A Risk I Took With No Regrets

Describe a risk you took that you do not regret.

Flashback

Flashback to 2020, I started working for the government sector, specifically, the provincial government. I was optimistic back then. I was happy, thinking that I’m making a difference for my province, but reality soon came, and I’ve witnessed the dark side of politics.

A lot of things have happened around me during that time, and to my expense. All the politics, power tripping, backroom deals, nepotism, and betrayal, I had enough.

To be fair, I can handle the politics, the backroom deals, and the betrayals, because it’s part of the job and a work hazard. But the combination of nepotism and power tripping is the last straw for me.

I know that politics is dirty, and I somehow manage to keep myself together for the last 2 years, but nepotism and power tripping is something that I can never forgive.

It was risky. I didn’t start looking for another job while still working because I was getting tired. But I know it’s the risk I’m willing to take.

So, I just started quiet quitting until it’s time for the contract renewal.

A Risk I Took With No Regrets

July 2022 came, and it’s now the time for the contract renewal. A lot of employees are giving their all, giving their allegiance, and giving reasons why they need their contract renewed.

Guess what I did. Yep, you guessed it, I didn’t have my contract renewed. After I resigned, I didn’t realize that this is what freedom feels like. It’s a good feeling.

The sad thing is, after I resigned, they also removed all of my coworkers, including the guy I trained and assigned to be my replacement.

I was appalled, disgusted, and overall disappointed by what they did to my former coworkers.

But, at the same time, I never regretted leaving my old workplace. In fact, my former coworkers are better off working at a different place, a place that didn’t have a toxic work environment and a higher paying salary. They deserve at least that much.

Continue On Living Without Regrets

Life goes on, and I went to law school in September 2022. I did not regret leaving my old job, not even once. I was free. Something that I didn’t think was possible, and to be honest, I actually forgot what freedom tasted like until I left that job.

I wish for my former coworkers all the best, and I hope that they’re all well and healthy, and that they’re working on a less toxic work environment.

Moral Of The Story

If you’re experiencing a toxic work environment, leave right away. If you saw signs of a toxic work environment, leave right away. It’s best to avoid a toxic work environment. It wouldn’t do you good if you still persist in staying on a toxic work environment. Leave right away. Your physical and mental health will thank you for a lifetime.

Speaking of toxic work environment, I wrote a blog about how to maintain a good mental health in a high-stress work environment. Please note that even though it says “in the Philippines,” it’s still applicable even in other countries.

Maintaining Good Mental Health in High-Stress Work Environments in the Philippines: Tips and Strategies

Author’s Note

This is from WordPress Jetpack mobile app’s Writing Prompt