I paused my career twelve months ago to ensure my survival.
The past year has brought me hard truths and painful healing together with deep therapy realignment and rediscovering grace.
So what’s next?
I’m still here. I remain at my current workplace as I learn to handle the unstated political games and obvious and hidden workplace shenanigans along with daily mental battles within an unhealthy work environment.
I am not the person I used to be in the previous years.
Navigating a Toxic Workplace While Healing
Here’s what I’m learning—and re-learning—in this space: These are the things I am discovering along with re-discovering throughout this environment:
- Guard your peace like treasure. The Bible instructs us to protect our hearts because everything we do starts from this source. Proverbs 4:23. I have learned to resist internalizing the snide comments and manipulative meetings and emails with passive-aggressive content. My inner peace remains unshakeable to any form of compromise.
- Create sacred boundaries. The process of healing requires establishing clear limits beyond which one will not proceed. I leave work when my scheduled time ends. I defend my scheduled days off work. I decline offers when I feel the need to do so. Jesus Christ frequently withdrew to isolated areas for prayer purposes (Luke 5:16). Since Jesus needed personal boundaries we also need them.
- Talk to someone. Keep talking. Therapy isn’t a trend—it’s been life-saving for me. The practice of discussing trauma together with microaggressions and burnout in safe environments holds sacred value. The Book of Proverbs teaches us that safety exists through numerous pieces of advice. Proverbs 11:14.
- Transform Your Daily Participation Method. Stop relying on workplace culture changes. I have eliminated my goal to resolve all issues. I have learned to present myself authentically while maintaining grace and being fully present in situations. God has entrusted me with the task of being a source of light even though it means I will not receive approval from others.
It’s becoming clear:
This is more than just my personal story.
This is my assignment.
A New Mission Is Emerging
I will introduce a new project that unites faith with real-world situations soon.
The new venture will be Christ-centered with truth as its foundation while delivering practical solutions between a podcast and consulting service or a combination of these two formats.
Through my work, I aim to assist those who face similar challenges by providing support to individuals who strive to follow God at their workplaces regardless of how unreasonable their work environment may seem.
Those who experience loss still need to manage their Teams, Zoom, Slack notifications.
Those who need to understand that Jesus’ followers can establish professional boundaries while showing devotion to Him.
Final Thoughts
The path ahead remains uneven. I still cry. I still get triggered. I still participate in meetings that extract my life force from me. But the difference now?
God remains present with me throughout everything.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me…” – Psalm 23:4
What is the future of Abi?
Healing, helping, and holding space for others.
Stay tuned—there’s more to come.
“You don’t go through the fire to stay the same. You come out refined.”
— Unknown
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… the rivers will not overwhelm you.”
— Isaiah 43:2
“God never wastes pain. Every season has a purpose.”
— Christine Caine
Thank you for hanging out with me! Dr. Abi Adeleke, #hangingoutwithdrabi on Spotify
