How I survived my toxic boss
- sowintl
- Apr 1
- 2 min read

Previously, I shared a post on “What We Can Learn from a Bad Boss.” Today, I want to share the sequel: How I survived my toxic boss for 4 years, 5 months, and 11 days — to be exact.
In this series, I will be sharing what I learned from that season, especially for those who are in a similar situation where quitting is not an option.
Working under a toxic boss can be deeply traumatizing. It doesn’t just affect your performance, it affects your mental and emotional well-being. Many breakdowns at work are not caused by a single incident, but by prolonged exposure to unhealthy leadership.
I tried to leave. But circumstances didn’t allow it.
I needed the income, so I had to stay. I had to strategize on how to survive without losing my sanity.
Here are four things I did that helped me endure those 4 years, 5 months, and 11 days:
1. Talk to someone outside your workplace. Sharing your experience helps you offload emotional toxicity. It gives you perspective and reminds you that you are not the problem.
2. Form safe alliances at work. Connect with colleagues who are facing the same struggles. But be discerning, some may already be influenced or aligned with the toxic leader.
3. Take care of your body. Go for walks. Breathe deeply. Exercise. Physical movement helps release emotional stress and keeps your mind grounded.
4. Pray. If you believe in God, pray earnestly. I did. Prayer gave me strength, clarity, and hope when nothing else seemed to change.
These were not quick fixes. They were daily practices. And while I would never wish such a season on anyone, I can say this: The trial shaped my resilience. It deepened my emotional strength. It built my leadership maturity.
Trials may not be good — but sometimes, trials give us the training that makes us stronger.
God bless.
I have posted videos on the subject matter:
SOW Leaders @ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRt3kWpEVPF/
SOW Leaders @ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sow_leaders/video/7578817873238330645


Comments