Dear Skyrah, I understand your situation, as I was in a very similar one a few years ago. You’re doing absolutely the right thing – stick to your list, tell all the gossipers to piss off (even if you have to do it mentally), and please, please, finish school! Each morning, when you walk in, remind yourself that one day soon, you will have a diploma on the wall, a great job, and will be packing your things into a copy paper box to LEAVE THAT PLACE BEHIND!!!

Don’t fear the change. Even if it’s scary, it’s better than being unhappy. I was unemployed for a year after (thankfully) getting fired from the toxic job, and was blacklisted, will probably never get hired in my field again. But, I Sent a rock thru the back glass of my truck and was hired on the spot by the body shop I took it to for repairs! I’m happy at this job, I never dread going to work, low pay, long hours, but a fun place.

I know good things will happen for you. I had a young friend who is struggling with addiction help me in the yard today. We were watering a recently transplanted shrub, and I explained to him that, even though the shrub looked as if it were dying, it would be ok, because it had a strong root. Find your strong root, that which anchors you. Hold on to it when you feel exhausted or discouraged. Be good, good luck, peace.