Am I keeping myself in a toxic environment?

[Thorntone]

I’m started a job in summer that was supposed to be my dream job. First job of the kind I’ve had, big promotion. I’ve been trying to make it work, telling myself it’s not that bad…

There’s a lot going on but boils down to being patronised, nasty comments, lack of support; by the sort of “nice” people where you’re not sure if they’re intentionally being nasty until it constantly happens and becomes a pattern.

a trusted senior manager at work, actually worked with my manager/team and I recently and said I’m in a really bad environment, strange dynamic, odd culture etc. basically just confirmed everything I had been thinking without me even telling him what’s been going on! He said I should leave, and tbh so have my friends/family/friends at work

therefore aibu to have stayed for so long? It’s almost like I’m keeping myself in a shitty situation to make the dream job work when I could have asserted a boundary by leaving? Was I just blind? I wonder if others would have left sooner.

It's difficult to say, but I know what you mean. Like nobody seems happy, lack of collaboration, you can't seek help when you need it or even help others if they need it kind of thing? If you feel uncomfortable it's about what you can achieve by being there. If it's just another job on the CV and doesn't offer much progress then leave. Not before you find something else though.
This senior manager seems to have a lot to say, would he help you/put in a good word for you to get a new role at this company?

Look to the future. Sure, learn any lessons that need to be learned but just chalk this bad experience down to what it is and make some moves and get out of there. Whatever you’re paid, it’s not enough to spend your days in that environment.

Yes that’s right. It’s a weird culture where I seem to be scapegoat from every angle.

I work in the civil service so he can help
in terms of applications and interview preparation but he can’t literally give me a job

@Thorntone Yeah, I know people in local government who work in teams like that. Take his help, of course he can't hand you a job but he could introduce you to a few people, give you tips etc.
Best to make plans to leave that team for a nicer one!