Feeling Stuck in a Toxic Job: How Can I Make the Right Career Move Without Risking My Future?

Hi seniors, I am really in big confusion; I really don't know how to handle this situation. I am a pass-out student from the batch of 2015, having studied MBA-HR. Now, I got selected for a company from my first interview attempt itself in a small company. I was so excited to do the job even though the package was less. It's a finance company registered under the Shops and Establishment Act.

After joining, I came to know that there was no HR; the admin was the one handling both roles. We have 22 employees here, and I was handling HR. Later, they requested me to handle front office management, including attendance because some employees are not punctual.

Everything was going pretty well. But later on, one of our digital marketing managers started interfering in my job. She doesn't like anyone, actually, and no one likes her attitude either. She started complaining from the very beginning, saying that the offer letters I prepared were not right. Anyway, I did not fight or argue as she has more than 12 years of experience, and I had been working for just 2 months. Day by day, she started acting weirdly in my matters and interfering in my job. She even comes to take interviews and other business, finding that I am doing wrong. Then I told management that I am a fresher, but I am trying my level best. Without any training and senior advice, I prepared a manual, all the important letters, salary, and other things. (The management never even bothered).

The admin told me not to do anything because no one will see whatever I do. Still, I completed my responsibility and kept everything with me (no one takes interest in this).

Now it's been 6 months, my probation period also got over. I got an increment of 66.67% and a performance appraisal from our CEO.

After some time, there was a party, and a shocking incident happened. The CEO approached me, saying he has a soft feeling for me, etc. It was shameful and disgusting because he is already married and has a child. Moreover, I am engaged, and he knows it. It was shameful, but I was not able to do anything and left the party. As he is the so-called CEO of his company, no other employees will bother and go against him.

The next day, the management people called me and asked for apologies, including the CEO, saying sorry and all. They requested me not to tell anyone. I had no choice but to forgive for the first time.

After that incident, now he talks with me but limitedly. I am really uncomfortable working here. I get frustrated when my colleague (the DMM) interferes again in my job, but I can't ask management now after that shocking incident.

I have decided to quit my job, but it's only been 6 months. If I quit now, other companies will think I am a job-hopper, right? Here, I was the only HR person; if I leave, what position should I apply for? Recently, we updated software, and she (DMM) mentioned me as HR Executive. It's impossible to work here. I feel like day by day, I am losing confidence. They are making me weak or killing my self-confidence. I feel like I am just a receptionist here. Management is not saying anything when she does my work before me. I don't think I will get any relieving letter or experience letter from here if I quit.

I have a financial problem. Without another offer, I cannot quit the job. It's a big issue. Please help me; how should I face this situation? I am really in trouble. If I apply for a job after having one job in my hand, and they find out about this, will they take any legal action against me? I am scared; my family is depending on me, and I have an education loan. I'm stuck here. Please help me make the right decision.

Thanks a lot!

"The CEO approached me, expressing that he has a soft feeling for me, etc. It was so shameful and disgusting because he is already married and has a kid. Moreover, I am engaged, and he knows it. This is crossing a line. Is he still doing this after his face-saving apology? Are there any records or evidence of his 'soft feeling'? Take a strong stand against being harassed. Interference by a senior lady has to be handled with patience and tact. Look around for another job. Use your engagement as an excuse to leave when you secure a job. Have you told your fiancée about the problem?"

Thank you for the support. No, now he has stopped talking with me and is not giving me any job. I did not tell my fiancée about this cheap behavior. Moreover, I don't have any strong witness or proof to go further. In this case, if I search for another job, will it be a problem? Because I know there are companies that urge a case on employees who go to another company without resigning from the previous one. I don't want to take any risk in my career. I am sure if I make such a decision, they will try to do some other bad things to me because they don't want me to quit and make me suffer.

I am confused and stressed out. Anyway, as you said, I will try for a new job, hoping for the best! But I am scared that if they ask for a relieving letter and experience letter, which I don't have. However, I have an offer letter, appointment letter, and an increment letter. Will it help me to build my career again?

