What Could I Have Done Better in My Toxic Job?

Looking back at my first job—the toxic workplace that nearly broke me—I often wonder: What could I have done differently?

Here’s what I now know:

1️⃣ Recognised That Overwork Wasn’t “Normal”

I thought working until 3 AM and returning by 9:30 AM was just how the industry worked. I believed I had to endure it to prove myself.
🔸 What I’d do differently? I’d question the culture instead of assuming suffering was a rite of passage.

2️⃣ Trusted My Instincts About Red Flags

The signs were all there:
🔹 Fear-based management
🔹 Glorification of burnout
🔹 No real support system
But I ignored them because I needed the job.
🔸 What I’d do differently? I’d acknowledge that red flags don’t turn green and start planning my exit sooner.

3️⃣ Believed That I Deserved Better

I told myself: “I worked so hard to get here—quitting now would mean failure.”
But staying in a toxic job at the cost of my well-being wasn’t success either.
🔸 What I’d do differently? I’d remind myself that no job is worth sacrificing health and self-worth.

4️⃣ Built an Exit Plan Early

I stayed because I felt stuck. But there were steps I could have taken:
✅ Strengthened my network
✅ Explored other opportunities
✅ Learned new skills to pivot sooner
🔸 What I’d do differently? Even if I couldn’t leave immediately, I’d take small steps instead of waiting for a breaking point.

5️⃣ Asked for Support Instead of Suffering Alone

I thought I had to push through alone. I didn’t seek advice, mentorship, or even emotional support.
🔸 What I’d do differently? I’d reach out—to mentors, colleagues, even a therapist—because we don’t have to figure it out alone.

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Are you seeking to create happiness at work? Do check The Happy Work Guide: 8 Steps to Freedom from Toxic Work.