“You know what Martin, it seems you have some allies in the room. They think you’re an 8 out of 10. I think you’re a 2”

It was a Friday and my last day in work before I was to go on holiday for two weeks. I’d had to drive up to the Lake District to deliver my Quarter 1 report for the HR and Recruitment department to the CEO and Exec Team. 

After waiting for 40 mins (they were naturally running behind), I was asked to come into the room to deliver my presentation. 

“Before you sit down,” said the CEO, “earlier this week I asked the others in this room what they thought of you” were the very first words directed at me, followed by the lovely grading I absolutely wasn’t expecting. 

No explanation was given, just simply informing me of his opinion of me. I was subsequently accused of being a liar when I brought onto screen our turnover rate, highlighting we were losing people quicker than I could recruit them (no prizes for guessing why people were jumping ship). 

This was the moment I said “f*ck you” in my head and made the decision to leave. I’d been there five months but had no qualms about how this might look to future employers. 

I hear so many similar stories where people find themselves having joined a toxic workplace, because of maybe a boss or a member of the Exec Team. Yet so many people stick it out for fear of how it will look on their CV or Resume, or what future employers will think if they speak negatively. 

In my experience you absolutely need not worry. Be honest about why you left, even highlight it as the reason for leaving after such a short period. Nine times out of 10 the person interviewing you will completely empathise and if they don’t then it’s probably not the right future workplace for you anyway. 

Think about it, how did you react when I confessed my story? Did you think “hmmm he seems like a job-hopper” or more “wow, I’d have done exactly the same”. If it was the latter, then I’ve probably proved my point. Most people will empathise with you so quit that sh*tty job and move forward with confidence. Your mental health will thank you for it.