I’ve Been a Corporate Boo All My Life, But the Way My Mental Health is Set Up

“Ariane, I’m out. I can’t do this anymore” her voice said into the phone. She was done. The microaggressions and blatant disregard of her value by her employer after thirteen years was too much to bear. This story is all too familiar.?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States economy added 311,000 jobs during the month of February. Unemployment crept up slightly to 3.6% compared to the previous month. But what’s really happening in our post-pandemic era particularly for women of color in the workforce: we’re vanishing. Factors like lack of workplace opportunities, the disappearance of corporate DEI initiatives, and health challenges due to complications in long COVID that go unsupported by employers are just some of the reasons why we are calling it quits and finding other alternatives.?

The truth is, toxic corporations are failing us.?

And many of us are jumping ship from profit-over-people work cultures and taking the leap as if our lives depended on it.?

Here’s why that may be a good idea.?

Disclaimer: I would never, ever, ever, ever tell you to quit your job without something already lined up. Personally, I learned this the hard way over the years.?

However, as someone who has learned to nevvvveeer compromise your mental health for a company that will literally lay you off whenever it suits them, I understand that depending on your situation, taking an unplanned leap may be necessary sometimes.

In 2011 B.B. (before Beyonce) I took the leap out of corporate because the job I was in was breaking? my soul. I knew that I couldn’t start healing from the trauma until I made some big changes. The first thing I had to do was take care of me and start believing in myself again.

If you’re at your wits end and the job has become inhospitable, there’s a few things you can do to preserve your peace before taking the leap:

Talk to a therapist; A 2020 Essence study showed 45 percent of Black women say they experience racism at work. It also revealed that long-term stress at work can lead to issues such as depression, high blood pressure, and heart problems. Enduring a toxic workplace every day takes a toll on your mental health. You may find yourself constantly irritable, low energy, you even might find yourself drinking more. These are often signs of coping strategies and behaviors that are pointing to deeper issues in your life. If you suspect you might be struggling with this, it might help to seek counseling. Alma and Therapy for Black Girls (where I found my therapist!) offers access to quality care and is affordable.?

Look into taking extended time off or a sabbatical; depending on your company, they might offer extended PTO for extenuating circumstances. Whether you take a leave of absence (LOA) or FMLA (Family and Medical Leave of Absence), your company may offer these time off policies as part of your employment. You might need a note from your doctor or health care provider so if you are struggling with anxiety, this can be a good option for you. Talk to your HR department and see what options your employer offers.? Don’t let fear get in the way of knowing what your options are.

Care for your mental health needs comes first to then be able to create the space you need to start planning your eventual exit. When you’re ready to get tactical about taking the leap, here are a few steps I suggest:

Set a date. The first thing I did when I wanted to leave my job was set a date. Declare it and write it down. There is something about having an exit date scheduled on your calendar that makes it more real. You don’t have to quit tomorrow but give yourself a month, three months or even a year (if you have that level of patience in you) to plan and prepare for your leap.?

List out skills that you can monetize ASAP. The number one thing we worry about when leaving a job is losing that paycheck. But consider the limitless ways you can be making money right now outside of your paycheck. Are you proficient in Spanish and can teach others how to learn a new language -- that’s a skill you can monetize right now! Are you baller at writing resumes -- consider what a godsend you would be to people who don’t know the first thing about creating a freshly polished resume. You can monetize this skill right now! Do you have spare time on the weekend and can walk a dog? Um, girl you betta put on those walking shoes and get that money! Lean into your strengths. Write it all out and choose one thing from that list that will bring you the most immediate cash flow.

Network your bum off. I can’t tell you how much my network has shown up for me when I needed them the most over the years. Go on LinkedIn and revisit old contacts who know you and can vouch for your capabilities. Get in the practice of putting yourself out there to build new relationships and make new contacts. Schedule weekly coffee dates over Zoom or in person to share what you offer and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. Networking expert, Kelly Hoey will show you how to do this.?

Shoot your shot. When I received my first brand partnership deal, it’s because I decided to shoot my shot and pitch my idea. I approached a brand that I had built a relationship with, got them on a call and pitched my idea to work with them. They said yes! The magic part was, I signed a five-figure contract the very next day after quitting my job. Look at God! Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there and keep an open mind for what can happen.?

Has quitting your job been on your mind lately? How do you find peace while working in a toxic job??Let us know in the comments!?

PS: A career monthly support group designed for Black women who know they need to quit their toxic jobs but need a little encouragement/accountability starts in April. I’m holding?a few coffee chats next week for anyone who wants to learn more. Schedule with me here !