Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

Archana Deshpande |129 Answers |Ask -Follow

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on Aug 03, 2026

Archana Deshpande, the founder of TransformMe Life Skills Coaching, is an image consultant, soft skills trainer and life coach.
She has been working with individuals and corporate organisations for more than 10 years during which she has helped professionals and students improve their soft skills, build confidence and enhance self-esteem.
An engineer from the PDA College of Engineering, Gulbarga, Archana had a successful career at Reliance Communications. But she has always been interested in teaching and training people. So she pursued a postgraduate diploma in teacher’s training at Pune’s Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies followed by teaching assignments in schools at Visakhapatnam and Mumbai.
Archana also holds an international certificate in image consulting and soft skills training from the Image Consulting Business Institute, Mumbai.... more

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 03, 2026

I am into sales with a very toxic work environment. Being shouted at, abused, publicly insulted during team meetings is a regular thing. We are expected to take calls off work hours, late nights, even on weekends and holidays. The current job market makes it difficult to get out of this situation. Friends and colleagues say there is no guarantee I won’t face same situation elsewhere. All this is taking a toll on my mental health, relationships and personal life. Please advise how I should handle this situation.

Ans: Hi!!
First, I want to acknowledge something very important: what you’re describing is not ‘normal workplace pressure.’ Occasional stress is part of most jobs, but constant humiliation, verbal abuse, and the expectation to be available 24/7 are signs of an unhealthy work environment.

When people stay in such environments for a long time, they often begin to believe that this is just how the corporate world works. It isn’t. There are demanding workplaces, and then there are toxic workplaces—and it’s important to know the difference.

At the same time, I understand the reality of today’s job market. Walking away immediately may not be financially possible, and I would never advise someone to make an emotional decision that puts their livelihood at risk.

So my advice would be threefold.

First, protect yourself emotionally. Don’t let someone else’s behaviour become your identity. Public criticism says more about the leader’s style than about your worth. Keep reminding yourself of your strengths and achievements. Speak to trusted friends, mentors, or a counsellor if you feel your mental health is being affected.

Second, create healthy boundaries wherever possible. You may not be able to change the organisation overnight, but you can communicate professionally about availability, prioritise recovery time, and avoid carrying workplace negativity into your home. Your family deserves the best version of you, not the exhausted version your workplace leaves behind.

Third, start preparing your exit strategically—not desperately. Update your résumé, build new skills, strengthen your professional network, and begin applying consistently. Don’t wait until you’re completely burnt out to look for another opportunity.

And finally, don’t let people convince you that ‘every company is like this.’ That’s a dangerous generalisation. Challenging workplaces exist, but so do organisations where people are treated with dignity and respect. Your goal is not just to find another job; it’s to find a healthier environment where you can grow without sacrificing your well-being.

Remember, success is not measured only by your salary or your designation. It is also measured by your ability to go to work without losing your self-respect, your peace of mind, and your relationships.