Do you dread Mondays and the idea of returning to a workplace where you feel unappreciated? Are you tired of your boss gaslighting you every time you suggest a new idea? Can’t take another inconsiderate comment from Bob, your obnoxious coworker. Are you frustrated because you are constantly overlooked for promotions that you know you’re more than qualified for? Do you become angry when you see your paycheck stub and realize you are not being paid nearly enough to deal with the toxic work environment you’ve had to endure between 9 and 5 each day over the years?!
Guess what, you are not alone. Many people feel this way about their work environment. They love what they are doing and they are damn good at it, but their work culture is abusive and they have either mentally checked out or burned out.
Many have been beaten down so much they’ve developed imposter syndrome; no longer confident in who they are as a professional, always doubting their self-worth and what they bring to the corporate table. Terrible experiences in the workplace have led them to overlook their phenomenal skills, dynamic talents, and years of experience. They have forgotten that they are an expert. Yes, expert! All of those certifications and education = expert! All of those years spent in their profession = expert!
What many people are missing is that they don’t have to continue to endure abuse in the workplace. There is a way out, but the fear that has taken over their professional life has kept them rooted in their toxic situation. Instead of leaving and betting on themselves, they stay, hoping that someone or something will change.
Can I tell you a secret? It’s not going to get better; nothing is going to change.
When I left my toxic job in 2016 I had already stayed a year longer than I was supposed too. Why? Because I was afraid. I was scared to pivot – scared of the unknown. I thought I couldn’t survive without a steady paycheck from a 9 to 5. I was frightened to step out on faith. But one day my situation went from bad to worse and I had no choice but to resign (you can read more about my story here).
Here are a few things I did to help me transition out of that job and pivot into my next season of working as an independent consultant:
- I made up my mind that staying at that job was no longer an option. Yes, you have to change your mindset first and break the trauma bond you have possibly formed with your employer.
- I assessed my skills. The best place to start is your resume. What does it say you are good at? What certifications do you have? What makes you unique? I also had my resume revamped by career coach, Veralyn Gabriel.
- Next, I researched the market. I began to understand what companies looked for in a consultant; what problems they would pay an outsider to come in and solve.
- I looked at what learning opportunities my job offered that I hadn’t taken advantage of and I begin to leverage them.
- I made a final decision as to what my consulting focus would be/ the niche market I wanted to focus on and I begin to develop my brand.
- I took classes and worked with coaches to help me sharpen my business skills – especially in the area of sales and charging what I was worth.
- I had a diagnosis of PTSD so I took FMLA which allowed me to use my sick hours. Some companies will let you cash in unused vacation and sick time. Review your employee handbook or have a conversation with HR.
- I found a tribe of likeminded people who were doing what I wanted to do in the next season of my professional life – You can’t do this alone!
- Then I put my head down and worked like hell to escape the 9 to 5 rat race.
Working as a consultant has allowed me so much freedom and flexibility. I now set my own work hours. I determine how much I want to make each year- now making double the income I made while working a 9 to 5 where I was being gaslighted, bullied and harassed. And, I can work from anywhere in the world if I choose. For the first time in my life, I now understand what FREEDOM looks and feels like! The freedom so many people desire, but don’t know how to obtain.
If your goal for 2023 is to leave your toxic 9 to 5 and pivot into consulting, click here to learn about my upcoming mastermind –Pivot Into Consulting. During this mastermind you’ll learn where to find paying clients, how to price your consulting services, the components of a winning proposal, tools needed to have a flawless operating system and so much more!
You owe it to yourself to get paid what you’re worth and to create a healthy work environment that will allow you to not only survive, but thrive in 2023!
Dr. Carey Yazeed is a Behavioral Scientist who specializes in psychological safety. In addition to being a sought after speaker, she also the author of Unbreak My Soul: How Black Women Can Begin To Heal From Workplace Trauma.
If you found this article informative click here and treat Dr. Yazeed to a cup of coffee.