Please reflect on these questions and answer each as honestly as you can. If any question upsets you, ask yourself “Why?” Is it the question? or, Is it what your truthful answer would be?

Few of us have the luxury of not needing to have a job. Most of us have jobs where we interact with bosses and co-workers in workplaces, virtual or otherwise. And where there are bosses, and co-workers, and interactions, there will be conflicts that can tire you more than the work.

Staying Afloat

How much are you prepared to put up with to keep your job? From whom? For how long?

How flexible are your morals? What won’t you do to keep the money flowing? In other words, What’s your price? Write it down.

What will motivate you if asked to be a snitch? Does “Everyone has a price” hold true here?

What will you speak up about? Racism? Sexual harassment? Fraudulent financial misrepresentation?

What will you turn a blind eye to? Theft? Sabotage? Safety hazards and violations?

Are you prepared to clean the toilets if it’s not on your job description?

Relationships

Do you consider your co-workers your friends or your acquaintances?

Do you know how they really feel about you?

How much would you trust them with your secrets? Can you trust them any at all?

How much hurt are you prepared to inflict to get rid of workplace competition, even from friends? What spin would you put on it?

Is there an Out

What is your backup plan for leaving on your own terms?

What is your backup plan if they ask you to leave?

If you feel you are trapped in an undesirable work environment, how did you get to this point?

How much longer will you put up with the situation?

Do you have the will and resources to get out?

How low are you prepared to go in order to move up?

The End Game

What did you do in the past week to put yourself in a better place?

What are your plans for next week to move you closer to leaving?

If you’ve have to take a lesser job than you had previously, how do you feel about telling people what you do now?

How low are you prepared to go below your – education level? – expected income? – social standing? – principles?

How low are you prepared to go in order to move up? Write it down.

Done thinking about it?

Review your answers. What do they reveal about you? Is this what you truly believe? It’s only you and yourself in this moment, so no need for your game face. Just exhale.