If 2021 had a defining narrative, it would surely revolve around the Great Resignation. Not familiar with the term? It’s the widespread departure of employees from their jobs, fed up with the nonsense. And by nonsense, I mean toxic workplace cultures. When we think of “toxic,” we often picture unhealthy romantic relationships or toxic friendships. But let’s not forget that this same detrimental mindset and emotional manipulation can also permeate the workplace.
Now, let’s introduce a term that’s a bit more direct than the Great Resignation: rage quitting. Yes, it’s just what it sounds like. While I’ve never actually hurled my laptop out of a window, I can’t deny that the thought crosses my mind… frequently. Honestly, the only recurring daydream I have (aside from wishing for the end of Covid) is quitting my job. I understand the consequences of remaining in a toxic environment for too long. I’ve been stuck in one for nearly four years, and until January, I didn’t have many complaints. In fact, I was genuinely impressed by how my company managed the Covid situation initially.
While many were losing their jobs or forced to interact with customers in person, I can’t overlook the privilege of working from home. However, just because the company supported its employees during that time doesn’t mean it altered the swift decline of our team environment into a nightmare. Does that sound exaggerated? I assure you, it’s not. This accurately describes the feeling of logging into a crumbling situation five days a week for eight hours a day. Allowing most employees to work from home shouldn’t be that complicated, especially since we’re all adults, right? Unfortunately, the people I work with are the reason we can’t enjoy simple perks like remote work.
Toxic Workplaces Are Real
Some colleagues have completely checked out, while others are overly focused on proving that we can be productive while working from home. This behavior isn’t inherently negative, but when management expects those of us in the middle to balance everything, that’s when chaos ensues.
Recently, I had a one-on-one check-in with my manager. Before the meeting, I decided to be completely honest about the challenges I was facing. Admitting I’m not invincible is something I dread, but I had reached my tipping point and knew that changes were necessary if I wanted to stay in my role. So we began the call and proceeded with the usual updates until the floor was opened for my input. But before I could say anything, I was asked, “So, where’s your head at?”
It was half sarcasm and half a rhetorical question. Here’s the thing: when I first took this job, I was a top performer. I was the one who drove everyone else crazy because I was always ahead of the game. I made it look easy when, in reality, untreated mental health issues—specifically high-functioning anxiety—were my real motivators. So, I took a risk and explained my situation. I didn’t owe my manager an explanation for why I was no longer pushing myself to the limit. I was still fulfilling my responsibilities and meeting expectations.
When I finally prioritized my well-being, I started to meet the baseline expectations. What’s wrong with that? Absolutely nothing. I wasn’t sure how my manager would react, perhaps with some empathy or at the very least, understanding? Instead, I was met with irritation.
“Well, you set the bar high for yourself, and that expectation isn’t going to change.” What do you say to that? Maybe she didn’t grasp what I meant, so I continued, “Before, I was always running at an 11 because I was unwell. Now, I’m trying to find balance and prioritize my emotional, mental, and physical health. This has brought my performance down to, let’s say, a 7 or 8. I still do my job well, just at a more sustainable level.”
Clearly, that wasn’t the response she wanted to hear. But it’s the truth, and it isn’t changing. I can’t compromise my sleep, health, and family obligations to meet unattainable expectations from my boss. It’s unsustainable and unfair.
This isn’t an isolated incident. While I haven’t had this exact conversation before, I’ve had many similar ones. If you’re in a job where productivity takes precedence over people, it’s a toxic environment. Companies often forget that without the individuals who keep the operation running, there would be no business.
I’m not suggesting that employees should be coddled, but it’s essential to acknowledge that we are human too. The days when the fear of being easily replaceable kept people in toxic situations are long gone. So let’s stop the nonsense—it doesn’t need to be a power struggle. I give you my time and meet expectations, and in return, you treat me with respect and compensate me fairly. If that’s not a reasonable expectation, then be prepared for people to prioritize their own well-being.
For more insights on navigating these challenges, check out this blog post, which provides additional context. Also, if you’re interested in home insemination resources, visit Make a Mom for a reliable kit. Another excellent resource is Kindbody, where you can find further information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries
- How to handle toxic work environments
- Signs of a toxic workplace
- How to quit a job gracefully
- Coping with workplace stress
- Finding balance between work and life
Summary
The article discusses the author’s daily fantasies of rage quitting their job due to a toxic work environment. After years of dedication, they are met with unrealistic expectations from management despite prioritizing their mental health. The piece emphasizes the importance of treating employees as humans and not just as productivity units, advocating for a healthier work-life balance.
Leave a Reply