🚩 Just Because They’re Still in the Fire Doesn’t Mean They Won’t Burn You, Too

Leaving a toxic workplace doesn’t always mean the drama ends. Sometimes, someone keeps dragging it back into your life, text by text.

They consistently message you, venting about how bad things still are. Leadership is a mess. People in charge are “alcoholics.” Everything’s a “sh*t show.” You left months, maybe even years ago, but their updates keep coming. And every time you see their name pop up, you already know: here we go again.

At first, it might feel like solidarity. You both went through it, right? But then comes the shift. Suddenly, your name is being mentioned at your old job. You get looped back into the mess. And you realize: They’re still in the fire, and now, they’re tossing sparks in your direction.

Here’s what you need to remember:

🚫 Just because someone hates your former employer doesn’t make them your friend.

🚫 Just because they’re still “in it” doesn’t mean they’re harmless.

🚫 Just because you once trauma-bonded doesn’t mean they get continued access to your peace.

You can wish someone well and stop picking up the phone. You can be kind and disengage. You can honor what you went through without staying emotionally tied to people who never left.

And if you’re wondering if it’s okay to stop responding? It is.

You don’t owe anyone ongoing emotional labor just because you once shared a miserable job. If someone chooses to stay in the chaos, that’s their decision, not your responsibility. You’re not cold for ghosting them. You’re not cruel for protecting your energy. You’re just done.

Some folks aren’t looking to grow—they just want company in the chaos. Protect your peace. You earned it.

At Next Step Resumes, I don’t just help you leave toxic jobs—I help you rewrite the story and move up. Let’s get you unstuck.