It's bullshit. They liked to play favorites. Some of my coworkers never even tried to be cordial, even over the course of five years. It's been clear for a long time I was just wasting time there. But I liked what I could get away with. I didn't imagine other workplaces are any less toxic these days so why not stick it out?
I was treated like an outsider. I was doing the job of two people. Having two “managers” out of the same location (the one that makes the most money) while the others have no management at all.
Being told that a customer they refused to name didnt like my performance, which they never saw because they're never there, but suddenly is a problem now after hearing very little feedback over five years makes little sense. At least, if you think decisions are being made by people trying to act professionally.
But when you've never gotten a paycheck on time and your bosses don't even know your schedule, I can't be too upset about my performance. I was on time to my last meeting while neither were. Whether that's blatant disrespect or incompetence, I'm better off with actual managers and not two placeholders on a power trip.
Now, that I'm done trying to justify why I kept going back there with gratitude alone, I can see that I didn't much like my job. Now, I can be honest with myself about which coworkers I actually liked and which ones I never did. I can be honest and say I never really vibed with anyone there in a meaningful way.
It was all more a period of suspended animation than a real phase of my life. I have absolutely nothing to show for any of it.