Misogyny and patriarchy are not accidents of history. They are deliberate constructs, born from a fear of women’s undeniable strength, resilience, and extraordinary capacity for creation and endurance. These systems were built not to uplift or celebrate women, but to control and diminish them. Why? Because when insecurity encounters power it cannot emulate, its response is often to suppress rather than admire.

The cycle of abuse, a recognized pattern in psychology, follows similar stages regardless of where it occurs—in families, friendships, partnerships, or workplaces. When the abuse is at the hands of a CEO, leader, manager, or supervisor, certain phases reveal themselves consistently.

It might seem counterintuitive, but dedicated employees often find themselves targeted by toxic bosses. While many assume strong performers would be prized assets, they frequently experience the brunt of abusive dynamics within toxic workplaces.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely living in that unsettling space where something feels deeply wrong, but you’re questioning your own judgment. Perhaps it’s a boss who’s charming to everyone else but subtly undermines you behind closed doors. Maybe it’s a partner who shows one face to the world and another in private - the person who claimed to love you but treats you terribly when no one else is watching. It could be a parent who rewrites your shared history, making you doubt your own memories. Or perhaps it’s a colleague who somehow always makes you look bad while playing the helpful teammate.

Finally landed in a healthy workplace? Congratulations! But wait—why do you still feel on edge? Why does kindness feel suspicious, and why are you waiting for the other shoe to drop? Don’ t worry, you’re not alone. These feelings are completely normal after leaving a toxic work environment.

While others are coasting through the holiday season, you will be pushing forward. Staying proactive can give your job search a real advantage in the next couple of months. Read on to find out why!

Many job seekers approach interviews with a sense of dread, as if they’re walking into an interrogation where they must prove their worth. But what if we reframe this? What if interviews were seen as professional conversations between equals, where both the interviewer and the interviewee are empowered to assess if this relationship is the right fit? This shift in perspective not only reduces stress but puts both parties on an equal footing, allowing for a more authentic and confident exchange of ideas.