At work

I have always asked myself whether it is wise to leave a job where I am uncomfortable. Working in a place where you are unhappy is like staying in an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Over time, I have learned to burn some bridges to prevent other from crossing the same bridge.

Straight after high school, I landed a job in an accounts department - for those who have followed my stories, I have accounting qualifications. The job entailed handling account receivables, reconciliations and manufacturing accounts. As much as I enjoyed the job, the environment was toxic.

My immediate boss made life unbearable and as much as I enjoyed doing the tasks - which came easy to me - this individual ensured his presence was felt in many ways. When I felt my presence was not productive - in his own estimation - I handed in my resignation.

At the time of handing my resignation, there was nothing lined up in the form of another job. It could have been a miscalculation on my part but staying in a place which felt like a prison was unbearable. I was unhappy. Every morning, I dreaded waking up and going to the same environment.

Getting another job was not easy. My parents were unhappy. Eventually, I was able to land a couple of temporary jobs in accounting. The pay was much lower but I was happy. Perhaps it is worth mentioning that, when I was unemployed, the real survival instincts kicked in and I reflected on taking up my other passion which is communication.

By the time I landed another accounting job, the communication bug had caught up and, learning from my earlier experience, I was able to work as a freelance journalist on the side. But, old habits die hard.

There was still some fire in me to obtain further accounting qualifications an I enrolled for evening classes. Now, that was hard! Technically working from 8-5, attending evening classes and creating time to do my freelance work. For two years or more, that became a routine. I managed to add some accounting qualifications.

Then came the snag. Additional qualifications did not come with a financial reward, a promotion. That was sad because those who were immediately above me were less qualified! The most disheartening action by my employer was a failure to reimburse my education expenses - as stipulated in the employment contract. The reasoning was that I could not have managed to go to classes and do my freelance job!

In short, I was a fraud even after I provided receipts and exam results. My employer was adamant! It was time to move. I was not appreciated. The relationship was toxic.

My freelance job was able to pay the bills but here also, it was not a bed of roses. Story for another day. An opportunity came knocking. At my freelance job, my zeal for further education kept burning and I enrolled in an online institution to pursue communication. One day, a door slightly opened and I got a chance to further my education.

This was just a door which half-opened. A look of surprise was on the faces of my colleagues when I told them of my decision to leave and walk through this half-opened door! Suffice to say, the decision was simple because of the unfulfilled promises at this place.

For four years, I finally managed to graduate against all odds and was back on the market for a job. Lady luck shined on me and I joined an organization. A training opportunity came and I jumped at it. Bad move. The environment was controlling. Here, I was not even allowed to enroll for online classes - I still had an ambition to further my education.

After training, the promise of a job was stayed upon. The circumstances were strange and the reasons sounded like a fairy tale. Luckily, my former organization absorbed me back and ended up staying for a few years. The environment was welcoming and working conditions acceptable. I was able to enroll for online classes and complete another course.

When I voluntarily moved to another place, it was time to look for a job again. The move was on a promise of being absorbed in an institution. For some strange reason, the funds conveniently ran out!

I joined a workforce which appeared accommodating only to show their true colors as time moved on. A stormy meeting one afternoon ended with my handing a resignation by the end of that day! The pattern was familiar.

All this time, I had a discussion with myself as I reviewed the circumstances which resulted into leaving employment at all these places. Was I unemployable? Was it the right decision?

I may not have all the answers at the moment. There are issues at any work place. Individuals have a right to enjoy what they are doing and the working conditions should complement the skills a worker brings in. Unfortunately, we have individuals who hijack the process and unknowingly impose their style on the working environment.

They are rigid to change and in some cases flat rules. In my judgement, the circumstances that led to my leaving employment were respectfully made. My mental peace is of paramount importance. Whenever you are in a position where you are not appreciated, consider exiting. You will have a peace of mind.