So I have worked in a handful of industries. Web development, software development, hospitality, cleaning. And they've all been pretty toxic. My last job in hospitality, the team was great but I got sick of the customers.
I left that job with no back up plan and serious depression. I had some savings and used those while I got better. I ended up finding a new job within 3 weeks of quitting my old one. I wasn't mentally 100% ready but it was an opportunity to work in the arts as part if a team that does engagement and learning opportunities within the community. It was a bit of a dream. It was an opportunity I didn't want to pass up despite my struggles. It was an apprenticeship but they were paying me a living wage despite that.
Queue week 2 of the job. I wasn't feeling well physically, had a bit of a cough and slightly congested. I took a lateral flow, came back negative but called my boss anyway as I wasn't sure what the protocol was. I was in the middle of getting ready to head to work when they called me and told me to stay home and feel better. I had to get them to say it again as I was like “are you sure???”. After the call ended I cried. I had never been in a job where being ill wasn't seen as a major inconvenience. They valued my health and they insisted I make healthy boundaries with the business for my own wellness.
Last week I had a catch up with my boss. They told me I needed to stop being so hard on myself. I'm new I'm learning. They don't expect me to be perfect and I need to not be so hard on myself if I do something wrong. It would only ever be an issue if it was something I was REPEATEDLY getting wrong. And then it would be a case of working out why and helping me.
Finally, there was a bit of a mix up and I needed to come in on a day I thought I had off. No biggy, I hadn't made any plans. I was just gonna play video games and snuggle my cats. I asked about what do I do about the time owed and I was told that I'm trusted to figure that out however I wanted as long as they're in the loop if I wanna take a day off in lieu.
All I can say is that I have never felt so valued and trusted in a job role in my life. This is by far the most positive experience I've ever had.
There are jobs out there that will respect you, your boundaries and pay a decent wage. And to the companies who don't want to do that, well that's why no one wants to work for you. The tide is changing and I hope you all can find your place in the workforce where you too are respected, trusted and fairly compensated.