It's Never Too Late to Reclaim Your Power

Sometimes we leave jobs feeling defeated, carrying the weight of how we were treated. You might wonder if you missed your chance to speak up, if the moment has passed. The truth is, healing doesn't follow workplace timelines, and neither should justice.

This question was answered by Martine Beaumont, founder and CEO of Select Wellness and Select Counsellors, who brings over 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and executive coach. Andy Wright, founder of Never Not Creative, hosted this conversation as part of the organisation's commitment to supporting creatives through workplace challenges.

You Haven't Missed Your Window

"My answer would be no. It's not too late," Martine says firmly. She understands the pain of leaving a role without the strength to address mistreatment in the moment. "I just feel so for when people have had the resources that they need to exit a company in the way that they want to rather than feeling like they've been bullied or victimised."

The key is waiting until you feel more robust. Time and distance can actually work in your favour, giving you clarity and emotional strength you didn't have before.

Getting Your Power Back

Martine suggests working with a therapist to figure out what you need to reclaim your sense of agency. This might mean having a coffee with your former manager, requesting another exit interview, or simply letting them know how their actions affected you.

"There's nothing worse than being in a situation where you feel powerless and then going into your next role with that sort of mindset and then you're super sensitive to the same thing happening again," she explains.

The Fantasy Letter Approach

If returning to that workplace isn't possible because it's "way too toxic," Martine recommends alternative approaches. She mentions her collection of "fantasy letters" – written but not necessarily sent correspondence that helps process feelings and restore a sense of control.

"Some sort of process just to get you back into that position of you're a human being and you matter," she says.

Support is Available

Andy reminds viewers about Never Not Creative's support line, which covers initial legal advice for workplace issues. Understanding your rights and what behaviour is acceptable can be empowering, even if you choose not to pursue formal action.

"Often, even making some sort of report can help you get your power back, to just stand up for yourself and say, 'No, this is not okay,'" Martine adds.

You deserve to move forward feeling whole, not haunted by what you couldn't do then. Whether through therapy, legal advice, or simply writing that letter you never sent, there are ways to reclaim what was taken from you. Your wellbeing matters more than any workplace timeline.

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