Hi. Recently left a toxic workplace that I was working there for 3 months as a newly senior staff. It left a scar in me which I struggled to let go of the events that happened during that 3 months. Now that I’ve left, I still feel anxious most of the time and starting to overthink on my capabilites as a professional. And now have a new worry of whether I can find a new job in 2026. I’m also afraid that I’ll encounter the same environment and people again. Now that the year has almost come to an end, I’ve actively applied but no calls or replies back which makes me very worried. Will my situation get better?
Thank you for sharing this, I’m really sorry you had to go through such a toxic experience, especially when you were stepping into a new senior role. Three months in an unhealthy environment can leave a deep mark, and it makes complete sense that you’re still feeling anxious, shaken in your confidence, and worried about the future. What you’re feeling isn’t a sign that you’re incapable, it’s a natural response to something that was unfair and hurtful.
I hear how heavy it feels to be applying and not hearing back yet, especially with fears about encountering the same kind of workplace again. That kind of uncertainty can be really overwhelming, and you’re not wrong for feeling scared or discouraged.
Even though it may not feel like it right now, this difficult chapter doesn’t define your value or your career. The way you’re reflecting on it and caring about your growth already shows courage and strength.
I’m rooting for you, and I truly hope the coming year brings you peace, clarity, and a workplace where you are respected and supported. You deserve that and I wish you the very best moving forward.
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On the encountering same environment and people, I think if we try to ask more pointed qns during the interview, we’d be able to sieve out these toxic places / teams better.
For my scenario, I had let my guard down cos it was “own people” lol. I’m pretty confident that my next role won’t be as toxic anymore for sure.
Dear @user8198, thank you for sharing your struggles and fears about your work. Can I say, it is incredibly brave for you to leave the workplace when you realised it was hurting you. So many people, though knowing that their workplace is toxic, continue to stay in it, allowing it to slowly consume them, because they are scared to leave and scared that if they leave, they cant find something better. But you did it! Can we take a few moments to just celebrate that?
Alright, now to your worries and fears. I hear you, like totally. The market hasn’t been doing too well, and it is completely valid that you fear your previous workplace situation might repeat in your new workplace. It is only human to be anxious and worry, we all do. However, could I gently just invite you to instead think about what would happen if you stayed and did not quit? How would that situation be for you, as compared to what you are experiencing now? Would it be better or worse? Sometimes we are too worried about the future, but if we take a pause and look back, we are actually progressing for the better:) We are all here for you. Please keep us posted.