<p>My first job out of college was as a production supervisor in a truck plant. I was 23, and I supervised a bunch of men who were years older and who disliked/distrusted young college grads supervising them. Frankly, they were easier to handle than my a<strong>h</strong>e supervisors, who did their best to be completely unsupportive of a young female in their midst (not exactly “mentors”). I hated my job, I was miserable outside of work (always thinking about work). I made a LOT of money, though, and I worked for a company that at the time (no longer …) was a place that took care of its employees, so people didn’t want to leave. I HAD to leave, though, in order to maintain my sanity. When I found another job, I simply told them the new job was more in line with what I wanted for my future. No bridges burned.</p>
<p>A few years ago, I left a toxic work environment - loved the work itself, just couldn’t stand the women-who-never-left-junior-high mean girls who were in charge in our office. I was so very classy when I left … I so wanted to stoop to their level, but I did not mention anything about why I left. Again, I had found another job before leaving, and I simply told them I wanted to move in a different direction. </p>
<p>In your case, OP, if you can’t tolerate it until you find another job, you may need to leave. However, it really can be easier to land another job while you still have your current job. If that is not possible, though, you have to do what is best for you. When you leave, with or without a job, I strongly encourage you to be careful what you give as a reason. I am sure you can find a way to say that you don’t see the firm as being the best fit for you without bringing emotion into it. Using words like “stress” can lead your boss to thinking you just couldn’t hack it. Maybe that’s the real case, but your boss doesn’t need to know that! You may need a reference in the future. It’s really best to keep your reasons for exiting as un-emotional as possible.</p>