This might be a bit too personal but whatever…
Context is that my last job wasn’t exactly great, and it just happened to be when US science was having issues, so I left for a position in EU. Only joined for less than 2 months so still new. Problem is now that I’ve settled in a bit, issues at the new workplace have been surfacing… I know academia/academic research is known for having “difficult personalities” but this is beginning to get comical. Edit: in both cases it is the supervisor that is toxic; I have nothing against my coworkers. In this case it’s referring to what appears to be lots of micromanagement and favoritism, probably some denying of holiday leave that may or may not be legal by the country’s employment laws
On one hand I don’t want to deal with a bad workplace again just to avoid the toll on my own health (which did happen a lot during the past year). But on the other hand it is nice to have an EU-based position (especially since I’m not an EU citizen so my job is also linked to my ability to stay in a country), and if I got into this situation two-times in a row what’s guaranteeing that it won’t happen again
I’m… open to all suggestions
It depends on why it’s toxic. You say it’s the people but that can still vary a lot. If it’s because the other people are constantly attacking and belittling you then I’d (personally) just put my head down, do my work, and keep a hunt for a new job on the side.
If however they’re “difficult” because they’re set in their ways and don’t like change and aren’t good at expressing their point of view and you find yourself clashing on what to do and how. It’s different. I’ve found I can adapt to those kinds of people and we eventually find a rhythm that works for both of us.
I’ll also add I’ve had jobs with five different companies with people from many countries, and I’ve yet to find a job where at least some of the people aren’t toxic. I’ve sometimes had success requesting moves to teams/projects away from the most toxic people. But unfortunately “knuckle down and put up with crappy people” is what’s worked the best. But only you can know for yourself if you can do that in your current situation.
I’d also be looking for an EU sugar mama as much as possible on the side.
It’s the supervisor. I’d say it may be more close to the second one than the first: bossman was trained in German academia and it shows; they are from what I’ve gathered a micromanaging person with really bad management skills that also has pretty blatant favoritism, also heard from coworkers that bossman disallowed vacations previously. Not the worst thing in the world but does appear to be pretty nasty; if I don’t want to get fired there are ways I can adapt. My coworkers are honestly quite nice atm. I suppose I will try to do both then, apply for other things while use my… currently strong arsenal tool of dealing with ppl to get through things for now
I eh will get on Hinge again and visit Luxembourg in the future 💀
If you are in Germany, it just might be a cultural thing, I say so myself as I’m not from Germany and had to adjust as well. But I do have friends in academia and I know how crazy it gets. If you are getting personal attacks, document them and save them somewhere safe. Evidence is very valuable if you