Toxic workplace or you?

Let’s be real; many people are working jobs they feel depressed in. The fear of what’s next lingers in their minds as they fear to exit such toxic work environments. They would rather just stick in there rather than leave because they believe that the fear of the unknown is greater than what they currently experience. Let me share some of my personal experiences as an employee.

I remember during one of my first jobs as a content writer, I worked with a woman who expected each of us to write 5000 words every single day. Not just that, she complemented the brain drain with insults and unwarranted complaints. It became so unbearable that every one of us on the team agreed and resigned the same day. Trust me, the world didn’t end. In fact, a few months down the line, every single one of us had secured better opportunities.

Another company I once worked for was a prominent fashion brand in Nigeria as a growth marketing and operations manager. The CEO was so aggressive with every member of staff that employees thought twice before knocking on his office door. I even heard that he engaged in a punching combat with his former operations manager. As my fragile heart could not endure an impending heart attack from his incessant threats to everybody over little things, I walked out the company’s gate one day and never looked back.

Another place I worked was a company whose CEO tried to harass me and influenced the HR to make my job unbearable because I didn’t bend to his whims. He didn’t think of the whole restructuring I helped him with when his company was on the verge of collapsing. Another funny situation with a company was with a woman who seemed to have a nice image on the outside but treated her staff like rags and would not hesitate to use the F* word.

Although I have worked with other very amazing companies, my focus is on the experience I have had with toxic companies. With this thought in mind, I thought it’d be nice to share a poem reflecting this, and I hope you enjoy reading this piece as much as I enjoyed every bit of the writing process!

In the cast shadows of frequency's gaze,
There are what seem to be suffering souls making time.
Toxic work culture, where fear does exist,
In workers' hearts, a sadness they possess.

The air is thick with despair and tension,
As if joy expired and left behind cold air.
Behind smiling faces, emotions are concealed,
In this culture where authenticity is unraveled.

Insensitive leadership to suffering around
Seeks profit alone, no sympathy to be seen.
Minds overworked, bodies gaunt,
In a toxic workplace, there is no space to win.

Gossip and rumors, a toxic blend,
Toxicity spreading like fire, it's true.
But still there is hope, a light in the mist,
The human spirit can endure in many a manner.

In solidarity and courage, we shall be free,
Shattering chains of this soul-destroying tenancy.
With perseverance and strength, we'll bring in a new day,
A toxic-free workplace forever out of our way.

We can reach a world in which work is refuge,
Where love and kindness fuel the soul to give.
We can achieve in such a world that every single one can find
A purpose and a happiness that fills it with what we're made for.

Thanks for popping in

Let’s talk about you! Are you currently stuck in a toxic workplace? If yes, you are not alone. Many are silently enduring all sorts of gibberish thrown at them at their various workplaces. With this in mind, I want you to put it at the back of your mind that you should always put yourself first! No one is irreplaceable! As companies choose themselves over their staff, so should you choose yourself over any company. No company is worth the mental drain, health issues, or road hazards.

As you put in your best sincerely in your job, don’t forget to know that you are exchanging value for value. Hence, you should seek a workplace where you are valued. Feel free to leave your poem(s) in the comment section below. If you enjoy my blog, please share the joy with your loved ones using the share button. I am growing my blog and would love that you are part of the journey. Thank you for visiting and I hope you remember me in your thoughts!