What if you find yourself in a negative work environment, but for whatever reason, you can’t quit right now? Previously [in this book] I mentioned Linda, who had to stick it out in a toxic workplace for a few years until she could retire at full benefits. Others perform such unique jobs that they are unlikely to readily find another similar opportunity especially in a tough economy. There are some who feel they must stay at a particular job even though their coworkers, boss, or clients are causing a lot of daily or regular stress because they are older and the job prospects are tougher past a certain age. They are countless others who feel that working with difficult coworkers or a demanding boss is better than no job at all.

What follows are some affirmations that you could read or reread to yourself that may help you to survive negative work relationships. You could read these affirmations right after a particularly tough incident occurs or just review one or all of these affirmations from time to time to help you to cope. Here are ten affirmations to help you but of course feel free to add your own as well:

• I am a terrific, valuable, hardworking employee and I have a right to work in a positive environment.
• I did not create this difficult situation but I have the strength and forbearance to handle it.
• I will not allow my boss to drive me out of this job until I am ready to leave on my own terms and within my own time frame.
• I can handle my coworkers or my boss and there is also the possibility that my boss or coworkers will be replaced with others who are easier to deal with.
• I do not deserve to work in negative conditions or to be around unpleasant people but I deserve to have this job.
• I am in control of my reaction to any annoying person or grueling work situation.
• I am developing my stamina by surviving and even triumphing despite these tough work conditions.
• I depend on this job and I will not be railroaded out.

• Others depend on me to have this job and I will do it to the best of my ability.
• I feel sorry for the difficult person or persons who are making my life miserable but I will not allow their problems to become my own troubles or to ruin my job performance.

 Reprinted, with permission, from the forthcoming book, The Power of Workplace Relationships: 57 Strategies for Building Strong Business Connections by Jan Yager, Ph.D. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without written permission of the author, Dr. Jan Yager. (jyager@aol.com)