Dread going to work?

Hi all,

Mariah again. I’m the founder of Two Minutes’ Notice, and I'm writing to you because we’re going to do something different next week.

Instead of writing a new newsletter, we will reprint one of our most popular editions. I’ll use that writing time to listen, in free one-on-one conversations for people dealing with toxic work environments, RIF, and/or layoffs.

The twist: I used to work at a toxic company that charged a fortune for career coaching. Now, I’m giving that support away for free to help you survive or escape similar workplaces.

If you need clarity, momentum, feedback on your applications, encouragement, or just a conversation with someone who gets it—apply here. I will read every form.

We’ll be back in your inbox soon. For now, if you’re struggling at work, I hope we get to talk.

With care,

Mariah & Two Minutes’ Notice

POLL OF THE WEEK

MEANINGFUL RESOURCES

• VIDEO: Calming the Sunday Scaries (Headspace)

• Overcoming Your Fear of Rejection (Healthline)

• How to Bounce Back From Rejection (HBR)

• 7 Times It’s Okay to Quit the Job You Dread (FairyGodBoss)

• A Guide to Managing Work Anxiety (Lyra)

How to Stop Dreading Work When You Still Have to Go

If you’ve ever stared at your phone in bed and thought, I absolutely cannot do this again tomorrow, then this tip is for you.

You’re dreading work. And you still have to go. At least, for now.

Whether you’re facing the constant threat of RIFs, an overwhelming workload, a nightmare boss, or a coworker straight out of a true crime podcast, dread is telling you that something is wrong at work.

Let’s talk about when to listen to that dread, and how to keep it from taking over your life if you can’t quit.

🚩 Most importantly - don’t ignore the warning signs.

Sometimes, dreading work is a red flag that something in your work environment needs to change. That dread can be addressed with changes to your approach or your job.

Other times, dread is a full-on hurricane warning. Something very bad is coming, and it is time to get out.

If your managers are asking you to do something illegal or unethical, don’t risk your career for them. If your work environment is harming your physical or mental health, don’t risk your life.

Document everything that’s happening.

Say “no” to illegal work.

Ask for help.

Make a plan to get the f*** out.

🔎 Find the source.

What aspect of work are you dreading? Is it your boss yelling again? Coworkers who constantly gossip? Never-ending work?

Identifying what makes you dread your job is the first step to reducing dread’s power.

⚠️ Address the causes.

Once you know the source of your dread, think about ways you might be able to address it. Could you learn a few phrases to politely deflect when coworkers try to gossip with you? Can you take a few work projects off your plate, or ask for help?

☕ Give yourself something to look forward to.

A coffee on your commute. A walk around the block before heading to work. A playlist that brightens your day. Lunch with a favorite coworker.

Tiny things matter when work is hard.

🎯 Set expectations you can actually meet.

Surviving right now is a win. In difficult situations “getting through the day” is a noble goal. You don’t have to be amazing right now-give yourself some space.

🏁 Separate work from the rest of your life.

We know—easier said than done. However, it’s helpful to put up barriers around your job so your dread doesn’t bleed into the rest of your life.

Small rituals to separate your workday from your life—like taking a walk before starting work or making dinner after you get home—can help your brain switch gears.

You are not lazy, or broken. You’re navigating something difficult. And you’re doing better than you think.

Want to Avoid Job Search Rejection? Forget You Applied.

Here’s the hardest truth about job searching: most of your applications will receive no response.

No “thanks but no thanks.” No rejection email. Just silence.

It’s easy to feel like every application is a test of your value. But here’s a radical idea that just might save your sanity:

Submit the application. Then forget about it.

Seriously. Don’t refresh your inbox. Don’t read up on the company’s benefits package. Don’t imagine your life in that job. Don’t reread your resume five times wondering if “manage” was the right verb.

Let interview invitations be a lovely surprise.

You can forget about your applications until you hear back from the company. Put your research, focus, and energy into companies that have invited you to speak with them.

Until you hear from those companies (and you will), focus on your next applications—or take a break to stretch or go for a walk.

The job that matters is the one that moves forward. Not the others that ghost you.

Don’t give the nos any more of your time. You only need one yes.

COFFEE BREAK

Well. . .that was unexpected.

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We’ll see you next Thursday!