In 2023 I was pushed out of my job as a director by a competitive boss who was hired above me and a sales director who was a bully. The office culture was very political and childish. It was really a nightmare going to work, and I spent many teary nights trying to figure out what to do. There was work sabotage and eventually I just quit. It was the first time in 25 years of working that I left a job without another one, and it felt stressful, but I couldn't do it any longer. I then got to the final round with another job, but was blocked by my former boss (it was within our industry and I heard through the grapevine). Anyway, it sent me into a bit of a depression, and I decided to consult and have had a bunch of clients, and have had some success. Ultimately, I think I want to go back to working full-time, but I admit, I am struggling with finding the confidence to pursue another role, and frankly nervousness that my former boss will somehow intervene if I look within the industry I was working in. I'm wondering if others have had a similar experience and could offer any advice. Thank you in advance.

8 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 27,2026 at 3:27PM UTC

   Yes, I've also had a similar situation. It took my former colleague and manager almost 2 years to push me out of my position. I understand what working in hell entails.

   When I left I did not have a job lined up, either. I ended up taking a job in finance with a company remotely and in my spare time I was able to do some side gigs I enjoy and was thinking about and couldn't have done while working for the former company. All the anger, despair, depression and angst will pass. So, all I can say is to get back up on the horse and get out there and apply - and don't neglect your health because you need it to survive this. Opportunities won't come to you if they don't know you're there. Good luck and good skills.

2. AnonymousMarch 27,2026 at 3:42PM UTC

   As another poster mentioned - side gigs and smaller companies are the way to go if you're planning to further develop your talent and expertise in the same industry. Otherwise, might I suggest that you pivot to another industry too, as I understand how "bad blood" politics can push you out of an industry. I've been fortunate to hop from bigger consulting firms to smaller, and re-establish my rapport with clients (ie leaders of health systems) directly. But inevitably, bigger firms or those with much to lose have a way of bullying others - and that can happen in any industry. We have to continually rise above, or go around those folks.

3. AnonymousMarch 28,2026 at 1:13AM UTC

   Let's talk about the "fear factor" of being sabotaged by your old boss - Why not meet it head on by being upfront about it during the interview process. This allows you to control the narrative from your own perspective. If not, the fear might cripple your future.

4. Tami CannizzaroMarch 29,2026 at 5:42PM UTC

   Yes! And...practice what you want to say by writing it out ahead of time. Do not get into the details - no one wants to hear about the drama. Stay at the 100,000 foot level; put on an academy-award-winning performance with something truthful yet generic: After much thought, I decided to leave XYZ as it was clear my work style didn't align (mesh?) with the culture. I learned alot during my time there, such as (fill in the blank), which will really help me in the role of (xxxx) at your company. If pressed further, you could say, Sometimes there's a personality clash and these things just don't work out - and that's okay, as long as you learn something. I'm really excited about this opportunity - I believe I can make an immediate contribution. OR something similar.

5. GirlBossanova934974March 28,2026 at 2:07PM UTC

   One could always go on LinkedIn and find said former boss and find out where they are employed. Avoid that company. In my experience, these bad apples and their minions stay with their employers fior 3-5 years before they are found out and then they make a mad rush for the exits on a Friday afternoon. The company then spends the next year or so cleaning up the mess and unloading all the rest of the back actors/actresses that came along with the original bad apple. If you wish, you can change industries. The solution is to always keep your resume up to date on LInkedIn. Keep networking while you are employed. Go to industry events and trade meetings. The sad fact is that a great organization can be ruined in a matter of hours with just ONE BAD HIRE at the wrong level. It has happened to me a few times. What started out great was ruined overnight by some higher up's EGO or desire to pay back a favor to a person who never should have been promoted beyond first line supervisor.

6. AnonymousMarch 29,2026 at 4:42PM UTC

   If it were me I would reach out to your former manager. Ask them for a brief meeting to ask about the other role which you lost out on. Be direct and find out without accusing them if they were asked for any input about you. I assume when you left that company you signed a non-disclosure and also a non-disparagement clause. If it was only a 1-way one where you cannot disparage the company perhaps speak to an attorney about revising that document to a non-disparagement of you as well. Put it in writing if you prefer not to speak to a lawyer but be firm and let the former manager know that you left on your own terms and are not speaking ill of your experience at that company.

   If the role you were considering is revenue driving perhaps they did not want you to share competitive information with that other company? I would shake off what you went through and put it in your rear view mirror as you drive away. Take the time to truly think about what you do want in your next role. Plan out some good questions about leadership style, collaboration and helpfulness and camaraderie at your possible next employers. Don't leave your industry because of one toxic person. When asked the response about why you left there is simple. I wanted to leave the company so that I could fully focus on my job search and not do it while I was getting paid to work for an employer. The place I left no longer gave me the professional challenges to grow and be exceptional in the kind of work that I do and so it was time to move on.

   You got this sister. Take back control of your destiny and be the strong hard working person that any company would be proud to have there!

7. Celena BartonMarch 31,2026 at 1:51PM UTC

   You quit a job! That’s on you! People are struggle to find work and you are looking for sympathy. Get together and get back out there.

8. Janet ParkhurstApril 3,2026 at 10:15PM UTC

   That's pretty harsh, Celena. Shame on you! No circumstances should dictate that a person sacrifice her mental state and physical health for the sake of staying employed. She did the right thing.