Toxic workplace affecting my health

Anonymous

December 22,2022 at 5:02AM UTC

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Toxic workplace affecting my health

I’ve posted before here regarding my toxic new workplace with burnout culture. Since then, things have gotten worse and the toxicity of the workplace is starting negatively affect both my physical and mental health as well as my relationships. I know the right thing to do is the leave (I’m 6 months in the job now). I’m in leadership position and have already made positive measurable impact despite the awful circumstances I’m in (the culture is so bad that turnover is high that I’ve already had 3 bosses so far). I can translate these achievements and add it to my resume and look for other jobs.

The problem is, I know it will take me at least 3-6 months to find another job. I don’t think I can wait that long without further deterioration of my mental health. I’m afraid quitting without another job might negatively affect my career that I worked so hard to build.

Financially, we have enough savings to cover at least 12-18 months of my current salary. Although I’d rather not dig into my savings If I can help it.

Im not sure what to do- I also thought about going on a medical leave of absence to give myself a break while I look for other jobs. But since I’ve only been there for less than a year, Im not entitled to an FMLA.

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NicolaDecember 22,2022 at 1:42PM UTC
Can you try and work in the current place but give yourself some real boundaries? Sometimes it really can be about putting in clear boundaries externally and internally.
AnonymousDecember 22,2022 at 2:05PM UTC
Start looking right now! I stayed way to long in a similar situation and it really affected my confidence.
In the meantime, apply some “quiet quitting” techniques - do your job, but preserve your sanity!
Crystal HowellDecember 22,2022 at 5:09PM UTC
Maybe you can take a vacation and look for other jobs, contact a good recruiter and have them look. What industry are you in? Stress is not good for the body, mind or soul or your family. Check with your competitors for open positions, network within your industry. Let them know you are open to work. Good Luck!
AnonymousDecember 23,2022 at 2:54AM UTC
It's a decision between wellbeing and career. You're either on the verge or you can bide your time.
AnonymousDecember 24,2022 at 2:39PM UTC
With the workforce changes in the last three years, a long absence, short job tenure, or "time off from work" will not impact your career or ability to find a new job like it would when the job market is tight. You need to do what is best for you. I stuck with a toxic manager when I should have left and ended up in the hospital. I was working a commission job, so I wasn't entitled to get sick pay when it should have been workman's comp. Unfortunately, there was no way to prove the job (manager, in particular) made me sick.
AnonymousDecember 24,2022 at 10:50PM UTC
I would start looking right now. A new year is starting and you may find one sooner. I would hate to see you go thru savings like that.
ChrishoggDecember 25,2022 at 2:47PM UTC
A professional saleswoman from "up north" was "down south" making her rounds out in "the sticks" (agricultural products), came across a little dusty crossroads, and on one corner was a small, clapboard, ramshackle grocery store, and she decided to stop in and get something to drink.
She approached the store, and there on the porch sat a very old man in a rocking chair, and next to him, a big old coon dog. The dog had a pained look on its face, was whimpering loudly, and was squirming around and twisting every which way.
Curious, the woman asked the old man, "What's the problem with your friend here?"
"Sittin' on a nail," came the reply.
"Well," the woman asked, "Why doesn't it just move?"
"Guess it just don't hurt 'nuff," the old man said.
....
"I’ve posted before here regarding my toxic new workplace with burnout culture."
"Sittin' on a nail,"
Hmmm....
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachDecember 28,2022 at 4:23PM UTC
It may not take you 3-6months to find another job. It could, but it’s also possible that it may only take 1. Don’t let that thinking of time keep you stuck somewhere that is toxic.
If you knew it would only take a month, how different would your approach be ? How would you attack it differently ? Who would you reach out to in your professional network to see if they have or know of any opps?
Put yourself in the best position for it to not take any time at all. Have you ever considered working with a coach ? My email is maegan@maeganmiller.com if you’d like to reach out .