Toxic Work Environments

Sadly, I think this day in age we have all experienced some sort of toxic work environment. This can vary in severity, but it is certainly a common thing. From gossip, to bad bosses, to poor training and lack of work ethic, I have seen it all.

I have worn many hats in many industries. All of which have taught me both working environment experience, how to handle difficult situations and molded me into who I am today. And truthfully, looking back on some bad work experiences, I admittedly was at fault. We can’t point fingers and pass blame when we sometimes turn out to be the toxic party. This can come from personal issues, in my case, it was depression that I hadn’t quite sorted or even admitted to yet.

I have had contracts end, quit jobs, been let go from jobs, some with adequate reasoning, others with malleus. I have seen family members loose jobs after decades of loyalty. It is how we choose to respond to these situations that proves who we are. Put in our time, do a good job and know we tried our best.

I have worked for some excellent bosses, people I still highly respect to this day Some whom I did not appreciate the way I should have in those moments of immaturity and lack of life experience, and some who have turned out to be straight up crappy. Working for a bad boss creates who you are as an employee. This shows you who you truly are deep down and what you want in life. While I may have some bitterness towards some past bad bosses, they have taught me what I do not want in my life or career and how not to treat others. And for this, I can thank them, truthfully. Thank you for showing me what not to do in the position of power.

I will never beg. I am willing to reason with you, especially if there appears to be a misunderstanding in communication, but I will never beg for forgiveness in a situation where I know I am not doing anything wrong. If your lack of personal understanding is not present, I am not going to be the one to crawl back to you.

All this to be said, these experiences have taught me how to appreciate the good things in a job. No job is ever going to be perfect, even if it is self made and you own and operate your own business, work is work at the end of the day. It will all come with its stresses and distaste from time to time, but it is how we handle ourselves in these moments that can make all the difference and prove what we are capable of, both professionally and personally.

Melanie xoxox