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When job hunting, many of us are willing to do just about anything to get hired. But in the process, we tend to forget that it’s not just companies interviewing us—we’re also interviewing them. That’s why, when we get the chance, we need to think twice before accepting the final offer.
To help with that, one man on Threads asked people to share the first signs that a job is going to be toxic. Check out some of their best advice below, and if you’ve got any wisdom to add, drop it in the comments!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
“We wear many hats here” means you’ll be doing two or three jobs for the price of one
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#3
When the manager makes excuses for the coworker's laziness. They favor the lazy coworker and punish the hard worker with more work.
Bored Panda reached out to Country, the poster behind the viral Threads question, to find out what inspired him to ask it.
As an award-winning event manager, multicultural marketer, and digital creator, he’s spent his career bridging culture, conversation, and brand storytelling—so he’s seen it all.
“I’ve worked entry-level jobs in fast food, retail, and call centers, and now I manage marketing campaigns for brands like the Super Bowl, Oprah Winfrey, and the FDA’s Fresh Empire initiative,” he told us. “I’ve seen both sides, from struggling to get a lunch break to leading teams on multimillion-dollar projects. I wanted to start a conversation that let people share their experiences and recognize the warning signs of a toxic job before they get stuck in one.”
#6
When the manager texts the entire group about a mistake you did instead of just directly messaging you
#7
When there are more than 3 interview stages. Worked for the companies like that. Company culture was always toxic.
Tabitha 1 week ago
Especially when it’s a minor job paying very little. I can see more than one interview for an important executive position. I want a new CEO to be thoroughly vetted. But a new cashier making minimum wage? Come the f**k on, people. One interview (with only one experienced interviewer who is great at reading people, instead of multiple interviewers who don’t know what they’re doing) that goes well, plus a good background check should be enough.
#8
when you start your first day and realize…almost every one just started working there. it’s giving high turnover
#9
“We’re like a close knit family here.”
#10
When people constantly talk sh*t behind peoples back and then being fake to them 😭
#11
When there is no professionalism, a lot of gossip, and also the managers never care about u as a human and only the customers matter
#12
Higher ups playing favorites ( managers/ supervisors )
StrangeOne 2 weeks ago
It's bad where I work. Some people get away with everything. Others get written up for nothing.
#13
They are late to the interview they set up. Immediately no
#15
A clearly s**t manager from the word go who contacts you at 7pm at night asking you to do something you’ve never done before and insists they have it first thing in the morning, then chastises you for not knowing the process of the task they have assigned.
#16
weekly working lunches.
every single time i’ve worked at a place like this, the leadership had NO boundaries
#17
When orientation or onboarding isn’t planned out properly. This happened at my current job that should’ve been a red flag 🚩 to me 7 months ago. However, I will be leaving tomorrow. Last day thank goodness 😅
#18
Getting PTO approved requires you to jump through any hoop
Geoffrey Scott 1 week ago
One of the good things about my last gig before retirement. I called a couple separate times on different PTO requests to ensure I could make reservations for my PTO. "Did you put down what days?".."Yes"..."You get it then"
#19
As soon as your manager talks negatively about one of your teammates in your department, it's over.
Mike F 1 week ago
That would depend on your definition of talking negatively. If there's a problem with a teammate's production or accuracy, then it would not be out of the ordinary to discuss with another team member. But, if the manager starts talking 💩 about another's personal life or choices, that's a problem.
#20
When the tagline says that they’re looking for highly motivated self starters.. aka we won’t help you / train you properly so you better be able to think quickly on your feet
#21
People eating lunch in their cars. It usually means they can’t eat in peace without being interrupted for work.
#22
When the manager starts texting you, pretending to be a friend the first two weeks.
ITS A SETUP. RUN. WHEN. THIS. HAPPENS.
#23
Bait & switch. They called you in for a social media management position but then say we don't do that here - this job is direct sales.
#24
“Everyone does everything”
#26
Being given a "new" manager on your first day because the one who hired you quit.
#27
1.the bosses favors the obviously bad employees who can't work independently and try to pass their job responsibility to you
2. The Managers & Executive Secretaries can't construct a simple business letters
3. Micro managing
4. They appoint people who are unqualified for the job
5. The Human Resources department are gaslighters and always condescending
6. When they are related to each other
StrangeOne 2 weeks ago
When the managers try to play psycho-analyst and proceed to tell you who you are, what you're feeling and how to change yourself. Then tell you everything that's bad about yourself. Then when you break down they try to lift up your confidence again. Absolute mindfuck.
#30
maga bumper stickers throughout the parking lot
What do you think ?
Tucker Cahooter 2 weeks ago
I remember about 40 years ago (yes, I'm that old and I remember it well), I started a new job. Within the first hour or so, three different women had come up to me at different times to introduce themselves and all of them said something along the lines of "This place would be much better if Paul left". There were actually two Pauls so I wasn't sure who they meant. The first Paul was a bit weird but harmless, however the other Paul I found out soon enough was a backstabbing sleazy creep. Pity it was a government department so getting rid of someone wasn't an easy thing to do
Tucker Cahooter 2 weeks ago
I remember about 40 years ago (yes, I'm that old and I remember it well), I started a new job. Within the first hour or so, three different women had come up to me at different times to introduce themselves and all of them said something along the lines of "This place would be much better if Paul left". There were actually two Pauls so I wasn't sure who they meant. The first Paul was a bit weird but harmless, however the other Paul I found out soon enough was a backstabbing sleazy creep. Pity it was a government department so getting rid of someone wasn't an easy thing to do
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