Are you a victim of a toxic workplace?

Finding your passion at work?

Passion is a powerful tool if you want to experience true happiness at work.

A strong feeling of enthusiasm or a high level of anticipation for tasks will bring out an excitement which is great to experience in your job and can help you to have a much more positive outlook to?overcome difficulty through problem-solving.

But, if like me, you were raised by immigrant parents, who fully endorsed educational attainment towards getting a well paid job as a Lawyer, Doctor, Architect or all three at the same time!!

You will understand me when I say, following your 'passion' was not a conversation I dared to have at the dinner table ??

My parents are from a generation where passion was seen as a luxury and working HARD enabled you to feed your family or to send money home.

Perhaps, Gen Z have the right balance? They seem less focused on money and prestige than previous generations, and more interested in passion and a sense of purpose.

' Contribution matters more sometimes' You will be much more resilient & have a more positive outlook'

Are you a victim of a toxic workplace?

Unfortunately, for the early part of my career. I stayed true to my blueprint. DO MORE be better and work harder!

I even believed a well paid job was the right thing to pursue and I put this before any passion!

Work was torture. I felt trapped, bored and I wasn't the person I wanted to be which made me struggle with my self esteem.

To make matters even worse. I was a victim of a toxic workplace on more than one occasion.

Long working hours, commutes, constantly being micromanaged, and a toxic narcissistic manager.?I wouldn't take annual leave, I worked extra hours and I often skipped lunch.?

I felt anxious, worried that I would lose my job, and it even interfered with my sleep.

Blackness never allows for mediocre. It just didn't exist!

By the time I realised how unnecessary all of this was, I was burnt out, depressed and I woke up each morning in dread of another day in the office.

Having to deal with an incredibly toxic manager and workplace for months and months certainly took it’s toll on my mental health.?

Not to mention being gaslighted, when I called it out!

I wish I knew what I did now

I would have taken more time off, left the office for at least an hour on my lunch break and finished on time!

I would have also found support from other likeminded women, who had similar experiences and could help me to navigate through.

Unfortunately, I often felt alone, like I was the only one who had this experience and it was unique to me, especially when I compared myself to other colleagues, who were not black or female.

If you are starting from scratch or figuring out a new industry or career path to explore ask yourself;

• Do I want to continuously learn by trying new things every day or do I want to work on the same problem and become an expert on one central issue?
• Who do I want to work with to solve these problems? Do I want to work for a boss who will guide me to develop my career or be more autonomous and independent?
• Who do I want my work to serve? What is my purpose?
• Do I experience a sense of belonging? Do I fit in here? Is this a culture that promotes wellbeing?
• What groups or networks can I join to get support both internally and externally in my industry or sector? How will coaching or personal development accelerate my career?

Never EVER let your job brake you or your ???????????? ????????????. You are always more than your work!!!

You are far too valuable. I would love to connect here.

JUNETEENTH Deevon La Rue

As the US celebrate the formal end of enslavement, we are a long way from equality. Deevon La Rue made this video to say I see you. I am you. And, I know our struggle for freedom is far from over!

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