How does someone maintain motivation at a job where the culture can be described as uninviting or toxic?

Anonymous

July 11,2022 at 5:59AM UTC

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How does someone maintain motivation at a job where the culture can be described as uninviting or toxic? I'm currently at a company where my skill level isn't acknowledged but I'm expected to carry out responsibilities at a higher job level. I work with managers who have misdirected and have people in leadership who think covert jokes about my ethnicity are funny. I've witnessed one coworker being removed from their project because a manager didn't like the way they spoke during meetings - and even mimicked her to prove she didn't sound smart. I was at my desk when I heard this conversation and immediately was tensed and uncomfortable hearing someone in a leadership role degrading a staff member, and who probably didn't bother speaking with my coworker to learn she has dyslexia. I was put on a project led by a PM who knowingly prevented people on her team to work - but what made it worse was that she hand-picked new hires on her team to gaslight and control.

I've been at this job for 6 months and I'm hoping to last at least a year, given I was unemployed during the pandemic. But I am also reaching out to recruiters to start getting an idea of what other roles are out there. I still need to show up every day and do my job to the best of my ability. What's been tough is having to accept the reality that this may not be a place to stay long-term.

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Shanda IngramJuly 11,2022 at 8:52AM UTC
Wow! I've been in that position before. I'm sorry you
are experiencing leadership and management who are showcasing their ineptitude and abhorrent behavior.
First and foremost know that it's okay for you to leave your current position as it doesn't serve you for myriad reasons. That was something that I had to learn when I left a toxic work environment. It was especially difficult because I worked with kids whom I treasured and I didn't want to leave them. Just continue being proactive seeking another position elsewhere.
I hope you land a great position that you absolutely love with a positive work environment filled with kind, supportive, empathetic, and talented managers/ leaders/colleagues!!
Just to add a little special sauce, you can write down exactly what it is you want in your next position (see above for examples) and picture/imagine how you will feel once you receive it. Doing that has helped me gain clarity and get exactly what I desire in so many instances.
I wish you the best!!
AnonymousJuly 11,2022 at 2:59PM UTC
Many environments can be described that way.
I would figure out a way to leave asap or ways to dig in your heels and make the best if it.
In situations like this I focus on my personal goals and how to make advances both at work and in my personal like. I make a plan.
So instead of focusing on other people, comments and slights I would focus on my mental health, making positive steps towards my goals (not just work related) and staying positive by taking care if myself with selfcare, therapy and surrounding myself with positive supportive people and activities.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 12,2022 at 8:33PM UTC
My advice to you would be to kick your job search into high gear ASAP. Why be miserable for any longer than you have to be.