“It Was Sad”: Johannesburg Woman Leaves Job With R45k Monthly Salary Due to Toxic Work Environment
- A TikTok user shared her heartbreaking story of leaving a well-paying university job in Johannesburg after facing severe ill-treatment from her line manager
- The woman revealed she walked away from a R975,000 annual package because the toxic work environment was destroying her mental health
- South Africans flooded the comments with their own similar experiences, with many praising her brave decision to prioritise her health over money
Source: TikTok
A Johannesburg woman has opened up about the difficult decision to leave her well-paying university job, earning R45,000 monthly, due to a toxic work environment that was damaging her mental health.
TikTok user @beleza_avenue shared her emotional story on 30 August 2025, explaining how she had to walk away from a R975,000 annual package to protect her well-being.
The woman explained that she started working at a Johannesburg university in 2022 after moving from a Pretoria institution for a higher-level position. Initially earning around R40,000 net after deductions, her salary later increased to R45,000 monthly. However, what seemed like a dream job quickly turned into a nightmare.
She described how the workplace became so unbearable that she stopped looking forward to receiving her salary. Despite trying everything she could, including filing grievances, the situation only got worse. The main problem was severe ill-treatment from her direct line manager, which made her work life unbearable.
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In February of the previous year, she made the tough choice to resign from her position, saying goodbye to her substantial salary and benefits package. She emphasised that choosing her health was the most important decision, even though it was incredibly difficult financially.
Source: TikTok
Mzansi reacts to woman's brave decision
South Africans shared their thoughts and similar experiences in the comments section.
@nkosinathi_vilakazi declared:
"Quitters never win, and winners never quit. I'm never quitting my job because of a person - yes, I'm that strong. I'd rather perform chemical engineering."
@brian_zaca related to her experience:
"I think I know the university. I was there as well, experienced the same thing."
@baby_melokuhle shared her own struggle:
"I just resigned, yoh the emotional abuse is too much."
@imakatso_digital_marketing offered support:
"I can relate, the same thing happened to me. My take-home was 53k, but I chose myself and resigned from that toxic place. Money makes life easier, but if you don't have a choice, just leave."
@joulezy expressed sympathy:
"My sister, I think universities are the WORST. I've been going through a lot too, as an academic staff member at one of the universities. Unfortunately, I can't leave right now. I'm truly sorry."
@good_lebo asked curiously:
"Where is this place?"
The effects of a toxic workplace
According to experts at VeryWellMind, toxic work environments can seriously damage mental health. These environments often include bullying, manipulation, discrimination, and a lack of trust. Research shows that workplace toxicity leads to increased depression, substance abuse, and various health problems among employees.
Watch the TikTok clip below:
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Source: Briefly News
