The Day I Stopped Waiting for Permission: How to Pivot Out of a Toxic Job and Into Your Power

There was a moment when I realized I was waiting for permission to live the life I wanted. I remember it like it was yesterday — sitting at my desk, staring at the computer, knowing I was capable of so much more but feeling utterly stuck. Every email felt like an obligation, every meeting like a chore. Yet, I stayed, thinking, “Maybe things will get better.”

But here’s the thing: they never did.

I kept showing up, doing my best, hitting deadlines, but the environment never changed. It was like pouring water into a cracked vase — it looked full for a moment, but eventually, it all seeped out. And for years, I told myself the same thing many of you might be telling yourselves: “I just need to stick it out a little longer.”

But let’s be honest — how long is “a little longer?”

For many of us, especially Black women, we’ve been conditioned to believe that loyalty, resilience, and “toughing it out” are noble virtues. We stay in toxic jobs because we think leaving reflects poorly on us, or worse, that we don’t deserve better. We wait for the right moment, the perfect opportunity, or for someone else to validate our decision to move on.

But here’s the truth: no one’s going to give you permission to leave a job that’s draining the life out of you. You have to take it.

That’s exactly what I did when I realized my value wasn’t being recognized where I was. And trust me, it wasn’t an easy decision. Walking away from something familiar, even when it’s toxic, can feel like stepping into the unknown. But what I found on the other side wasn’t just relief — it was empowerment.

Because here’s what I know to be true: your time is worth more than staying stuck.

If you’ve been feeling the nudge, that inner voice telling you that where you are no longer serves you, it’s time to listen. You can’t evolve by staying in the same place. And I’m not just talking about consistency or grit. I’m talking about growth — real, deep, transformative growth that requires you to let go of what’s holding you back.

So here’s the question I want you to ask yourself: Are you waiting for permission to leave, or are you ready to create the future you’ve been dreaming about?

This isn’t for those who are interested in small tweaks or passive progress. This is for the women who are ready to make a serious pivot in their careers and their lives. This is for those who are no longer interested in running the same race in a toxic environment, hoping one day things will magically get better.

This is for those of you who understand that sometimes, growth requires a leap, not a step.

How I Stopped Waiting and Pivoted My Career

When I finally made the decision to leave my toxic job, I didn’t just walk out the door — I walked into a carefully crafted exit plan. It wasn’t impulsive or reckless. It was intentional. And that’s what I want for you — a clear, empowered, and strategic transition out of the environment that’s been holding you back.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it — leaving isn’t easy, and it certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted. But here’s the thing: you can’t thrive in a place that’s slowly suffocating you.

If you’re reading this, and you’re nodding along because you know what it feels like to be stuck in a job that drains more than it gives, then you’re exactly who I’m speaking to. This is your call to action. This is your permission to pivot.

Why Staying Stuck is Riskier Than Moving On

The biggest misconception I see is the belief that staying in a toxic job is the “safe” option. The paycheck is steady, the routine is familiar, and leaving feels like a gamble. But let me challenge that thinking: is it really safer to stay somewhere that chips away at your self-worth, your creativity, and your happiness?

I’m not saying the pivot is easy, but what’s at stake if you stay is so much bigger. Every day you spend in an environment that doesn’t support your growth is a day you lose building the career and life you actually want.

Who This Message Is For (And Who It Isn’t)

Now, I’m not here to convince anyone to make a move they’re not ready for. If you’re still in the space of being “interested” but not fully committed to change, this might not be for you. I get it — sometimes we’re just not ready, and that’s okay.

But for those of you who are done with the tire kicking, who are tired of talking about your potential and are ready to step into it — this is for you. This is for the ones who want more than just surface-level adjustments. You want to iterate, evolve, and create a career that reflects your true worth.

This is for the women who value their time more than their comfort and are willing to invest in themselves to make that shift happen — because they know that real growth doesn’t come from staying small.

Your Next Step: The Pivot Plan

So, what happens now? You can keep doing what you’ve been doing and stay where you are. Or, you can step into something new. That’s why I am leading the Black Women & Toxic Jobs Training, a space where we don’t just talk about how hard it is — we talk about how to get out.

During this training, you’ll learn:

• How to overcome the fear of leaving a toxic job and move toward the future you’ve been envisioning.

• How to create an actionable exit plan that ensures your transition is smooth, intentional, and empowering.

• How to unshackle yourself from environments that are no longer serving your growth, and step into the career you deserve.

If you’re tired of waiting for things to change and ready to take control of your career, this is your moment. This isn’t about convincing anyone who’s still unsure — this is about partnering with those who are ready to make a move.

Because at the end of the day, no one else is going to hand you the future you want. You have to take it.

Ready to make the pivot? Join me here: https://patricelindo--liftingasweclimbconsulting.thrivecart.com/how-to-heal-from-a-toxic-job-masterclass/

For Those Ready to Take Action Now:

If you’re sitting there reading this and thinking, “This is me. I’m ready for my pivot, I’m ready for my breakthrough,” then the next step is clear.

I’m offering Career Strategy Consultations for those who are serious about taking action now. If you’re ready to map out your career pivot, overcome the roadblocks, and accelerate your growth, let’s talk.

This isn’t for the interested — it’s for the committed.

Book your Career Strategy Consultation here.