People Are Sharing The Moments They Understood Their Workplace Was “Toxic” (30 Stories)

Lindsay told Bored Panda that she believes that each and every one of us is responsible for setting the boundaries for what we're willing to tolerate. Whether or not you have the support of HR, you still have the option to talk to your superiors about any situations that make you uncomfortable or set your alarm bells ringing.

"If you feel that there's nothing you can do to change the situation and the company or people involved are unwilling to change, then you have to decide whether you're willing to stay in that environment or not," she told Bored Panda. Lindsay added that whether or not you should stay and try to change your organization for the better depends entirely on you. "A good question to ask yourself is, even if this toxic situation were to change, would I still want to work here?"

In Lindsay's opinion, we all have two options: choosing to find happiness (or contentment, at least) in the position you're in now or looking for a way out. And we shouldn't feel imprisoned by the fact that there's a global pandemic going on. "The idea that you can't change your situation due to the pandemic is very limiting. There are still companies hiring. There are still ways to make money on your own. There is always a way to change your current situation—telling yourself you're stuck feels very limiting," she said.

"Again, it comes back to what you're willing to tolerate. You can do everything in your power to bring attention to the toxic situation and attempt to change it. And at the end of the day, you always have control over your own mindset, how you're reacting to the situation, and how much you let it affect you."

Meanwhile, Professor Ng from Bucknell University explained that if the problems in the workplace concern derogatory comments (like unwanted or unwelcome jokes), a human rights complaint might be the right course of action. "Employers (managers and HR) can be held responsible for inaction," he told Bored Panda.

"If repeated complaints about the toxic workplace to the manager or HR fall on deaf ears, then it is indicative that the employer is not taking the concern seriously and it's the cue that you should switch employers/workplace," Professor Ng pointed out that there comes a limit where an employee should take charge and make major career changes.

However, you should also look out for signs that the organization is responding to feedback as well. "If management makes an effort for change, then it would be an opportunity to assist with that change," he said that some organizations address systemic discrimination and engage with their employees while some others do not.

Professor Ng told Bored Panda that choosing to quit is a tough decision that depends on a person's ability to switch employers based on their financial situation, life stage, ability to adapt, and other things. "This is also exacerbated by the pandemic. If the toxic environment becomes a health concern and the employer is not responsive, you can quit and sue the employer for constructive dismissal," he said.

"Generally, it is easier to look for another job while you are still in one, so you don't have to explain gaps in employment or past problems with a prospective employer," the professor stressed that we should think about switching jobs strategically, even if we're in a tough spot emotionally.

Meanwhile, switching careers might call for a break to "take stock, engage in career planning, and exploration and transition to new careers," Professor Ng said about the importance of retooling and adapting if we switch lanes.

Lindsay touches on a variety of different topics in her podcast, so give her a listen if you’re in need of some self-help advice (personally, I’m a fan of shorter podcasts like hers because I have the attention span of a fruit fly). Back in 2018, Lindsay did what a lot of people secretly dream about: she quit her job and went all-in on her passion project.

In Lindsay's case, she said ‘goodbye’ to her accounting job and started an online coaching business. “I had no idea how to make it happen, but I knew I was made for more and I was committed to creating a life of freedom doing work I love and serving others,” she writes on her website.

According to her, having your own business gives you a lot of freedom, such as setting your own schedule, being able to work from home, and traveling when you want. In her opinion, she’s impacting the world and won’t have to wonder about not going for her dreams when she’s old and gray.

Now, Lindsay helps other women “overcome the self-doubt, fear of judgment, and money struggles that hold them back from launching their biz.”

Of course, there’s a flip side, too—quitting your job or taking your first steps as an entrepreneur can be stressful, challenging, and might make you feel like you’re in way over your head. Even if you’ve got Lindsay and the entire internet full of self-help advice to help you out.

That’s why the decision to quit or stay at your job is a deeply personal one that makes you ask some of the hardest questions in life. Are you happy and do you feel like your work has Purpose with a capital 'P'? Should you tough it out in your toxic workplace or have you had enough? Is it wise to switch jobs in the middle of a global pandemic? Will you be able to support your loved ones without this job? Do you have what it takes to chase your dreams? What will you do if you crash and burn—what’s your Plan B?

Everybody deserves to feel fulfilled at their jobs. But it can be an uphill struggle, there’s no two ways about it.