Chapter 1: The Initial Encounter

When I was brought on board to learn OutSystems, I was promptly assigned to a project at a different company. Initially, my new colleagues were welcoming, which made me feel comfortable. However, there were a few individuals, like a certain woman who seemed to relish treating me poorly, which cast a shadow over the experience.

My perception of my boss was initially positive, as he joined us for lunch. During one of these meals, an owner inquired whether I could create a look and feel for an application. I confidently replied that a website could assist with that task, as it didn’t appear to be overly complex. He mentioned that a coworker would guide me through using the existing icons, which she did, albeit with the caveat that we couldn't access the current look and feel due to a redesign process that was on hold.

Afterward, I approached my supervisor for guidance. He instructed me to look into the old application in anticipation of the redesign's resumption. Little did I know, there was a breakdown in communication among the team. As a Junior developer with just a year of experience, I followed orders diligently and returned to the hiring company with expectations of clarity.

However, I soon discovered that the owner was frustrated with my perceived lack of progress. In an attempt to appease him, my boss turned against me. To my dismay, the previously unkind woman joined in, spreading untrue narratives about my work ethic, and a friend claimed I was demanding and trying to offload my responsibilities.

Section 1.1: The Unraveling

Things began to feel amiss. During a meeting, my leader suggested that if he was unavailable, the team should reach out to him for assistance. Yet, I was completely unaware of the underlying tensions. My boss was juggling multiple roles and often seemed overwhelmed. When I brought up my concerns, he claimed ignorance about the situation.

Such seemingly friendly colleagues can be surprisingly duplicitous, especially if they see a chance to advance their careers by undermining others. I began to dread my future at the company, consciously avoiding interactions and viewing my boss as someone who could not be trusted.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Lesson Learned

The takeaway from this experience is clear: be cautious about whom you trust. Clearly outline your responsibilities and ensure everyone is on the same page to prevent misunderstandings that could be used against you. Always inform your supervisor when you seek assistance and document your efforts to mitigate potential complaints. Remember, if someone harbors ill feelings towards you, they may look for ways to undermine your position. Business owners, in particular, can treat employees as expendable resources for their own gain.

Chapter 2: The Reality of Workplace Trust

In the video titled "Programming Burnout Is Real - But You CAN Heal," the discussion revolves around the significant mental toll that the programming profession can take on individuals. It emphasizes the importance of self-care and healing, especially after negative experiences like workplace betrayal.

Another insightful video, "Has your trust been betrayed at work?" delves into the feelings of betrayal many experience in professional settings and offers guidance on how to navigate such challenges.

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