Imagine being put on time-out at your big corporate job. Yes, time-out!. Sounds unbelievable, right? Well, it actually happened.
We were once again doomscrolling through the streets of social media when we came across a post that made us laugh.
Someone was sharing a story about their first job, and let’s just say the punishment was… interesting.
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You Want Me to Face the TV?
Apparently, Tunde, let’s call him that, was sitting at his desk when his supervisor told him to stand up and face the TV as punishment.
We don’t know what happened before this or what exactly Tunde had done because the post doesn’t give us that part of the story, so we won’t fill in the gaps. But why would you tell an adult to stand and face a TV as punishment?
I mean… what exactly are we doing here?
Tunde said he laughed and walked out of the building. Before nko? I might have done the same.
But wait, it gets funnier.
According to him, his colleagues screamed out in excitement when he walked out. It looks like Tunde wasn’t the only one who thought the situation was a bit much. That had us wondering what was really going on in that office.
Because when your colleague walks out of the workplace and everyone starts cheering, you know something is up.
A Difficult Manager Isn’t Automatically a Toxic Workplace
Now, before we start calling every manager toxic because of an uncomfortable experience, let’s be clear: not every correction or criticism of your work is toxicity.
Sometimes your manager will correct you. They might tell you your work isn’t good enough, challenge your decisions, question your performance or hold you accountable when you make a mistake. Nobody likes hearing that their work isn’t up to standard, but that’s part of having a job.
The problem is when the way those things are handled crosses the line. There is a difference between correcting someone and humiliating them. There is also a difference between holding someone accountable and using your position to intimidate them. You can tell someone they’ve made a mistake without making them feel small.
So, one strange incident doesn’t automatically mean the entire workplace is toxic. What matters is the pattern. Are people constantly being shouted at or insulted? Are employees afraid to speak up? Do people feel like they have to walk on eggshells around their supervisors? Has everyone simply accepted disrespect as “the way things are done here”?
That’s when you might have a bigger problem on your hands.
What Job Seekers Should Look Out For
Now, we know you’re probably thinking, “Okay, but what does all this have to do with finding a job?” Well, quite a lot, actually. When you’re job hunting, you’re not just trying to convince a company to hire you. You should also be paying attention to figure out if the company is the right place for you.
Of course, you’re going to look at the salary, title, location, benefits and career opportunities. But don’t ignore the people and the way they behave. Pay attention to how you’re spoken to during the interview, how the interviewer talks about current employees and how they respond when you ask questions. If they constantly describe employees as lazy, difficult or replaceable, or casually talk about working late and tolerating poor treatment as though it’s something you should expect, take note.
You may not always spot a huge red flag during an interview, and that’s okay. You’re not expected to investigate the company like you’re solving a crime. But sometimes, the little things can tell you a lot. The way people speak to each other, how employees behave around their managers and how you’re treated as a candidate can give you an idea of what you might be walking into.
Because yes, you’re looking for a job. But you’re also looking for a place where you can actually do your job without wondering if facing the TV is going to be part of your performance review.
Don’t Normalise What You Wouldn’t Accept Elsewhere
If you’re already working somewhere that constantly leaves you uncomfortable, it’s easy to start convincing yourself that it’s normal. Maybe you’ve heard “that’s just how the boss is” so many times that you’ve stopped questioning the behaviour. Maybe everyone around you has learnt to laugh it off and keep moving because that’s easier than confronting it.
But just because everyone is used to it doesn’t mean it’s okay.
Of course, Tunde’s approach isn’t always the answer because bills will not pay themselves. But you can stay while you figure out your next move. At the very least, pay attention to what you’re experiencing and let it tell you what you don’t want in your next workplace.
Because at the end of the day, the issue isn’t really facing the TV.
It’s the fact that someone thought humiliating an employee was an acceptable way to handle a situation.
That’s it for this edition of Job Seeker Chronicles.
Now, excuse me while I go back to scrolling through social media. See you in the next one.
