QuirkyWalrus
QuirkyWalrus

Should I leave my toxic work environment with no backup in a job market like this?

I'll set the context here.

I was suppose to join a new organisation in the start of the year but it went on a hiring freeze immediately after my notice ended with my then employer.

I ended up accepting the first offer that came my way. It was not of my desired profile but it was better than being jobless.

Now, couple of months into the new job, I realize this is a very toxic place to be. Dormant founders only caring about money, rampant nepotism, no clear path for career growth.

It is becoming difficult to sustain at this place. I've been trying but now I can feel my mental health dwindling because of it. I dread going to office everyday. But again, in this job market, atleast I have a job.

The product role I mentioned is still on pipeline but no one knows when the freeze will end. My hiring manager and HR are pushing for my candidature (according to them) but management isn't allowing them to move ahead with new hires.

Now my question is, should I quit my job and try finding my desire role (which seem like a humongous task) or stay put and wait for a offer to come and then leave my current employer?

I'm torn. I dread going to office everyday. I don't know how much do I have it in me to keep continuing but I'm pushing my limits.

Want some advice from fellow grapeviners here. TIA!

20mo ago
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QuirkyPotato
QuirkyPotato

Please prioritise your mental health over anything else. Nothing is worth losing your mind over.

1st advise would be to prioritise your plan to exit this place. If you are not going to stick around for long, id say just do the bare minimum and focus on prepping for other offers.
But if it has reached a stage where it's really taking a toll on your mental health, then you should listen to your inner voice.

I understand that not everyone can take a break in career, but it can be really helpful for some. If you are pondering over this decision, here are some pointers that i posted on an earlier grapevine post.

would be helpful to keep a few things in mind.

  1. Have a good runway ( 1 year min) so that you don't get pressured into taking the next available offer. Have the leverage to walk away from an offer if it doesn't match your expectations.
  2. There is an oversupply in the market currently so you might not get lot of good inbound offers in the near future. But referrals are still decent. So having a good network will make it easier.
  3. Don't tie your self worth to your occupation. You should be okay to not have any income, and comments from family/friends/mohalla uncles and aunty's shouldn't bother you or make you feel worthless. Have absolute clarity on why you are taking a break.
  4. Make sure you have a plan for the break. You don't need to plan out every single day, but broadly you need to have clarity on how long will you take time to unwind, travel, chill out? By when approx you will start any upskilling program? What kind of upskilling you would want to do? If you don't do this, there is a high chance that you will end up not utilising your break properly, which will bother you towards the end of your break ( was guilty of this in my first break of 9 months)

Modern day jobs are mentally exhausting. We deserve to take breaks to recharge ourselves. Career is a marathon not a sprint.

QuirkyJellybean
QuirkyJellybean

đź‘Źđź‘Ź

PeppyPickle
PeppyPickle

So nicely put 👏🏽👏🏽

DancingPancake
DancingPancake

I would recommend to stay put but be active in job hunting. I was hiring for my team last month & looking at the stark differences in HR negotiations for someone on a job & the ones on a break was crazy. Though immediate availability is a bonus, being on a break in this market comes with its own risk. Pivot this phase (next 6 months)...

PerkyWalrus
PerkyWalrus

Would be you able to disclose the difference in the amount for both the scenarios?

DancingPancake
DancingPancake

More than the amount, it's the attitude. Those on break will be on backfoot to demand their desired pay.

FluffyNugget
FluffyNugget
Plivo20mo

I dread every now & then too bro. Especially when direction isn’t clear. Hang in there. This too shall pass. Can’t advice, u r the best judge of ur own situation.

CosmicRaccoon
CosmicRaccoon

Don’t leave your job without anything in hand. This was my 3rd layoff, and it’s been 3 months since I am searching but nothing coming my way. Trust me, you don’t want to be in my position. It’s better to have something than to not have anything. Best would be to actively search for jobs and leave when you get a good job.

SwirlyUnicorn
SwirlyUnicorn

Just like I was advised, try some interviews to actually get an idea of the market. Generally yes it's not a good situation but there's still teams and roles looking for people, it might just be that despite of or rather because of the abundance of laid off people in the market, emoyers are looking for people like you.

When you feel like its enough, decide for yourself.

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