Toxic Workplace | Productivity
Working Long-term in a Toxic Environment Is like Being in a Bad Relationship
You know it’s not working out, nor is it healthy — in any way, but you can’t find the courage to leave.
After many years, you’re working with people and an organization who don’t value your time. Your insight, your talent, and on some days, even your life. But you keep showing up, hoping that things will improve.
You feel the weight of your years. You see the young staffers coming and going. You watch as the old guard remains, but they don’t have the same fire, drive, or passion. You wonder if you’ll ever be a part of the change you want to see.
You think back to the times when things were different. You remember the small moments that showed your contributions were valued. You recall the days when there was room to dream big, and the path was clear.
You long for the days when you could look forward to a future with purpose when work was a source of pride, and you could feel the energy of innovation all around you.
As the years go by, you feel your shine slowly dimming, but you remain on the job, hoping for a better tomorrow. And you question how long you can carry on.
You had vigor, zeal, passion, and pride in your prime. But now, it’s like you are suffocating, unable to feel the warmth of your breath as you inhale and exhale to alleviate the stress that threatens your happiness.
You choke up with tears, anxiety, and frustration, knowing that your voice is silenced. Your light dimmed, and your passion is on the brink of destruction.
And you daydream of one day, dramatically, standing up and yelling at the top of your lungs, those words that haunt you day and night. Two little words that seem to hold all the power to your happiness. Words that you hope will bring you peace, joy, fulfillment, and pleasure.
Two words to unlock all your potential and reclaim your time of “wasted years.”
Unfortunately, you are too scared to mutter the words. Too afraid to even type the words. But there is a yearning and a longing inside of you to pack up your desk — years of accumulated crap and shout it loudly, boldly, and freely — “I QUIT!”
You imagine the jubilation you might feel. But you don’t dare walk away.
Too much vested time.
Too much to lose.
Too much is your cry.
A celebration of resilience.
But if you could only realize the resilience of the human spirit and celebrate it.
Because when we do, we can find power and strength in our resilience; it’s a force that doesn’t relent, that doesn’t stop, and that will carry us forward.
And while there are still moments when you will feel the urge to cry out in anguish, frustration, and perhaps hatred for the environment around you, there are also moments where you can take pride in the people around you.
Those moments are where you can find strength, resilience, and hope. And, you can take these moments and turn them into something positive. Celebrating hardship and diversity of opinions. Celebrating the power of resilience.
Finding the strength to adapt and thrive.
The ability to adapt and thrive is the most important ability we humans have. It’s the ability to find a way to not only survive but to flourish in the face of difficulty, adversity, and a lack of resources. #Adaptation #Resilience #Thrive #Hope
To adapt and thrive, we must create opportunities to find our path. Loving and discovering ourselves every day and every step of the way.
To do that, we need first to listen and learn from the voices of those who have lived and experienced before us and then use this information to create our unique vision.
Our vision for the future, our true north. And we need to believe in it.
And so, even when we feel our creativity, talent, passion, or drive drying up, it’s only then we realize it’s not the time to stop, but rather to keep going. Awakening the passion that is still alive inside of us. And to find this fire again.
Because without passion, we can never realize the vision.
Passion is not only a word; it is a way of life.
And in that way, we can celebrate the resilient spirit. The resilience to find our own vision, our own path, and the strength to pursue that path. And we can celebrate our resilience.
Let’s celebrate resilience.
But as you celebrate, let’s also remember what makes us human: the ability to laugh and cry, celebrate and mourn, love and hate, forgive and be forgiven.
So allow yourself to feel what you need to feel when you need to feel. And let your resilience go beyond your physical body. To encompass the whole of your being because it’s there, in your emotions, thoughts, hopes, and pursuits, you will find resilience.
And it will be there for you until you find the courage to bring it out into the world.
Knowing when to step back from toxicity isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of wisdom.
In those times you can best honor your gift. And when you can most truly celebrate your resilience.
Know what it truly means to thrive.
To thrive is to grow. And to grow is to find new ways to better yourself. This process is different for us all; it’s unique for each of us, and only through this process can we find our true selves.
Courage is the process of growing; we all have a little bit of courage inside us. And at different times, in different ways, we need to take risks, step outside of our comfort zone, try new things, and try on new identities.
It is only then that we can truly discover who we are. So when you are in times when you feel you are missing your courage, remember, it is just a process. And you can always come back to it.
So while you may find power in quitting dramatically, consider this: you will find there is strength in taking a step towards the vision of your true self. And that will allow you to create a life you truly love because this is what it means to live a life of resilience.
Because there is no shame in that. Because it will only make you stronger. And your path will grow more apparent. And your vision will get closer. And your life will get more full. And you will learn to thrive. And you will shine. And you will be true to what makes you, you.
Here are some factors to consider if you work in a toxic workplace.
Thankfully, you can identify a toxic workplace before accepting a job offer.
Before accepting a job, keep your safety and mental health in mind and remember,
