How to Escape a Toxic Work Situation

In case you haven’t heard the news, we’re in the midst of the “Great Recession.” A record number of workers are quitting their jobs, and the reason is simple – they’re fed up and aren’t going to take it anymore.

We spend more time at work than with our families, and each year it seems you do more work for less, and what you have doesn’t go as far. Many people work in such an environment, and they are the lucky ones. Take the description above and throw in an unhealthy dose of toxicity, and you have all the makings of a waking nightmare.

If you believe your work is in a toxic environment and want to make a change, it may seem like a simple case of get-out-as-quickly-as-you-can. However, it’s never that easy. Even if you think you are in a place that’s all bad, it’s easier to tie a knot than untie one. If you’re in a toxic work environment, here are some things to consider:

1.     Is the job worth salvaging? It’s time to do a serious, objective, emotionless, cost-benefit analysis of leaving your toxic job. That means giving as much weight to the “benefit” part as the “cost part”. If you feel your mental and physical health is in jeopardy and you’re in a desperate situation that needs to change, you should be as equitable as possible when assessing the cost vs. the long-term cost.

2.     Can you afford to leave your job?  That’s the rub. If everyone could afford to leave their job, employers would have to treat their employees well. Unfortunately, we live in an upside-down world, and the reality is that few people, regardless of their profession, can afford to weather a prolonged financial storm. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How quickly can you get a new job? Be realistic. When was the last time you updated your resume or been on a job board? Do you really know the landscape? Do not assume you can quickly find a new job. Do your homework.

• What is your marketability? Things have changed. Yes, the job market is strong right now, but nobody should consider a professional move before researching the possibilities. Separate hope from reality. Even if you are a highly qualified candidate use to writing your ticket, that may not be the case now, and you don’t want to end up in another toxic workplace, so check your ego at the door.

• Do you live in a region with lots of jobs? Job seekers often overlook location and availability. If you live in a metropolitan area with more job options, you face more and more high-quality competition than a smaller market with fewer options with more viability. Can you and are you willing to relocate to whichever region may be better for you? Think about it.

3.     You can’t fight City Hall. That’s an old axiom, and it applies to trying to change your workplace culture. Some businesses are so toxic that they are never going to change. Is it more realistic to find satisfaction outside your current workplace?

4.     Conduct your job search with caution.  If you believe your work in a toxic work environment, wait until somebody finds out you’re interviewing for other jobs. Don’t put it past any organization to exact retribution if they find out you want to leave or if you put in your notice. If you are working remotely, you may have more flexibility to search for new jobs and interview but use the same rules when looking for a job while in the office – use discretion. Also, know that many companies are now using monitoring tools to chaperone remote workers. Don’t apply from your work laptop – use your personal equipment and personal time to interview.

5.     Treat your exit with grace and dignity. Take the high road. Do the right thing. Give two weeks’ notice. Do your best work. Don’t slack off. Reputations carry. If your workplace is toxic while you’re there, imagine what will happen when you leave. Resist the urge to write a final scathing diatribe describing the company’s ultimate downfall. Even if you’re right, nobody will care at that moment, and you will look bad.

6.     Don’t burn bridges. Not burning bridges is difficult when that’s the only thing you want to do. You don’t ever want to see any of these people again! Right? Think things through. Try and exit with empathy. For example, you may not be happy with your immediate supervisor, but maybe they shielded you from even more toxicity. If it’s an environment toxic for you, it’s toxic for everyone. Don’t be cavalier about throwing people under the bus as you leave.

Philip Roufail contributed to this article.

Scott Singer is the President and Founder of Insider Career Strategies Resume Writing & Career Coaching, a firm dedicated to guiding job seekers and companies through the job search and hiring process. Insider Career Strategies provides resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, career coaching services, and outplacement services. You can email Scott Singer at scott.singer@insidercs.com, or via the website, www.insidercs.com.