Finally getting out of my toxic workplace

I received an offer for a job. I’m finally free.

One HR person told me “that sounds like an abusive relationship” when I finally broke down and reported the ongoing bullying my direct reports and I have to deal with.

The HR boss (HRB from here on) is best friends with the Director I reported. They vacation together and regularly hang out outside of work. HRB took over the investigation and I requested a second person be present for all future meetings because I doubt their ability to remain unbiased based on their friendship. HRB agreed and then did not follow through on that agreement.

There was someone present for one meeting without my boss and there afterwards it was just HRB and my boss. My boss used abusive language towards me in front of HRB and HRB used therapy language to dismiss what happened.

I spiraled into depression. I couldn’t be myself at work, I was always on edge. I was exhausted from walking on eggshells and having to be a human shield for my direct reports. I hate that the bully is winning and I have to leave my job but I genuinely can’t take it anymore.

Anyway, on to better things. I just hope the psychological damage from this experience doesn’t follow me because boy has this been awful.