A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to work at a start-up business as a writer. The job description fit me perfectly and since I was transitioning from a software job to a career in writing, I was excited at any prospect I could find. Just the idea of getting paid to do what I love most seemed like a rewarding experience.
However, the job didn’t come without its setbacks. The management was erratic. With employees getting fired without any warnings, the burden of their job fell on those who were still working there. Extreme changes like shuffling team members, not being paid on time, contract cancellations, and getting laid off without prior notice was a norm. While most of my colleagues and I stayed on the job for the money alone, the job taught me some important professional lessons that I still use to this day.
Here’s how I dealt with working in one of the most toxic workspaces for nearly a year:
1. Had a Strong Support System
Work buddies are a god-sent when you’re in a toxic workplace that actively chips away at your sanity. Luckily for me, I had a group of colleagues who were like-minded and understood where I was coming from. Since most of us dealt with the repercussions of changing office dynamics everyday, we had someone to talk to and deal with things together. I would have probably quit within a month or two if not for this team of troopers. We’ve all moved on to greener pastures since and still continue to cheer each other on.
2. Saved Up For Something Exciting
One of the main reasons why we stick around in a job, even when its prospects don’t align with our goals is a steady pay cheque. There is absolutely no shame in doing so. Since money was a driving factor, I made a point of having short-term saving goals that could make me feel like I wasn’t entirely wasting my time and energy in a company I disliked. I bought some new pieces of tech (which I still use now) and saved up for a holiday. Having something to look forward to gave me the motivation to keep going on the days when I wanted to quit badly.
3. Enforced Super Strong Boundaries
As women in the workforce, we’re almost always taught to play around what’s comfortable for others. We readily make adjustments and oversee those times when people overstep their boundaries. The company regaled on their ability to work till 5 AM and on weekends. Top management cancelling plans with family to work was seen as model behaviour. This didn’t work for me – considering I was actively building a work-life balance. I had to ensure I was respecting my own time boundaries – that meant no calls or texts outside of work hours and on weekends, even when I had the time to accommodate something; I wouldn’t because I knew this could become the norm.
4. Unfollowed Colleagues on Social Media
Kind of a step up from the boundaries – I made it a point to not follow my colleagues on their social media. I’m a curious cat by nature, so this was a little hard to implement. However, I recognised that my social media feed was my safe space to express myself and follow people who truly inspire me. Seeing them in these spaces made me feel like they’re everywhere or like I was constantly at work.
5. Kept a Keen Track of What I Was Learning.
I believe there has to be more to a job than just a pay cheque. The things you learn, both technically and otherwise, are so important, especially if you’re just starting out. I kept a journal to track all my learnings at the job – including some mentioned on this list.
Sticking it out at an organisation, no matter how toxic it is, is sometimes the only thing we can do considering our financial responsibilities. This doesn’t and shouldn’t mean we’re entirely powerless. I still have amicable relations with the management at the company. If I were to ever work with them again, I know I’ll not be as stressed as I was the first time around.
Jagruthi Maddela
Featured image courtesy of Israel Andrade on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license can be found here.
This article resonated with me. Working in a toxic atmosphere can increasingly take a toll on you, but it’s a tricky slope because, as you said, it’s not easy to quit.
You feel like you’re stuck in a rut where you know your mental health is taking a hit but the uncertainty of the future makes you stay put.
Very well written.
I’m so proud of you my dear friend Jag. I thought i’d lost track of you , now here you are published in such a remarkable periodical. Congratulations to you.
Your piece speaks straight from your heart, fore I think I know you well enough to say so.
You’ve made me smile with your wisdom.
Cheers!