Breaking free from a toxic work environment, the stress and dysfunction that comes with it, is a huge relief.
Making the brave decision to leave is an opportunity to start a fresh somewhere new and reclaim your confidence. But recovering from a toxic workplace isn’t easy.
It can take a while to realise that what passed as ‘normal’ in your previous job, is not the standard in the new role.
There may be triggers that remind you of your old job -feedback from a manager, speaking up during meetings, socialising with work colleagues or dealing with a passive aggressive colleague.
Similarly to grief, it can take time to heal from the effects of a toxic workplace.
But by taking some time to analyse what you have learned from the experience, deciding what you need from a new employer and where you want to set standards and boundaries to avoid similar situations, are all helpful ways to move forward positively.
And last but never least, take it easy on yourself, and give yourself some grace. Anytime we experience trauma, we will need some time to recover and reframe our mindset.