From Pain to Purpose...

After sharing my thoughts about toxic bosses, I was overwhelmed by the number of messages from people with similar experiences. I want you to know—I hear you, and I understand the pain.

It’s incredibly hard to move on with your life when you’ve lost your job, especially when the very people who caused the damage remain in power, seemingly thriving while continuing to hurt others. It feels deeply unfair to watch these toxic forces persist even as we struggle to rebuild our confidence and regain control over our lives. When you’ve done everything possible—spoken up and reported the abuse —and yet nothing changes, the frustration and grief can be even more difficult to bear.

Still, even in the face of injustice, it’s crucial to use your voice. Share your story, speak up when you can, write about your experiences, and report what happened. Silence won’t change the reality of injustice; your voice matters—not just for your own healing, but as a source of strength for others who might be suffering in silence.

Once you’ve exhausted every avenue within that broken system, take the time you need to process your emotions. Whether that means writing your feelings down, reaching out to someone who understands, or simply giving yourself the space to feel without judgment—allow yourself to heal. Suppressing your anger and grief only makes them heavier over time.

And remember, take very good care of yourself. A job is replaceable, but you are not. Focus on rediscovering what brings you joy and fulfillment. Your next chapter doesn’t have to be written overnight—it’s built one thoughtful, deliberate step at a time.

For me, one of the most healing things was extending a helping hand to others. Coaching people—especially young people—as they find their voice and overcome their limitations has been a powerful source of purpose and strength. It helped me reconnect with my own voice, too. In addition to that, supporting others who have gone through similar hardships reminded me that even in our pain, we still have something valuable to offer. That act of giving back became a therapeutic reminder of our shared strength. Our pain makes us humble, reminds us of our resilience, and most importantly, tells us that none of us have to face these struggles alone.

If you’ve been through similar experiences, I invite you to share your story. Let’s support one another and keep this important conversation going.