You always hear about how toxic relationships “scar you emotionally” or something to that respect, but what about a toxic work environment? Toxic work environments cause unnecessary stress and can damage your productivity to the point of nonexistence.

What constitutes a toxic work environment?

A toxic work environment could be any environment you consciously work in that causes your stress levels to rise to unimaginable heights.

Some environments can include:

• A boss or higher up that does not listen to you when you are trying to bring up a concern about the business.
• A boss or higher up that treats you like you’re indispensable, but then comes back and says something along the lines of “I need you, we’re short people.”
• A boss or higher up that doesn’t recognize your accomplishments or make you feel like your work is appreciated.
• Favoritism towards other employees that don’t work as hard can cause rifts among co-workers that can grow into you hating that person.
• Narcissism is the worst when it comes to a toxic work environment because the boss or higher up makes certain rules, but refuses to abide by them themselves.
• If your boss or higher up requires complete obedience rather than allowing them the creativity to find a solution to a problem so they can get the job done.
• Your boss or higher up expects absolute perfection and when you feel like you’ve met their standards, those standards just keep getting farther away.

How do we get away from such environments?

While it may be hard, especially if you’ve formed actual friendships with your co-workers, it’s necessary to steer clear of these negative environments.

• The first option is as always the best option: quitting. While it’ll be tough for awhile while you’re trying to figure out bills and food costs, it’s the best thing for you.
• Find a better job. This goes hand-in-hand with the first option, but some people don’t always look for a better job because they worry they won’t get the same pay, benefits, hours, etc.
• If you absolutely cannot leave your job environment, the next best thing I suggest is to take up some sort of martial arts or cardio so you can get your frustration out after a hard day! (It’ll also be pretty relaxing because you’re working out your stress.)

Having worked in a toxic work environment, I can say without a doubt it is not worth any money or particular hours. I don’t need to feel like I’m having an anxiety attack or panic attack every time I work. I have a legitimate heart condition and I don’t need that stress on my heart.

Monetary wealth is not worth your life and not making memories with those you care about because in the long run, or rather when you’ve retired, you will regret not taking the chance to live.