Story Time: Quitting My Job After 6 Months….
Hey 🍋8 Homies!
Life has been up and down.
I’m constantly reevaluating the people and things in my life to make sure they align with what I see in my and my husband's future.
With health issues, family problems, friend breakups, and now quitting my full-time job I feel like I can’t catch a break.
For months I’ve been more depressed and I’m stressing out about being 30 and not having a stable job.
What makes it harder is not having a lot of job opportunities in the town I live in.
Granted, I do count my blessings. I have an amazing husband who loves me, and he has a great job, a roof over my head, and food in my fridge!
After years of instability from my past, I still crave stability in this dysfunctional world.
Maybe that’s unrealistic?
I don’t know at this point.
And I feel like at my age, I should have figured out what I want to do, and have a stable job.
Right?
I had finally found a job since my move to Virginia 2 years ago that I felt worked for me.
However, my supervisor wasn’t the nicest all the time, and I figured her constant mood swings and passive tone would be something I got used to.
Typically I am a person who always has strong boundaries with those around me, so I don’t have an issue standing up for myself.
But this time around I think I became more self-conscious than ever that I’m a black woman, from the city, in a small country town, and there’s already plenty of microaggressions going around.
Ya’ll I could move past it!
I’ve had racist comments about my hair, weird looks from people in the company, and again the passive tone I get from my supervisor is just too much to handle. On top of my commute.
It was always hard to pinpoint the issue with her.
At first, I thought it was racial, but she talks to everyone this way.
After a while, I learned she makes others uncomfortable, and they prefer to work with her from a distance.
She prides herself on being combative and a bully on the low.
She enjoys putting people on the spot and tearing them down just to make herself feel better about who she is.
And she's extremely miserable at home.
Since I gave my notice and filed a complaint to her, our manager, and HR.
Yes, she has apologized saying she wishes she had known earlier so she could “adjust her attitude”….
But here’s the thing… I'm not trying to teach grown people how to act, especially when having a leadership role.
It's not my job to teach her self-awareness.
And would it have changed anything? This seems more like a personality issue if anything.
Now, she's done a 360 with her attitude. She speaks kindly and isn't passive-aggressive.
Her “kindness” was leaving me confused, making me feel like I was overreacting and questioning myself.
I started to feel bad for some reason.
Until she started up again the other day.
There's so much more I could say in this story, and for anyone reading this story, it's not just about being a person of color in a workplace that has very( and I mean VERY) few minorities.
For me, I've learned a lot from these 6 months about putting your wellbeing first.
It’s also another example of how I don't trust myself sometimes, even when I know I've done the right thing..
Don't get me wrong I know we need to work, so this is not a quit your job post.
In my case, the environment was very triggering for me….
Even though this decision is what's best for me, why do I feel so terrible about it?
This was a really hard decision because I was good at what I did, and was advancing so quickly.
What's next…
Honestly, I don't even know.
I wish I could get paid for writing but I always get stuck with looking up information. And most starter jobs don't pay much.
My passion is writing but I love looking at topics related to anatomy and almost anything medical-related.
Anyone going through something similar? Or just having a difficult time trusting their intuition?
Quitting a job can be a life-changing decision, especially in a challenging work environment. Many people face unique challenges when considering a career path, particularly in workplaces where diversity is lacking. The experience of microaggressions and the impact of a non-supportive supervisor can significantly affect one’s mental health and work-life balance. For individuals navigating their careers, understanding workplace culture and recognizing toxic environments is crucial. Research shows that establishing strong personal boundaries is essential in maintaining mental well-being. Therefore, while quitting may often come with feelings of instability and self-doubt, prioritizing mental health cannot be overlooked. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Many others are also questioning their career path and facing similar crossroads. Having a strong support system, which includes friends, family, and even professionals, can provide the necessary guidance and encouragement during these tough times. Emphasizing personal growth and self-discovery after a difficult work experience can lead to new opportunities and better choices in the future. In the face of career uncertainty, focusing on your passions and seeking roles that resonate with your values can help pave the way for a more fulfilling professional life. It is crucial to remember that every challenge can lead to personal growth and that taking time to heal and reflect can ultimately guide you towards the right path.
