer(s), so it is best if you can leave on good - or acceptable- terms! Oh, they ask for your permission, but on at least 1 application it said “failure to consent will remove your resume from consideration”!

  19. Erica Mitchell

    Whatever answer you decide to give, make sure to tell them why you think you'll be a good fit for their company. Keep your response positive and focused on their organization. Don't badmouth your previous employer as much as you may want to.

  20. Rebecca A Britt

    If this is a role that you've only had 8 months, I'd say "When I joined the company, the role was described to me as delivering X, and working with my manager to create Y.

    Unfortunately, after working there for 8 months, I've discovered that my skills like X, Y, and Z, aren't need in the role, and that what I was assigned isn't what was described.

    I was attracted to your company/position because doing X, Y and Z for your company is will help you deliver X for your clients/customers/etc."

    If you had the job longer and it changed in the last 8 months because of the manager, I'd just say, "There was a change in management and the direction of my role changed."

    I had one job and we got purchased. I was promised all these great things and I was excited. When the sale actually happened, none of the things were great. I basically said, "After we were acquired, the role significantly changed and the things that I loved doing, and do well, (listed some) were no longer job requirements."

  21. Anonymous

    i am sorry you have this heartbreaking experience. Apply aggressively 15 to 20 per week if not already. Try to be open minded in which jobs you apply for. If you can stick it out try to. Practice daily wellness, and check in with family to ensure you are ok. Journal journal journal get out what you are experiencing so you can start the healing process. Again I am so sorry. Hang in there and good luck.

  22. Anonymous

    My reason for leaving any job is that I need a change. I want more than my current company can offer me and the job you are applying for can give me that plus new opportunities for advancement. That's all the explanation you need to give. Keep looking for plan B and don't be afraid to take a step back with other company. You'll most likely gain it faster there than at your current company.

    Good luck!

  23. Lynn

    Say, “I’m looking for a more collaborative environment in a more mission-driven organization.” That’s all you really need to say.

  24. Cockson68

    I realised a change of direction was necessary if entirely different field/industry.

    Opportunities for growth within the role were limited if within same field/industry.

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