In my work at Canada Career Counselling, I often encounter clients who find themselves stuck in toxic work environments. They stay longer than they should because the “devil they know” feels safer than venturing into the unknown. However, when I ask them about their biggest regrets, a common theme emerges: they wish they had left sooner.
Staying in a toxic environment, especially when it begins to impact your mental health and sleep, is rarely worth it. Many clients have shared that the toll on their well-being simply wasn’t worth the perceived security of staying put.
In a recent podcast episode by our industrial psychologist Dr. Laura Hambley, titled “Managing Your Boss: How to Succeed, Thrive, or Know When to Leave,” she provides phenomenal insights into deciphering the difference between a difficult boss and a truly toxic one. The episode offers guidance on knowing when it’s time to go and how to get the help you need.
Toxic environments are on another level entirely. Whether it’s a boss who yells, pits people against each other, or humiliates you on a frequent basis, it’s crucial to recognize when it’s time to leave. As Mary Abbajay, author of Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss, wisely says, “You can survive, but not thrive under a toxic boss.”
If you’re questioning whether to stay or go, this podcast episode is a must-listen. And if you need further support, we’re here to help you take the next step toward a healthier, more fulfilling career. Explore career counselling and book a phone consult with us!
