“You Are My Spirit Animal”: Man Excitedly Walks Away From Toxic Job, SA Relates

• A young corporate shared a viral video of himself leaving his toxic law firm, celebrating his decision to prioritise mental health
• In a video shared on TikTik, the gent could be seen taking the bold step many wished for but feared to make as he walked out
• Social media users praised his bold move, sharing their own experiences of quitting toxic jobs and supporting mental well-being

South African statistics on mental health health and depression have raised serious concerns about how working environments contribute to mental well-being instability. A young man captured the attention of social media users after sharing a video of himself leaving his toxic working enviroment

The video, posted under his TikTok handle @elliotkhoza5, gained massive traction, reasoning with many who have faced similar workplace struggles.

The man's joyful exit from the law firm

In the clip, @elliotkhoza5 is seen walking out of his office, captured by a colleague. The video shows him emerging through a glass door that required security access, carrying a box filled with his personal belongings, a classic symbol of resignation.

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As he heads towards his colleague's office she asks him if he is leaving and he responds with laughter and a celebratory gesture.

Watch the TikTok clip below:

Mental health issues in South Africa

A 2024 report by CCMA revealed that 20% of the South African population will experience a depressive disorder at least once in their lifetime. The organisation further states that a healthy working environment is crucial for employees' well-being and performance, which, in turn, benefits the company.

The CCMA also provides recommendations for managers to prevent and handle mental health-related cases in the workplace, we take a look at a few.

• Effectively implement health policies within the organisation.
• Recognise the symptoms and functional impact of mental issues in the workplace.
• Address work performance problems through standard HR policies.
• Be consistent and treat all employees fairly.

SA debates about toxic working environments

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The clip gained 515K views, 42K likes and nearly 1.2 comments from social media users who supported @elliotkhoza5 on his decision to leave his working environment for his wellness.

Many shared their own stories of walking away from unhealthy workplaces, even without a backup plan and others admitted they wished they wished to do the same but felt trapped by financial obligations and mounting bills.

User @lifewithmo shared:

"Discovering that your toxic employer is my dream employer 😭😭."

User @Mazibula detailed:

"I did that in 2023, never came back in January 😩😩❤️❤️❤️best thing I did for myself ✌️."

User @NommyP said:

"Law firms are as toxic as call centres 😭😭."

User @MISS MOYA added:

"Bathong 😂😂😂you not even gonna hide the company😂😂😂😂😂… you are my spirit animal ke sana🥰."

User @waltzcandy7658 commented:

"My job is toxic but my bills are more toxic."

User @Miss Tee said

"Yoh I Sbwl 😭😭I can’t wait to leave this toxic place."

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3 Briefly News toxic working environment articles

• A young woman couldn't take the toxicity and bullying at work and resigned just two and a half months after joining the company.
• A man detailed that he followed his dream of becoming a designer after leaving his toxic working environment.
• Aman who worked at a call centre detailed that he left his toxic working environment as a way to protect his mental health, and many social media users could relate.

Source: Briefly News