Why Do Some Professionals Stay Stuck in Toxic Jobs?

Not everyone tolerates toxic workplaces. Some leave at the first sign of dysfunction, while others stay—sometimes for years—enduring extreme overwork, gaslighting bosses, and a culture that glorifies burnout.

So, who is most likely to get into, not leave, and suffer in toxic jobs?

Here are some common personality traits and circumstances that make people more vulnerable:

🔹 High Achievers & Perfectionists

• If you take pride in excellence, you may believe that pushing through toxic conditions is just part of the challenge.
  
• You convince yourself that if you "work harder," things will improve.
  
  

🔹 Empathetic & People-Pleasing Personalities

• You care about your team, your clients, and your boss—even when they don’t reciprocate.
  
• You say “yes” too often, fearing that setting boundaries will make you look uncommitted.
  
  

🔹 Financially Dependent Professionals

• You stay because you need the paycheck, healthcare, or stability—even as your mental health declines.
  
• A recession or job market uncertainty can make leaving feel impossible.
  
  

🔹 Those Who Have Been Conditioned to Tolerate Unfair Treatment

• If you've experienced controlling or abusive relationships in your personal life, a toxic workplace may feel familiar—even normal.
  
• You may struggle to recognise red flags or believe you "deserve" better.
  
  

🔹 Loyal & Responsible Team Players

• You don’t want to leave colleagues behind.
  
• You fear the company will struggle without you, so you shoulder an unfair burden.
  
  

🔹 First-Generation Professionals & Those Breaking Barriers

• You’ve worked too hard to get here—through school, college, and beyond.
  
• Walking away feels like a betrayal of your own sacrifices and ambitions.
  
  

🔹 Professionals in Prestige-Driven or Creative Fields

• If you work in high-status industries (advertising, finance, media, law, tech), hustle culture is deeply ingrained.
  
• If you’re in creative industries, you may feel “lucky” to have the job—even when it’s exploitative.
  
  

🔹 Those Who Believe 'All Jobs Are Like This'

• If you've only ever worked in toxic workplaces, you may think this is just "how it is."
  
• You may not believe healthier workplaces exist.
  
  

If This Sounds Like You… What Can You Do?

✅ Recognise the patterns – If your job is draining you, it’s not just you; it’s the environment.
✅ Seek support – A mentor, coach, therapist, or even online communities can help shift your perspective.
✅ Start planning your exit – Even if you can’t leave today, small steps (networking, upskilling) can help.
✅ Know that you deserve better – There are workplaces that respect work-life balance, growth, and well-being.

Have you ever found yourself trapped in a toxic job? What helped you break free?

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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.