It’s sometimes difficult to get through some of these posts, as they can be a little bit triggering.. but I feel so validated afterwards. For so long I’ve felt so ashamed about how I’ve felt about modern workplace environments, like there’s something everyone else is ‘getting’ that I’m just not.
I just saw a post where someone quit after explaining their family emergency and being met with no sympathy from their boss. I WISH I had seen this content when I needed it. Y’all are so inspiring.
I quit my career field and opted for WFH self-employment (massive pay cut) because I couldn’t cope any longer. I’ve been diagnosed with severe anxiety and PTSD and I was physically getting to a point where I sincerely couldn’t function.
If it’s okay to share.. I have had a few abusive employers. I won’t share anything graphic or too triggering, and I’ll keep it succinct, but one instance sticks out in my mind that makes me feel like it belongs here.
!But I will add a CW/ TW here for unaliving.!
One day I went into work. Boss sees my demeanor is different. She says in the most sympathetic tone, “whoa, are you okay?” the question alone made my eyes well up. I thought I’d tell her the truth, “My close friend just committed suicide, I found out last night. I’m really not.” Without skipping a single beat, she replies “that’s the kind of stuff you really gotta leave at the door. I can read it all over your face, and that means so can everyone else.” And that was the end of the interaction. We worked in sales. I really meant nothing to them. The effect this had on my mental health was significantly detrimental.
If I had the support of this sub, I’d have said what I needed to then and there. I’m so glad it exists for everyone that needs to read this content today.
I’ve of course been through worse, but that instance was really what made me realize they don’t care about us. Even the ones you work closely with on a day to day basis. That was my wake up call.
Thanks for reading.