The question
I hate my job. The workplace is toxic and I dread waking up every morning. I’ve worked out a detailed financial plan that will allow me to quit in six months and be set up for my next life and career goal. But I’m not sure how I can cope with working through the next six months. What strategies can you suggest to help me survive?
The first answer
Alysha Chin, career coach, Bloor West Therapy, Toronto
That’s an extremely tough position to be in, but amazing that you have set up an exit plan. I have three pieces of advice for this: set boundaries, remember you are leaving and learn as much as you can. First, it is always difficult to set boundaries, but if you know you are leaving it might be easier. If there is any way you can advocate for yourself to be treated better, do it. If you can set boundaries in a toxic workplace, you will do amazing things in a healthy one. Even if the boundary is with yourself, such as “I will not skip lunch or force myself to answer all these e-mails today or push myself beyond what I feel comfortable doing.”
Second, when things get tough, remind yourself that it is short-term and you will be out of there soon. Reach out to the people in your life to keep you grounded and remind you that there are lovely things outside of this horrible workplace. Finally, if there is anything that you are interested in or can take advantage of in this workplace, do so. That may allow you to add a positive spin and give you something to look forward to within your work. If there are any people or projects you find interesting, reach out and try to gain that information and opportunity while you are there. If you feel like all of these are unobtainable, the main thing is to take care of yourself. Toxic work environments have serious and severe long-term impacts and there are other environments that will treat you well. You deserve to be valued.
The second answer
Judit Lovas, career coach, Judit Lovas Coaching and Consulting, St. John’s
Congratulations on taking the first step toward your career goal. Working in a toxic environment can be draining; however, deciding to leave such an environment can cause equally as much emotional and mental pain. Take comfort in knowing that the hardest part is over and you can finally see the finish line. So many ‘six-month’ periods have already passed in your life. Know that this, too, will pass. The most important thing is how you come out of it.
Here are some strategies that may help you feel in control:
- Visualize yourself six months from now. Imagine how relieved and content you will be once you leave your current job. Immerse yourself in a sense of satisfaction.
- Think of your current job as an important stepping stone in your journey. Remember that this is not a permanent situation. Remind yourself that you always have a choice, and you don’t have to stay at any workplace out of desperation.
- Limit your interaction with toxic colleagues and focus on the bright side of the job. Some positive aspects could be financial stability, having learning opportunities and building your professional network.
- Plan a celebratory event with your friends for your last day at work. You may also want to reward yourself with a gift that makes surviving this six-month transitional period worth it.
When the thought of the six months feels overwhelming and never-ending, remember that it is nothing compared to a lifetime of being able to say “I took the courage, trusted myself and it paid off.” Be proud of your personal ambition and your ability to provide yourself with the opportunity that you deserve.
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Andrea Yu