What You Should Know Before Taking A Leap Into The Unknown I Retailing Insight

7 Ways to Empower Yourself in a Toxic Work Situation

While Keeping an Eye on The Future

Many of us don’t have the luxury to absolutely love our jobs all the time. As a journalist for many years, I thrive on the freedom of flexibility, creativity, and being able to work anywhere in the world. But as we age and evolve, sometimes our priorities change, and life demands other things from us. In 2023, when my father suddenly passed away, I was thrown into a whirlwind of estate responsibilities, navigating a new world of legalese and sometimes Kafkaesque circumstances, while coping with the realities of death. This loss became a marker in time, a fundamental shift that forced me to confront many things about my own life, and one of them lingered in the forefront of my mind like a nagging timebomb: I had to get serious about my financial security for the future.

Writers aren’t known for making the big bucks and many of us lack the financial safe havens of 401ks, IRAs, and traditional pension plans. Although I have always supported myself financially through writing and editing, even in an exorbitantly expensive and competitive city like New York, if I wanted to plan for my “future self,” I needed to consider the corporate path. You know, the desk job with so-called real benefits and a long commute, where I’d inevitably become a cog in the wheel of power. I dreaded this for my life, but I needed to save up for future me, even if it meant sacrificing the things that I loved most. So I took the bait, switched gears, and reported for duty in an all-glass, corporate tower in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Despite my new cush paycheck, I couldn’t stand it. I loved my immediate co-workers, but each day felt like slow suffocation. I felt as though my spirit, my purpose in life, was being crushed out of me. Whether it was the toxicity of the daily subway hustle, office politics, or sheer boredom, I found myself becoming deeply unhappy, yearning for the simplicity of my writing chair back in Brooklyn. “Take one day at a time,” I told myself. But each day became more unbearable then the next, until I finally decided it was officially time to go. If I didn’t get out, something in me would perhaps change forever, harden and warp, and there was no money in the world worth that.

And so, after careful consideration, and saving up a small stack of cash, I left. It wasn’t an easy decision, but for me, it was the right one. There is, of course, major privilege in being able to walk away from a job that’s making you unhappy. Not everyone can do that. But I had no dependents or children to support, and decided my personal values were worth more. The ability to travel to see family, explore the natural world, learn new things, write on my own terms, meet new people, and create my own schedule, these were the things that sparked joy and awe in my life. And I had to get back to it.

Maybe one day I’ll regret it, but today, I don’t. So if you find yourself planning a new leap into the unknown, whether that’s starting your own business, going freelance, or switching jobs or your career entirely, here are a few things I’ve learned in my journey — and a few magical tools — to help keep you grounded, empowered, and open to the infinite possibilities of the future.

#1 Find Your Passion Project

One thing that kept me creatively nourished and spiritually fulfilled was working on my book, Wonderment. It had been years in the making, and combined nearly 17 years of research with magical practices, travel stories, experiential learning, and practical integrations for helping others find their divine spark and spiritual calling. Despite my demanding job, I worked on it every chance I could: in the subway, on park benches at lunch, into the late hours of the night. It kept me rooted in my purpose as a writer and spiritual teacher, even if it meant working upwards of 60+ hours a week. Find what gives your life real meaning and seek out new ways to use your innate gifts, whether that’s a creative project, learning new skills or crafts, or simply experimenting with art each day.

#2 Navigating (and Dispelling) Toxic Energy at Work

One of the techniques I teach in my book is how to cleanse and protect your psychic aura through light meditations. A pared down version of this technique is to simply envision a bright, white ball of light radiating down on you, moving through you, cleansing your aura and body. Visualize this light whenever you’re in a difficult meeting or confronting negative co-workers, as well before going into work and again once you leave. You’ll immediately feel more grounded and empowered, and the best part is, you can do this exercise anywhere, anytime. You can also visualize a spinning vortex coming out from your solar plexus to dispel any negativity that comes your way.

#3 Take Regular Sea Salt Baths

At least a few times a week, fill your bath with hot water, a cup of sea salt and a few drops of essential oil (lavender, for instance, is both purifying and soothing). You can also add fresh or dried herbs to an empty tea bag and place it in the water (for easier clean-up), as well as a touch of coconut milk, if you have it. As you sit in the bath, focus on letting any impurities flow into the water, as the salt, herbs, and oils cleanse you. Do a light meditation while you’re in the bath and visualize a pink light emanating around you, representing self-love, compassion, and empowerment. Once you’re done, wait until the water completely drains from the tub, taking with it anything that no longer serves your higher purpose.

#4 Breathing Exercises

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try breathing in for two counts, hold for three, and exhale for four. I prefer this shorter breathing exercise, as it feels more natural in the body, and I’ve found it helps to reduce anxiety.

#5 Keep an Auric/Energy Cleansing Spray at Your Desk

Create your own sacred auric cleansing blend to keep at your workspace. Fill a small clear glass or amber-colored spray bottle with a few drops (about 10-20 in total per half ounce) of the following essential oils: frankincense, cedarwood, lavender, and ylang-ylang and/or geranium. Then fill the bottle halfway with witch hazel and smell your creation. Add in more essential oil as needed and top off with the rest of the bottle with spring water. You can also add in a few tiny clear quartz or rose quartz crystals. Spray around your desk, near your office doorway, or on your person whenever you need it. Keep in mind that others may be sensitive to scents, so be kind and ask your co-workers nearby if it’s alright. If they’re against it, use the spray in the bathroom when you need a psychic boost.

#6 Find Your Plant Ally

If you’re stuck behind a desk all day, especially in a windowless office, be sure to keep a few plants at your work space. Even a few small succulents can raise the vibrations of your immediate space and it’s entirely fine to talk to them throughout the day (really, do it. Who cares if others overhear? You’re a wondrous, creative being with magic in your bones). I’ve found that plants tend to thrive when you speak words of gratitude and love towards them, and they’ll give it right back to you in the form of radiant, positive energy.

#7 Figure Out Your Exit Plan

We’re here on this earth for only a short while, so if you find yourself in a serious rut, feeling powerless, or deeply unhappy, figure out your exit plan to change your circumstances. Easier said than done, I know, but start small: Make a list of the pros and cons within your current situation, and then write down your personal values and what you want to make out of your unique life. Each day, take one small action towards fulfilling your goal(s), whether that’s making it work right where you are, saving money, empowering yourself with new skill sets, or making a big leap into the unknown.