Hi everyone,
I recently started a new role that, unfortunately, is nothing like what was presented during the interview process. It’s turned out to be incredibly toxic — the workload is far beyond what was discussed, I’m in back-to-back meetings that regularly run past my contracted hours (unpaid), and the culture is really unhealthy. I knew early on it was a bad fit, and it’s now starting to have a serious impact on my mental health.
I’m barely sleeping, waking up in the night anxious, and I’ve lost my appetite. My confidence has taken a hit and I know this isn’t sustainable. I’ve started to plan my exit, and thankfully I have an interview lined up with a company I know and trust — I’ve made it through to the second stage.
Financially, I’m fortunate to live at home, so I don’t need to stay in this role — and no job is worth sacrificing your wellbeing. That said, I’m absolutely dreading handing in my notice. The company is very small (only four people), and the Managing Director — who is also my direct boss — is volatile. My colleagues have made very very negative comments about her, and the turnover rate is shocking (no one seems to stay longer than four months).
She’s due to go on annual leave starting next week, and I’m not sure how best to approach telling her I’m leaving. I have a two-week notice period, and while I do feel guilty about the timing, I know my depature is far from ideal but I have to put myself first. I know it's only going to get worse 😓
Has anyone got advice on how to handle this as professionally (and safely) as possible?
Thank you so much in advance.