Cult like environments in the workplace
Currently recovering from an extremely toxic workplace. I live in a small town in the middle of the Bible belt where everyone knows everyone and if you're not a good old boy or don't play their social games (gossiping, backstabbing, etc.) you're pretty much public enemy #1. Closing in on a full year after quitting (luckily for a much better job working from home) and the more time that passes I feel like I'm finally coming to terms with the fact that there was a strong herd mentality leading to a work environment that very closely resembled a cult. There was even someone from outside this workplace who I met on a dating app and shared a brief friendship with only to realize after I ended the acquaintance because something didn't feel right (trusting my instincts, he said a few weird things throughout our interactions that triggered the wounds left by the constant harassment at said workplace and now I know rightfully so) that this person knew and was in contact with one of my worst harrassers. Both experiences have really shaken my level of trust in humanity and just trying to meet new people in general but I'm still trying. I refuse to give up and let these people win since overall this was just a moment in my life and they're just a small group of people realistically. Does anyone have a similar experience where their work environment had a cult like environment/mentality?