Career Lessons from a Toxic Work Environment

When Success Turns Sour: Recognizing a Toxic Work Environment

I walked away from my dream promotion after just seven months.

When I first stepped into the role, I was thrilled. This was the opportunity I had worked so hard for—big salary increase, leading a high-profile project, and directing a new team.

But quickly, the reality of the work environment overshadowed my excitement. It became stressful, full of tension, and before long, it was wearing me down. Friends gave me advice, but nothing seemed to help.

After months of stress and negativity, I made the tough decision to return to my previous role. Even though it felt like the right choice, I still questioned my decision: How did this happen? Could I have handled the situation differently?

Then, one day, I came across a podcast that talked about the difference between a difficult boss and a toxic one. That's when everything suddenly made sense.

• A difficult boss (or colleague) might push you out of your comfort zone, but you can usually find a way to work with them.

• On the other hand, a toxic boss (or colleague) can undermine your confidence, disrupt team dynamics, and drain your motivation. Their behaviour seeps into every corner of the workplace, affecting not only your productivity but also your well-being and long-term career growth.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some key differences between a toxic boss and a difficult one:

Here's What Actually Helped

While I can't change the past, this experience taught me some invaluable personal and professional lessons. The biggest takeaway? Therapy and mentorship helped me process the emotions, but working with a coach to develop a clear plan gave me something concrete to work toward.

Here’s how career coaching can really make a real difference:

1. Getting clear on what you actually want

   Knowing what you want in your career is the first step in shifting your focus from the immediate struggles to your bigger goals. When you define your vision, you can make choices that align with your long-term aspirations, rather than reacting to the stress of a toxic situation.
   

2. Figuring out what skills to build

   Career planning helps you pinpoint skills you need to develop or strengthen. In a toxic environment, focusing on skill-building can boost your confidence and prepare you for new opportunities—whether inside your current organization or somewhere else.
   

3. Mapping out your options

   Mapping out potential career moves helps you see all the possibilities, whether it’s staying where you are, shifting within your organization, or even exploring a new field entirely. This clarity empowers you to make informed decisions about your future.
   

4. Preparing for setbacks

   Part of career planning includes preparing for setbacks and developing strategies to stay focused on your goals. By approaching challenges with a proactive mindset, you can navigate difficult situations more effectively, even when the workplace dynamics are tough.

When you combine a solid career plan with other wellness supports like therapy, you create a powerful toolkit to regain control of your career path.

You're not just escaping a toxic environment, you're moving toward a career that aligns with your values, strengths, and aspirations.

Remember: You deserve to thrive, not just survive, in your professional life. Everyone has the right to work in an environment that fosters growth, respect, and well-being.

If you're ready to invest in your career planning and figure out your next move, let's talk. Schedule a free discovery session here to see how we can work together.

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Helpful Resources

If you're navigating a toxic work environment or processing what happened in one, here are some resources that might help:

1. "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown

2. The Self Aware Leader with Jason Rigby: Toxic Bosses: How to Survive & Thrive Anyway

3. Where Work Meets Life” podcast with Dr. Laura

   • Toxic Bosses: The Damage They Do and When to Leave

   • Difficult vs Toxic Bosses: What’s the Difference & Why Does it Matter?

4. The Mel Robbins Podcast: Don’t Argue or Fight with a Difficult Person - Do This Instead

5. On Purpose with Jay Shetty: 8 Strategies to Deal with Toxic or Negative People in Your Life, Work & Relationships 

6. TED Talk: "Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe" by Simon Sinek