A combination of bills to pay, self-doubt, prioritizing security above all else and masochism caused me to stay in a soul crushing job too long. I misunderstood the advice “you can learn more from a bad boss than a good one”. I thought it meant that I would have a front row seat for “all the things to never ever do” and it would ensure that I only did all the right things going forward. What I failed to comprehend is that abuse in any form is never okay and that it would have lasting effects on my psyche.
I finally had the courage to walk away. The price of staying was too high and no amount of financial security offset that reality. It took me nearly two years, some good colleagues, a good enough boss and long bitch sessions with friends before I stopped feeling paranoid and anxious.
So, when your alarm bells scream to run to the nearest exit, pay attention. Run like hell! Your soul will thank you.
