If This Feels Familiar, It’s Not You – It’s Your Workplace. And We Can Help.

If This Feels Familiar, It’s Not You – It’s Your Workplace. And We Can Help.

At Inspired Recruitment, we speak to so many professionals who feel like they’re the problem. They’ve been told (directly or indirectly) they’re too much, not enough, too ambitious, too quiet, too emotional, too cold. And they’ve swallowed it.

But here’s the truth: It’s not you. It’s the environment you’re working in. And we’re here to help you find a better one.

Here’s what we know:

1. Toxic workplaces pit people against each other.

   If you’ve ever felt like you’re in constant competition with colleagues instead of collaboration – that’s not normal. Workplaces designed with scarcity in mind (limited promotions, limited recognition) force people into rivalries. But that’s the system, not you.
   

2. Success isn’t just about merit – it’s about who gets seen.

   The belief that “if you just work hard enough, you’ll get noticed” doesn’t always hold true. Some workplaces are structured to favour certain people or behaviours, leaving others overlooked no matter how capable they are. That isn’t a reflection of your talent. It’s a reflection of the environment.
   

3. You shouldn’t have to twist yourself to fit a mould.

   Ever been called too assertive or not assertive enough? Workplaces often reward one set of behaviours in some people and punish them in others. If you feel like you can’t win no matter how you show up, it’s not your fault. It’s a double standard.
   

4. A good workplace makes you feel safe and valued – not like you have to prove yourself daily.

   Real inclusion means recognising different strengths, listening, supporting, and holding everyone accountable. If your workplace feels more like survival than growth, it’s time for a change.
   

5. Isolation isn’t a failure – it’s a sign of a broken system.

   If you’re one of the few (or only) people like you at the table, it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own. That’s tokenism – and it creates pressure, not progress.
   

6. Misunderstandings at work aren’t always your fault.

   We’ve all felt it – conversations that go nowhere, feeling unheard, or misinterpreted. This isn’t about your communication skills; it’s about different styles clashing in environments that don’t foster real connection.
   

7. Support beats competition every time.

   When people are encouraged to mentor, collaborate, and lift each other up, everyone wins. But not every workplace gets that. We do. And we’ll help you find a place that does too.
   

8. Your worth isn’t defined by your job.

   Let’s be clear – a toxic environment can make anyone question themselves. But that doesn’t mean you’re not talented, capable, or deserving of more. You are.
   

If this feels familiar, it’s time to ask yourself: Is your workplace bringing out your best? Or is it holding you back?

At Inspired Recruitment, we believe you deserve better. A workplace that sees your value. That lets you thrive, not just survive. That doesn’t make you question yourself every day.

If you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or like something’s just off, talk to us. We’ll help you find a role – and an environment – that brings out the best in you.

You are not the problem. The right job is out there. We’ll help you find it.

Take that first step. Start something that matters. Start building the life you deserve.

Mark Goode CEO, Inspired Recruitment Changing the way recruitment works. Making it personal.

Mark Goode is the CEO of The Inspired Recruitment Group which originated with the inception of Inspired Selections a recruitment agency primarily focused on recruitment in the optical industry before branching out into audiology and pharmaceutical recruitment. New optical opportunities are featured daily here or if you're a business, looking for help with your recruitment needs, get in touch here