https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:31:00 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-advice#post-299354 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 08:11:57 +0000 blackbird 299354@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would probably also stick it out. By the time you did find something else, it would be so short. I think just knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel is helpful. Everyone has had a really shitty job. THe one that makes you want to quit and walk out there door. The one where the atmosphere is really awful. But it's kind of a good thing in that when you get interviewed again, you have something to reflect upon. You can discuss adversity and how you handle less than ideal situations at work. </p> <p>And in 7 months, they can kiss your ass :) </p> <p>If you have someone to talk to at work, talk to them. There's nothing that says you can't be the catalyst for change at your workplace. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-advice#post-299346 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 07:59:14 +0000 Silva 299346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: Yeah, I agree- unless something crazy happens, I will stay at this position until the baby comes. I feel so trapped though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-advice#post-299345 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 07:58:41 +0000 Silva 299345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sloaneandpuffy: Thanks for your words of encouragement. I have an equally fed-up co-worker who often says that the universe is presenting us with exactly what we need at this very moment. Worth meditating on, certainly! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-advice#post-299344 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 07:57:37 +0000 Silva 299344@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@brownie: I agree on the documenting- I will start working on that today! And try to relax about the stress- stressing about stress is pretty unproductive! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-advice#post-299342 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 07:56:37 +0000 Silva 299342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaCate: Thanks for your advice. I am trying to find a balance between being proactive (which is my default), and not bringing on unnecessary stress!</p> <p>I feel semi-supported by my direct supervisor (although she is leaving on maternity leave in December!), so my plan today is to have a frank conversation with her about how uncomfortable I"ve been feeling lately. I need to get better at documenting my supervisory conversations, and so I think I"ll try to start that today. I have plans to write a letter to the board after I leave, because I feel the climate for employees is directly impacting the clients (and feel an ethical obligation to advocate for clients).</p> <p>Thanks for the advice. I"d love to hear about your journey in social work sometime- I love social workers! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-advice#post-299231 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 22:56:11 +0000 MamaCate 299231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mountainmama: yikes! it sounds awful! i am also pursuing my independent social work licensure although things have been derailed at my work for other reasons (we can exchange stories some other time), so i know where you are coming from!</p> <p>To answer your questions, i think the advice to document your concerns is always a good thing. if you feel that you are being taken advantage of, it is probably wise to get instructions or expectations in writing so that you can have something to fall back on. Would a conversation with HR be beneficial or are they part of the problem? The other piece would be stress management/coping skills since it sounds like you are planning to stick it out until you are due. What can you do to keep the work stress at work and try to contain it--20 minutes to make a to do list at the end of the day so you aren't spinning your wheels all night, etc? What kind of self care strategies can you use to help yourself not be overwhelmed. </p> <p>Sometimes the best solution to a toxic work environment is to leave, but I can see how you want to stick it out for a few more months...<br /> hope that helps! good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-advice#post-299135 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:30:48 +0000 mamimami 299135@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's not easy, but try to see things from a spiritual/personal development point of view. I have been in a few different bad work environments including one where I felt bullied. I tried to always take the high road and one situation in particular turned out in a way I had never dreamed (in my favor). Even when it seems terrible, you are probably being tested and developed in ways that will help you in the future! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-advice#post-299040 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 19:48:38 +0000 jedeve 299040@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It can be tough finding work when you're pregnant and only planning on working until you give birth, in my experience. You probably wouldn't be able to get maternity leave if you haven't worked at a place for 6 months, and if you aren't planning on returning after that, I don't think it'd be ethical to take it. But I think there is no harm in looking for work now, but I wouldn't quit your job. One in the hand is worth two in the bush!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-advice#post-299029 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 19:45:01 +0000 brownie 299029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was treated terribly after getting pregnant. For me finding and applying to new jobs helped. You know you are leaving in 7 months hold onto that. Ultimately, I got a new zen approach and ask myself what is the worst that will happen. I could get fired. Jut means I can be a SAHM. You are already planning that. It takes a lot of power away from them. I also documented everything. So if I needed to fight it, I had documentation. I kept that documentation at the office and at home. </p> <p>As for the stress in early pregnancy, my son is developing great. You can do this! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-advice#post-299014 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 19:27:04 +0000 Silva 299014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Alright, I feel like I need some advice. I will try to keep this brief, but that has never been a strength of mine! In summary: <b>What is your advice for "getting by" in a toxic work environment &amp; managing stress?</b> Have you ever been in a work environment where you felt bullied? What did you do?</p> <p>The (very) long version:</p> <p>I have my masters in social work. To become a licensed social worker (so that you can bill insurance companies directly, and no longer have to have a supervisor who signs off on all your documentation), in my state you are required to complete two years post graduate work under supervision. My two years will be up in May (by the day, I will complete my hours in April, however).</p> <p>My plan all along has been to complete my hours before going on maternity leave (which, assuming nothing happens like a premature delivery, I will accomplish), take my maternity leave, and then not return to the agency (dishonest, yes, but I have no problem with it). I will take some time to be a SAHM.</p> <p>So I have like seven months to go. And I am absolutely, completely miserable at my job. I adore my clients, but the agency is a giant mess. I feel like I am bullied by the people in charge, and have no support (in what is a very difficult position).</p> <p>I know that the smart thing to do is just suck it up for the next seven months, but I have all this paranoia about what the stress will do for the fetus (and me!), and I really, really hate working at this place.</p> <p>So even as I've been writing this, I've talked myself out of my first question, which was should I stay or should I go. I know I have to stay. I would feel awful starting somewhere new &amp; then not returning from my maternity leave.<br /> I have never felt so unsafe at a job! I feel like I'm in high school with all the gossip and manipulation that goes on among supervisors! Its really disgusting, particularly for a social work agency! </p>