How do I get out?

How to Escape a Toxic Work Environment

I graduated in January and started my S&T job at a big bank about 6 months ago. While I appreciate the stability of having a job, I dread going into work every day. I graduated in the top 10 in Physics/CS with an Econ minor.

My boss is a workaholic and is quite unpleasant to work with. He expects myself and the other analysts to stay late at the office, even when our tasks are complete. I was persuaded to take this job over another offer because I was told I would be helping “accelerate the systematic trading capabilities”.

However, 6 months in and I haven’t made a single trade. Instead, I am stuck doing a lot of excel spreadsheet work and emailing back and forth with the back office for my boss and other traders. When I tried to discuss testing a trader’s trading ideas on a back testing engine I created for him, my boss shut down the idea and told me to “focus on my assigned tasks”.

I understand that the job market is tough right now, but is there any way to escape this situation?

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  1. How to Get Out of a Job You Dread

    I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling stuck in a job you’re not enjoying. It’s important to prioritize your mental health and well-being, so finding a way out of a toxic work environment is crucial. Here are some steps you can take to navigate your situation:

    Evaluate Your Options:

    • Reflect on what aspects of your job are making you unhappy. Is it primarily the work itself, the work culture, or your boss?
    • Consider your long-term career goals and whether this job aligns with them.
    • Explore other job opportunities in your field or related fields that might be a better fit for you.
    • Reach out to your network for advice and potential job leads.

    Document Your Concerns:

    • Keep a record of instances where your boss’s behavior has been unprofessional or unreasonable.
    • Document your accomplishments and contributions to the team, in case you need to showcase them in future job interviews.

    Have a Conversation:

    • Schedule a meeting with your boss to express your concerns and discuss how you’re feeling.
    • Approach the conversation with professionalism and focus on concrete examples of why you’re feeling overwhelmed.
    • Offer potential solutions or compromises to improve your work situation.

    Update Your Resume and LinkedIn:

    • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your current job experience and skills.
    • Highlight your accomplishments and skills that are transferable to other roles.
    • Reach out to recruiters or connections on LinkedIn to explore job opportunities.

    Seek Professional Help:

    • Consider speaking with a career counselor or therapist to help you navigate your emotions and career decisions.
    • Seek advice from industry professionals or mentors who can provide insights into potential career paths.

    Be Patient and Persistent:

    • Finding a new job can take time, especially during challenging economic circumstances.
    • Stay focused on your goals and be persistent in your job search.
    • Keep networking and applying to job openings, even if it takes some time to find the right opportunity.

    Remember Your Worth:

    • You deserve to work in a healthy and supportive work environment where your skills and contributions are valued.
    • Don’t settle for a job that makes you miserable – prioritize your well-being and take steps to improve your situation.

    Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your happiness and well-being in your career decisions. Good luck in finding a job that better aligns with your skills, interests, and values.

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