Hello Cool Girls ! In recent months, I’ve noticed a growing movement on TikTok with young people in their twenties voicing their concerns about the corporate ladder. One of them stated that “Sometimes” the workplace looks like highschool. This is one of the harsh realities many of us faced when starting their careers and makes them reconsider staying in the job market as a long-term solution.
1. Reality of climbing the corporate ladder: “Sometimes” the workplace looks like highschool
Working in a company can be a real drag, especially when you have to deal with difficult people. In open-plan offices, we often spend more time with our coworkers than our own families. This can lead to strong bonds, but it can also create a whole lot of drama.
With different backgrounds and generations, it’s no surprise that conflicts can arise. While we’re not expected to be best friends with our colleagues, dealing with toxic individuals can make the workday feel like a never-ending nightmare.
The competitive nature of many workplaces can amplify these issues, sometimes making our jobs feel more like high school drama. If we don’t learn how to avoid or manage that drama it can turn sour quickly.
2. How to avoid or manage that highschool drama
This was probably my biggest disappointment starting my career. I was so happy when I went to college, thinking all the drama, the mean girls vibe, the gossip stayed in the past. I thought it was just a question of age and that every person I’ll meet in my career will only have good intentions. How naive I was !
I learned few tips to minimize the negativity you can potentially encounter in a workplace and could help you:
- Even if you can create meaningful friendship in a supportive workplace, it is important to remember that not everyone you’ll encounter in your career is a potential friend.
- It can be beneficial to participate in some afterwork activities but always keep in mind that you are still in a professional environnement. Beware of what personal information you disclose : it is better to keep certain things for yourself as your family problems, health conditions, financial struggles or your goals.
- Stay out of your coworker’s drama and avoid taking sides.
- Establish boundaries, at the first sign of disrespect by a cowoker or a manager that you won’t tolerate being treated poorly.
Not every companies, hopefully, is a place of drama, but it can happen. Sometimes you can’t chose with who you work or can’t afford to leave your position. We know that work is the place where we spend the most time in your life. That’s why it’s important for you to create a peaceful bubble everyday to be able to focus on you daily tasks and learn as much as you can.
Don’t forget that despite your best efforts sometimes you’ll have the only choice that to walk away. In dangerous situations like harassement it is the best to find an exit solution as soon as possible.
Disclaimer
intended to provide general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing any of the issues listed above, I recommend that you seek guidance from a qualified professional, such as a human resources representative, lawyer, or therapist.. Local resources and regulations can provide further support and guidance.
