To ask how to rebuild trust and confidence after being bullied at work?

[Silentfriend]

I received a significant settlement earlier this year after being bullied out of my last workplace. It was one of the most gruelling experiences of my life, and it completely shattered my mental and physical health. Now, I’ve landed a new job that seems amazing, but I’m struggling with my self-esteem and confidence.

How do you learn to trust colleagues again after going through such a traumatic experience? How do you rebuild the confidence that a toxic workplace took away?

Has anyone else been through something like this? Any advice on moving forward and thriving in a new environment?

Think of the person who means most to you and be confident for their sake .

Congrats on your new job ❤️

In my experience it takes time. It did an absolute number on me and I never fully recovered. But you know it was recognised which is a big thing.

Hold your head high. People who are bullied at work are deliverers and engaging. And you will see it happening from the off next time which is a strong position to be in.

When I went through it I said to a friend I had lost my confidence and she said that I hadn't it was still there and I'm sure yours is too.

After my bad job I did lots of people pleasing and that worked poorly because I ended up saying yes to things I shouldn't have and I failed to ask for development and support.

What worked for me was to have absolutely clear KPIs and timelines in later jobs, to remove ambiguity entirely. Externalising everything and putting in place lots of agreed processes,

I got so lucky and entered a genuinely kind workplace and that has been healing. My colleagues did realise I didn't have a good experience previously despite me not talking about it and I think they have gone out of their way to be encouraging.

Good luck to you, good bosses and kind colleagues are out there and you can rebuild and find trust 💐

I’m sorry this has happened. Have you considered counselling to help support you?