27/07/2026
A long time ago, I felt so scared about going into work that I thought about driving home as soon as I got there.
I didn't drive home but I so strongly FELT that way.
That particular workplace made me feel:
- small
- left out
- afraid of making mistakes
- a burden
- so incredibly anxious
This wasn't a deliberate act. It was a mixture of the culture, the pressure I felt under and my response to it.
Because I already felt so vulnerable and afraid, I didn't feel able to tell anyone how I truly felt.
The wonderful but equally useless hindsight would say definitely speak up. Find one person you trust either a colleague, HR, occupational health, GP, or family/friend.
The point is when we can tell someone how we feel out loud, those feelings can feel less scary. When they swirl around our minds and bodies we can feel hopeless and overwhelmed.
Thinking back, the situation wasn't actually threatening but the environment and culture made it FEEL that way.
I didn't come into this work by accident.
I have many tales about very difficult experiences of leadership alongside very positive ones. The excellent leaders I've had really shone a light on those who skipped their compassionate leadership modules.
So, from 20 something me, if you feel overwhelmed and helpless about your work situation, do tell someone you trust.
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
