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Are you feeling stuck, unfulfilled and desperate to get out of an unpleasant workplace?
There’s nothing worse than being in a job that leaves you feeling unmotivated, unheard and not valued.
Whether it’s an old-school boss who refuses to adapt, unfair expectations or unacceptable behaviors from coworkers, knowing when it’s time to make a move can be tough.
It goes without saying that some workplaces stick with the status quo which doesn’t always foster healthy relationships or leave room for growth.
But fear not!
We’re here today to help you identify 12 telltale signs that you are stuck in a soul sucking toxic work environment so that you can take the steps necessary toward finding greener pastures elsewhere.
1. Not Appreciated
There is nothing worse than getting in trouble for the one mistake you make while at the same time, never getting congratulated for all the good things you do.
While most people don’t need a celebration every time they do good, it is nice to be acknowledged every once in a while.
2. Thinking Twice Before Talking to Human Resources
Human resources are supposed to be there to support issues that you don’t feel comfortable discussing with your manager.
But when you are in an environment where you know you can’t talk to HR for fear of retaliation, you know you are in a toxic environment.
From passive aggressive behavior from co-workers, lack of acknowledgement from leadership for effort put in, hostility lurking around corners or even struggles finding purposeful conversations at all, these ten red flags can help identify if and when workplace toxicity has become too much.
3. Gossip Culture
I once heard that toxic people reveal themselves when they talk about others. There will always be office gossip, though some are less conspicuous about their gripes with coworkers and will talk some colleagues down.
An employee warns that the office gossip who talks about others will do the same to you “when you aren’t around.”
4. Blue Mondays
“When you’re crying on your way to work,” says a female worker. This scenario is a red flag for employees, but it is time to consider a new path if your work affects your mental health.
“I used to sit in the parking lot and cry in my car before going to my last workplace,” agrees another unfulfilled soul.
5. Micromanagers
“I left a job after a few months because of micromanagement,” shares a relieved worker. “I always thought that Office Space consultant scene was a hyperbolic joke until I actually had four people breathing down my neck several times a week.”
Ironically for control freaks, studies show that people with moderately cognitive jobs are more productive when given autonomy.
6. Overtime for No Pay
Another observer states when “working many hours overtime each week is expected even though you are salary,” it may be time to move on.
Any worker should expect to cover extra hours sometimes, but not to the point of exploitation.
7. The ’60 Minutes’ Feeling
Many employees hate that feeling on a Sunday when they dread what is around the corner — the few hours until you press a shirt, pack your work bag and await the Monday alarm clock.
“I call it the ’60 Minutes feeling’,” says a commenter. “When I was a kid, my parents watched the show 60 Minutes, which was on Sunday evenings.”
8. That Awkward Silence
“Being quiet when certain people enter the office” is the first pick of the thread. Michael Scott’s relationship with H.R. killjoy Toby comes to mind with this trope, but we’ve all experienced the office ‘Karen.’
Sometimes, they are just difficult personalities; other times, they are just time vampires. “Oh man, the one person that tells the boss everyone’s secrets,” adds another familiar person. I hear you.
9. Playing Favorites
This one is mine. I have worked in environments where the boss is close friends with staff members.
Not that bosses shouldn’t have friends at work, but it’s hard to take when those friends get benefits like extra ‘professional development’ or personal days, better offices, or kinder working schedules.
10. Mediocre Performance Reviews
“Giving you mediocre performance reviews even though they praise you and don’t have any feedback on how to get a higher score,” declares an underappreciated worker.
Nothing shouts nasty boss more than giving a bad or underwhelming performance review. They usually come without warning, with no prior mention of the discrepancies.
11. Horrible Bosses
It is the most obvious one, but we have all had the mini-dictator at work. One fleeing worker, safe with a new job after handing in notice, explains how her boss was.
“When I knew I was leaving, I was very vocal about the pay increase at my new job,” she recalls. “After I left, he gave everyone an extra dollar an hour.”
12. High Turnover Rate
According to one poster, it is a red flag if new faces keep appearing in your new job.
“If employees are hard to retain and you frequently see new coworkers,” warns the commenter. “you are working at a toxic place.”
Make Money With Your Body
Did you know you can make money with your body? While there are ways to earn an income doing things that you might consider objectionable, there are many other options out there that are quite normal.
Take for example selling blood plasma or taking part in research studies. If you want to know how to make money using your body (and put forth very little effort in the process) you need to check out this article.
HOW TO MAKE MONEY WITH YOUR BODY
Sell Feet Pictures For Serious Cash
Selling pictures of your feet can be a significant income stream. Some people report earning six figures a year doing this easy job.
All you need is a camera and two feet and you are in business. Here is all you need to know to make life changing wealth selling images of your feet.
HOW TO MAKE MONEY SELLING FEET PICS
Under The Table Jobs That Pay Cash
If you need cash right away, a typical job won’t work for you. You will have to wait a week to get paid, or in some cases, two weeks.
Luckily there are other options out there. Here are the best places to make cash under the table and walk out with cash in hand at the end of the day.
BEST UNDER THE TABLE JOBS THAT PAY CASH
How To Get A Raise At Work
Do you want to make more money? Of course you do! Sadly, most people wait until their review to ask for a raise and are disappointed when the answer is no.
A better solution is to follow a plan that ensures you get a raise of 5% or more.
How To Have FU Money
Do you want to have more money than you know what to do with? This is FU money.
And while it might seem impossible to attain, you can get it with the right plan.
LEARN WHAT FU MONEY AND HOW TO HAVE IT
This thread inspired this post.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.