Feeling Stuck in a Toxic Work Culture with No Support – How Can I Cope and Move Forward?

Hello all, About 5 and a half months ago, I joined a prestigious financial institute with high hopes and dreams as an IT engineer. However, soon after joining, I realized that there is no growth as a professional due to the negative work culture being practiced. All the experienced engineers were already in the notice period, and I became the most experienced guy only two months after joining. Due to cost-cutting, they are not hiring new engineers, and there is a significant workload.

If there is a delay in completing some work, then all blame is put on me. Whenever I discuss these issues with my manager, he dismisses them, saying it's your problem. I am still continuing only because of the technical exposure I am getting here. However, I am really getting fed up with the place and most of the people around me, including my reporting manager. What should I do now? Please help me tackle this.

Some organizations wither away due to competition, losses, etc.

From what you have written, I would only advise looking around for another job. No point in giving you theoretical advice to try to meet higher officials and change the work culture.

Very right advice by Shri Nathrao. You may act upon the same and switch over to some other organization instead of fighting with the bad work culture, which is totally out of your domain.

Dear Simplysonu7288, This is in addition to what previous members have said. Let me now focus on one important statement of your post, "I am still continuing only because of the technical exposure I am getting here."

For the technical exposure, you are required to pay a hefty price. However, is it not worthwhile? More work means more mistakes, and more mistakes mean more learning. Therefore, on the opposite side of resignation is putting up notwithstanding the heavy workload. Please remember the famous proverb, "the toughest of the tough steel has to pass through the hottest of the hot fire." You are passing through fire now, but you will reap rewards definitely in the future. When you come out from this company, you will be a far more learned person. Therefore, show perseverance and continue for at least 1-2 years. As long as they are paying the monthly salary on time, there should not be a problem.

Please think of this opposite option as well.

All the best!

Regards, Dinesh Divekar

Hi all,

I would like to thank all for taking your time and advising me. Personally, I would like to continue with this job, but I find it difficult at times to accept the blame for such a huge workload alone. However, I will try to keep my cool and learn as much as possible for another 6-7 months.

I am concerned about whether leaving such a big organization after completing one year would create a bad professional image of me. Additionally, I am curious if I would receive a 40% hike, etc.

Thank you all.

Good that you see a positive light in a difficult situation of extra work and unhelpful bosses. Whether you will get a 40% hike after one year in a new job cannot be predicted, but the technical experience you mentioned getting will hold you in good stead in the job market. Every employer looks for employees with good job skills. Job mobility is common nowadays. Planned quitting after one year may not be a bad thing.

If you have decided to continue for the next 6-7 months, then as of now, do not think about what your next hike will be. When you start looking for a change, you will be able to capitalize on the brand image of the company. Secondly, the confidence with which you handle the interview questions also matters. Doing hard work in your current company is one thing, and providing replies to interview questions is another. The extent of your hard work will be evident to the interviewer through your responses.

Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar

If you can overcome this bad situation, you will get more than you can imagine. But in my opinion, you should only stay if it's just a crisis period. If the bad work culture remains, I don't think you can work there in the next 6-7 months.

What I mean by bad work culture is the blame game within the different teams through mails, calls, etc., which happens on a daily basis. I assume it's a part of all the offices in the world. But it should be a constructive one, not to demoralize someone.

Understanding Bad Work Culture

What I mean by bad work culture is the blame game within different teams through emails, calls, etc., which happens on a daily basis. I assume it's a part of all the offices in the world. But it should be constructive, not demoralizing to someone.

Normally, action and reaction are equal and opposite, as per nature's formula. If someone initiates demoralizing emails or calls, the better way is not to react (respond) to that. They would simply stop after seeing no reaction for even 2-3 such emails or calls from your side. When you respond in an equal and opposite or more aggressive manner, your reaction would attract more counter-reaction from that side. There is an Urdu saying, "Kutte bhaunkte rahte hain, lekin caravan chalte hi rahte hain." The group of traders (in olden times) used to continue their journeys to different places for trading, despite the dogs barking at them on passing through different places en route.

Hello All, I am feeling cheated and insulted now. Despite working hard and with honesty, I received poor ratings from my manager, and my probation period (after completing 6 months) has been extended for another 3 months. I received a letter from HR regarding the same. This has definitely demoralized me, and I am not feeling motivated working here anymore due to the dirty politics being played. It has been 7 months now, and I am considering moving on for better job satisfaction. Is it the right step to take so early? What reason should I give to my future employer for wanting to leave such a branded company in just 7 months? I am very confused now. Please guide me on this.

Regards.

Despite working hard and with honesty, I received poor ratings from my manager, and my probation period (after completing 6 months) has been extended for another 3 months. I received a letter from HR regarding the extension.

Discussing Probation Extension with Your Manager

You must discuss with your manager where and why he feels the need to extend the probation. Normally, during probation, the employee is watched, trained, and guided. If there is still no progress or insufficient progress, then the probation can be extended.

Previously, you wanted to continue; review your decision after talking to your manager. Approach him with the intention of understanding where you may have fallen short. It often happens that one believes they are performing well, but their superiors may have their own priorities, ideas, and rating criteria.

Make a conscious decision after exploring all angles.

Believe more in facing challenges, hurdles, and problems. This will make you stronger and more efficient in adjusting to any difficult situation professionally. Changing jobs may not be a solution here. However, if you feel that there is an opportunity for growth, you can still continue to learn and take action. You cannot be sure what surprises you will face with the new company when considering a shift from your current job.