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Hello Cool Girls ! The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a global awakening regarding our relationship with work. As lockdowns forced many to work from home or lose their jobs, individuals were granted unprecedented time with family and to pursue hobbies. Gone were the daily commutes, the forced small talk with Karen, and the pretense of enjoying afterwork events. We reduced work to its core function: a means to earn a living. However, the return to the office following the pandemic quickly dashed hopes of a more work-life balanced future. Companies, eager to return to pre-pandemic profits, prioritized productivity and control over employee well-being. As a result, Google searches for phrases like “my job is making me miserable,” “signs to quit my job,” and “remote jobs in my area” skyrocketed.

1. The Great Resignation: A Call for Change

This led to a surge in resignations, known as the “great resignation,” as individuals sought more fulfilling and meaningful work. It exposed also the disposable nature of workers in the modern economy. Mass layoffs demonstrated that companies often prioritize profits over employee loyalty and well-being.

This realization, coupled with the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, fueled a growing awareness of toxic work environments and inspired individuals to take control of their careers. TikTok played a pivotal role in amplifying this awakening. Users shared personal stories of job dissatisfaction, posted “I quit” videos, and created informative content about red flags in the workplace. This collective voice empowered individuals to recognize toxic work environments and take action.

As a result, the power dynamics between employers and employees shifted. Individuals are now more empowered to demand fair compensation, flexible work arrangements, and a healthy work-life balance. However, making this new landscape permanent requires a fundamental shift in mindset and a willingness to challenge traditional notions of work and success.

2. Your job is making you miserable ? Now what ? Open your eyes

As a new graduate, you were likely exposed to limiting beliefs instilled by capitalist societies before entering the job market such as:

• If you work hard you will always be rewarded
• You’ll need to prove yourself before you’re eligible for a raise or a promotion
• You’re lucky to have a job at all in this economy
• You need to be tough to succeed
• You should be grateful for the experience

Or that:

• If you leave a job before a year you will be considered as unemployable
• You’ll damage your reputation if you quit your job early
• You need another job lined-up before quitting
• Quitting is a sign of weakness
• You’ll let your colleagues down

Many of these thoughts were instilled to foster a scarcity mindset. The goal was to make you more easily influenced and compliant. These beliefs can also hinder your ability to leave a toxic workplace. It’s time to rediscover the truth:

• If you work hard you will make more profit to the company
• You’ll have to “prove yourself” so the company won’t have to compensate you for this extra work
• You have this job because your work is valuable in this economy
• You need to be smart or influent to succeed
• Companies need workers to survive

Also :

• If you leave a job before a year you will find another job
• Quitting your job early on won’t ruin your reputation if done properly
• You need a plan before quitting
• Quitting is a sign of strength
• Your manager is responsible for ensuring that the workload is distributed fairly among team members, even if you leave

Acknowledging the reality about the job market is essential not only to feel powerful enough to draw boundaries but also to have the strength to leave a job that is making you miserable. The power is in your hands !

3. Your job is making you miserable ? Now what ? The Mental Checkup you can implement

Do you identify with any of the following personality traits: people-pleaser, perfectionist, or lack of boundaries? If so, you may be more susceptible to staying in a toxic work environment.

Before making a hasty career move, it’s essential to assess your needs and establish clear boundaries. To understand your needs at work, consider asking yourself the following questions:

Career Advancement

• Am I feeling fulfilled in my role?
• Am I compensated fairly ?
• Is my workload manageable, or am I feeling overwhelmed? If yes is it temporary ?
• Am I achieving a healthy work-life balance?
• Are my current responsibilities aligned with my career goals?
• Am I receiving adequate support and resources for professional development?

Stress and Well-being

• Am I taking enough breaks and time for self-care?
• Am I experiencing any burnout symptoms? Am I getting enough sleep?
• Am I getting enough sleep?
• Am I eating properly ?

Team Dynamics and Relationships

• Am I feeling supported by my manager and colleagues?
• Are there any conflicts or issues I need to address?
• Am I effectively communicating with my team members?
• Do I feel valued and appreciated by my employer?

If you answer ‘yes’ to one or more of the following questions, it may be indicative of a toxic work environment: (check the bottom of the article to read the Disclaimer)

• Do I feel uncomfortable around my manager or colleague ?
• Do i feel exploited ?
• Do I feel bullied, harassed, or discriminated against?
• Is there a culture of fear or intimidation?
• Is there a lack of respect or trust among team members?
• Do I feel unaligned with the company’s values and mission?
• Am I experiencing increased stress, anxiety, or depression?
• Do I feel emotionally drained or exhausted after work?
• Has my overall health declined since starting this job?
• Is my job interfering with my personal life or relationships?

4. Your job is making you miserable ? Now what ? Set boundaries or Leave

Based on your responses to the “Mental Checkup”, you can identify key needs that must be prioritized in your career: fair compensation, physical and mental health, professional fulfillment, work-life balance, safety, and respect.

Recognizing these needs is crucial for career prosperity. By understanding what you value, you can effectively evaluate potential employers and identify companies that align with your priorities. This will help you avoid toxic work environments and make informed career decisions.

You’ll soon be able to recognize the following red flags:

• “We are a family”
• “Expect to work long hours”
• “We’re a fast-paced, high-pressure environment”
• “We’re a startup, so expect to wear many hats”

If you don’t set boundaries, your company may exploit your time and energy. It’s best to establish clear boundaries early in a new position, but you can also do so at any time if your work conditions change.:

• I understand your request to prioritize project X. However, I’m currently focused on projects Y and Z, which are also critical to our team’s objectives. Could we discuss the relative priorities of these projects and determine the most effective allocation of my time?
• Not answering the phone outside of work hours
• Negotiating a fair compensation during interviews
• Taking your sick leave when you are sick

These boundaries can be adjust if your needs change through your career, you may also deviate from it exceptionally as a service for a colleague or through a busy and temporary period. But it should never compromise your sanity. Remember if you are struggling right now you are not alone, society is shifting because everyday a worker acknowledge his power. Today it’s you.

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