Self protection in the workplace

It could be your biggest mask of all, the "shield" at your workplace that can protect you from ...other people!

So, now retired the last 5 years, for over 42 years I had over 90 jobs including 15 professions. Out of those workplaces only 2 managers I had respect for in terms of their man management skills and clever use of tact along with the absence of narcissism. Couple that with colleague competition, battling for boss recognition, gossip and taunting and you have 8 hours of a toxic environment that we have to put up with which is a long long time 5 days a week. With limited tolerance we go from job to job hoping the next workplace is better but alas, a few weeks and you're in another toxic place.

Such work zones are pretty much all the same. Remove all people from them and you wouldnt have a problem. So what are your options in this situation that is more apparent with mentally ill people than others. We are more sensitive, confused, balancing emotions and medication...clearly we have lots of issues so how do we continue? How do we do ourselves favours?

Over those 90 jobs I observed many people and their attitude towards other workplace colleagues. At an assembly line in the 1970's there was a fellow in his 50's that had the sole purpose of attaching two wheels to a new Holden. He said little and nobody bothered him. When supply of new wheels arrived his one word "thanks" was enough to show appreciation to the supply worker but not enough to create conversation. During meal breaks he wasnt seen. I asked another worker where does he go? "Around the corner under the eaves". It turned out that for 28 years every break he'd walk 30 metres to that spot and spend his time soaking up the sun....away from everyone except one man that joined him occasionally of the same ethnic origin. A language barrier and cultural differences likely kept him away also. But there I was falling into disputes with co-workers at the dinner table..why?

Hindsight is wonderful. I look back on all those jobs and realsie not one of them resulted in one close friend in older age. Not one!. What I should have done IMO is take a leaf out of that workers book and keep away from the social aspect of a group. The prime purpose for everyone is to earn a wage not socialise. You are there to do a job not make friends and while that sounds harsh or arrogant, just ask yourself whether the benefits of so called "teamwork" means being ultra friendly? You can be civil but I'd promote the concept of keeping to yourself as much as practicable in the workplace if you want to survive long term.

There is a case for "out of sight, out of mind" when it comes to workplace disputes. Its even easier now as you can get on your phone and pass the time reading the news and emmersing yourself into another world. Such self protection can have benefits, remaining elusive can be wise.

WK