Sometimes your work environment is so toxic, you find yourself rushing to the bathroom once in a while to cry off some anger.
“Why don’t you quit?” Friends and family ask you but you cannot answer because you know you need that income.
Anyway, there are some rules you can follow to survive your toxic workplace.
Here are some of them.
1. Establish boundaries
This one is a real challenge for most people. Learning to say no can be really difficult but in the long run, it will pay off. Boundaries look like actually taking your lunch break. Not coming in early or staying late. Not working on the weekends or from home when you are off. Not responding to your boss at all hours of the day. Boundaries are not only healthy for you, but also for the people you work with. You can set an example for others and show them that it is okay to take care of yourself and let your job come second.
2. Create a positive work space
Whether you have a cubicle or a corner office, you can make your workspace infused with positive energy if you want. Hang wallpapers that are relaxing to you. Put up pictures of people you love where you are having a great time. Post positive quotes as your desktop background or around your space. Do what you need to do to remind yourself that your job is not everything and that you still have a happy life outside of it.
3. Find outlets for stress relief during the day
Because quitting tomorrow is probably not an option, try to find some way to give yourself a break once in a while so that you can recharge. Go for lunch with a friend. Go for a walk around the building. Do a 5-minute meditation. Read a quote book. Whatever it is that helps you decompress, consider incorporating that into your workday even if only for a few minutes.
4. Don’t take work home with you
If you have already identified your work environment as toxic, why would you welcome that energy into your home space? Don’t do it. Let that negative energy stay at work where it belongs.
Set a rule for yourself that you don’t talk about work in your home. Make sure you do not check your email after you get home for the evening. If your mind starts to think about work while at home, go distract yourself with something else. Protect your happy space!
5. Stay true to yourself
This might seem simple at first, but so many times people lose themselves in their jobs. They stop being authentic and sacrifice what matters to them in order to survive in the toxic environment. We know sometimes this feels easier than fighting it, but really you are just destroying yourself in the process. Don’t let others make you change yourself unless you genuinely want to change.
6. Begin searching for a new job
If you have tried all the above measures with little to no result, then it is time to begin searching for a new job. Dust your CV and start sending out those applications.