Advice on Handling Workplace Challenges

My advice is based on what you have written. Try for other jobs, and if you get a job, quit by quoting personal reasons such as engagement, family needs, or something similar. Do not quit in anger or by fighting so that you get all documents. But draw the line at personal dignity and harassment. Say no and do not accept improper behavior. Otherwise, be discreet and work hard. Do not stress yourself out as you need to be calm and make decisions. Your increment letter and appointment letters do provide proof of employment, so do not worry.

Facing Workplace Challenges as an HR Professional

As an HR professional, you should be strong enough to handle workplace issues. This is a common problem that female employees face not only in your organization but also in many others. You must be strong enough to work in such an environment without compromising your principles, and that is what makes an HR job challenging.

You should clearly communicate with your CEO to ensure he stays within his limits. Furthermore, if you keep changing jobs due to such matters or due to seniors' involvement in your work, it will be challenging for you to work in any other organization in the current scenario. Be bold and strong, and see it as a challenge to prove yourself through your work. Remember, there are two meanings for your fear:

- F.E.A.R = Forget Everything And Run
- F.E.A.R = Face Everything and Rise

Difficulties in your life do not come to destroy you but to help you realize your hidden potential. Keep going and give your best in whatever work you do. All the best!

Regards

Dear Ma'am, Never be afraid. This is just the beginning; you have to fight against all this lousiness. You have the courage within you to challenge and grow on your career path. Be firm in your ideologies, and never bow down in any circumstances. All this politics, discrepancies, and hurdles have taught you enough to handle such dreadful situations in your future and to survive. Fight to survive, don't be timid; you will achieve everything as you have the capacity for it.

Raise your voice and fight against them when you feel that all these discrepancies are about to overwhelm you.

Lead your life with happiness and joy by forgetting all the nonsense. Don't dwell on these thoughts always; they will only discourage you. Be happy; life is long and very beautiful. All these are just part of life, a very tiny bump. Be smart and courageous.

Cheer up and good luck.

Dear Diya, I truly appreciate your courage in speaking out on this platform about harassment in the workplace. As we have seen, very few people do this, and believe me, don't get scared or disappointed. You are right not to compromise for professional growth, and we all condemn this kind of behavior.

As you are the source of your family's livelihood, you should start actively looking for new opportunities. I believe you will find better options very soon. You may mention your preferred job location, and I am sure Cite HR members will assist you. Most of the members are from the HR fraternity.

Employers will be eager to hire strong individuals like you, and all members are requested to assist you on humanitarian grounds. I hope for the best and suggest that you discuss this with your family and loved ones as well.

Kind regards,

Developing Strong Willpower for Effective Management

Confusion arises, or a person gets scared, only when they have a wavering mind. A Management Executive should not have a wavering mind; otherwise, they can't be expected to be a good manager. If you want to become an effective manager, you should have a strong will. Develop strong willpower to make decisions confidently. Remember, knowledge is acquired through experience, observations, and learning from others' examples. You can learn from your experiences and by observing the actions of others.

Decisions cannot always be expected to be 100% right and perfect. If you lack the right-minded friends or colleagues to guide you, don't worry. Make decisions, learn from mistakes, and rectify them. Making unintentional mistakes is not a sin; it's a part of learning and growth.

Proactive Observation and Handling Challenges

Be proactive in observing your environment. If someone tries to prove you wrong, stay firm and ask for suggestions on how to rectify the error. Analyze advice received, thank the person if it's useful, but stick to your course of action if needed. With superiors, be cautious in handling conflicting instructions to protect your career. If you feel your career and dignity are at risk, consider seeking a new job rather than compromising frequently.

Maintain your confidence, face life's challenges with determination, and navigate difficult situations successfully. Your success hinges on how you tackle challenges with confidence and willpower.

I hope this helps you navigate your current situation effectively. Stay strong and make decisions that align with your values and goals.

Best regards.

Mr. Shaikh Abedeen, sir, and Mr. PS Dhingra, sir,

Thank you very much for the valuable suggestions and support you both have provided. I truly appreciate the patience and cooperation extended by both of you regarding my issue. I will make every effort to follow all the valuable suggestions given by my respective seniors.

Thanks again from the bottom of my heart.