I am feeling really stuck in my current position.

Anonymous

May 16,2022 at 2:52AM UTC

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I am feeling really stuck in my current position. I have been working at the same startup for 3.5 years and while I have had major career growth there (my longest position since graduating 5 years ago) it has also become detrimental to my mental health. This workplace has gotten so toxic and people are quitting like crazy, most to find new jobs but many to just take a mental health break.

I have been applying to jobs in an attempt to leave for the past year and have been offered 3 but none of the positions were steps up in my career or pay. I really want to leave on a good note and make an exciting career move but lately, it has been insufferable and I am burnt out. I have been having trouble sleeping, concentrating, and generally feeling anxious all the time about trying to reach unattainable goals set for me at work with zero support.

Is it worth quitting if I can afford to take time off for my mental health? I'd love to hear about others' experiences!

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Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.LMay 16,2022 at 3:50AM UTC
Please understand that you are not alone.
The only advice I can give is to know when the bad outweighs the good. It would defeat the purpose of leaving one toxic environment to go to to another one with lesser pay and benefits. I won't speak too much on the issue because I do not have enough information as to why you feel it is toxic. When you speak of burnt out, you do not want to leave this one only to be burnt out at another one. I often hear people talk of toxic work environments. If someone is harming you physically, then I would report it. If you are reporting and nothing is changing, I see the frustration. People often cannot get a resolution with HR because of Workplace mobbing and organized crime. In life, we have to take time to get rest. If you have PTO, use it to take a rest day. 
Barb HansenMay 16,2022 at 5:00AM UTC
It's okay to take another position that's a lateral move, not every new job has to be a "step up".
There are plenty of reasons that a lateral move is the best thing for your career:
1-Your current position is not working out for you
2-You are moving into a new industry or a new career within your existing career
3-Your current job isn't providing you with the skills you know you need
4-any other number of reasons.
Personal experience:
I started my business career in startup land. After 12 years of too much travel, too many hours worked per week, I was exhausted. And after the 2008 economic crash when startup jobs (and most jobs) dried up, I needed to find a job that had some-level of job security, good benefits and in theory didn't need me to work 80 hours a week.
I ended up taking a job with a much lower job title, a similar wage, and much better benefits at a large international company. Was I happy that my job title dropped more than a few levels? Nope. Did I learn a lot at the job? Absolutely. Did that job set me up for a great next job? Yes.
I became a better manager (thanks to working for a company that had management training), I got to work with colleagues and contractors from around the world, and I got to work with enterprise level software (which I had not got to work with in startup land).
Your career journey is yours. If you need to leave a company because it's not good for your mental health, then leave. If career path takes a side step, that's fine.
Do what's best for you and don't worry about trying to follow someone else's definition of the best career path.
AnonymousMay 16,2022 at 3:43PM UTC
Startups are a strange world but can be rewarding for a time
It you are suffering tgen I suggest you do what you can to get some distance from your stressor.
Some folks can keep the job while stepping back and focusing on themselves with therapy, selfcare and rest. Others need a complete break with their job.
A new job might only be a bandaid but if you can find a way to address your mental health that would make the bandaid a worthwhile avenue to pursue. Especially with great benefits, a solid new job and better environment.
To get well takes focus on your mental health, money and benefits for therapy and the time to devote to yourself.