I’ve come to the realization I work at an incredibly toxic company that, as a result, causes coworkers to behave really poorly toward one another. I’ve never really dealt with this before, as most of my experience was at small (10 employees or less) companies. I am planning to leave, but worry it may be harder to find another job and it won’t be a quick process, so looking for advice.
For context, I started in early 2022 after 4.5 years at a firm of a similar size with similar work, but much friendlier culture. I left due to burn out and being undervalued by leadership. At first this new job seemed great. Everyone seemed to think I was so nice, helpful, smart, productive, etc. My junior staff praised me and said we were the Dream Team. Coming from an office where I was undervalued, I felt like I was finally getting the recognition I deserved.
I realize now the recognition was more due to how poorly other people behave. The company “culture” pits people against one another. People get fired with little warning or adequate feedback to correct any mistakes. There are unannounced layoffs and staff just disappear, including senior leadership. Coworkers are curt and unhelpful toward each other and take any chance they can to blame others or put people down. To sum it up, I recently asked my boss if our team or another would be responsible for something and her reply was “if X thinks we are doing Y on this project, she can go fuck herself!” I hear stuff like this all the time.
Until recently, I’ve been fairly insulated from all this nonsense because most of my work was with outside consultants. Now I am working more internally and feel there’s a target on my back and I’m being bullied and belittled by coworkers. There is one woman in particular who now seems to have it out for me. It’s really starting to get to me.
I have no issue being assertive/aggressive to combat this, but is it even worth it to play this game?
4 comments
I’d suggest a two prong tactic. 1. You don’t tip your hand how you feel about anyone. Don’t be reactive. Every email is professional and no craft it in such a way no one can take it as anything else beyond professional. You’re in person interactions are the same. You may not make friends but you won’t get fired either. 2. Your new hobby is finding a new job. Figure out the maximum amount of time you can devote to this thing without suffering in your current job and personally and commit that time to updating your resume and applying for jobs. Once you start getting interviews, try to schedule them after hours, on lunch breaks or weekends. In your interviews, don’t bash this current company (even though they deserve it). Why are you leaving? Because you’re seeking a new position with new opportunities in an environment that is professional and rewards good team members.
I’ve worked in those types of companies before and I never will again. My advice is to leave and find a company that has a culture more aligned with your values. That cutthroat culture is laughably stupid once you see it from the outside looking in.
EDIT: Not to mention that it’s ineffective. There are multiple studies showing that collaborative and open teams are more productive than cutthroat and distrustful teams. Look into how GE’s internal culture and stack ranking crippled its innovation.
Read through your job description again and make it a top priority to 100% nail every responsibility listed in it. Stay within your swim lane. Don’t try to tackle organizational or cross team problems unless thats listed in your job description
Act professional and friendly towards everyone at all times. You might need to put in some extra prep time for meetings with this toxic woman you mentioned to ensure your interactions go positively and smoothly.
Personally, I find it’s much easier to bear it and fake it when you plan on leaving ASAP. You’re not invested in the future of the company or your relationships with your coworkers
Ask yourself if it’s just the company that’s toxic, or if it’s the sector or even the entire industry.
People sometimes like to say that career-related subreddits tend to be heavy with complaints, but I think the flip side of it is that they can be good resources for figuring out which subcategory or type of office within the career can be better or worse to deal with.