Last night an ex-workmate contacted me, he is looking for work because the toxic environment is has finally worn him down. He is stressed and is having health problems.

Whilst I was there I was telling him that he should move on, his health was suffering back then. The environment is not a good one. I'll help as best I can but he is in a different part of the industry than me.

What would you do in a similar situation?

[+] SamC 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (2 children)

[deleted]

[–] Dave 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Interesting, I always consider it easier to get a job once you've got one. Someone joining or rejoining the workforce after a break I'd expect to have a harder time finding a job than someone that already has one.

Though, if your work environment is not great then you might have trouble finding time to go to interviews. I've always just gone at whatever time suits them and blocked it out as time I'm not working. But that definitely relies on having a work environment that allows that sort of flexibility.

[–] absGeekNZ 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I think this is the issue, he needs to have something lined up before he can get out. All the while his health is suffering.

[–] d3Xt3r 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What's his savings situation and work experience like? Because that was me with my old job, my mental health was suffering to the extent that I just walked out one day, without having anything lined up. But I did that knowing I had savings I could fall back on, and with my work experience I'd land a job sooner or later. But I understand that may not be an option for everyone.

[–] absGeekNZ 3 points 1 year ago

I'm not sure what his financial situation is like, but as for work experience. He was a good leading hand, unfortunately he has been raised up to a management role, which I think he has the ability for but received no mentoring or training. So his management style is very hit or miss, it has been 6 months since I worked with him; but I doubt it has changed.

He is a really nice, capable person, but I think he would benefit from taking a step back to lower in the management level with a good mentor for 2-3 years; where he could refine his style and processes.

The people that put him in his current role were very much "bums on seats" type people, but without the knowledge/capacity to train those that they put in the positions. Dropping someone into a role that they can't do does no favors for anyone.