Polly's story

I'd spent 10 years building my career as a chartered accountant. I took on a new role and the first year there went smoothly. I liked my work and the team around me. Then I got a new line manager.

This manager seemed to be determined to criticise me and my work. Over the next 14 months I went from a confident, hard working, able person to a terrified wreck. It felt like any tiny flaw was exploited to humiliate me

I felt hopeless. One day driving to work I found myself hoping to have a car accident so I didn't have to face my situation at work. It was at that point I thought, this has to stop. You don't realise when you're in it that something terrible is happening to you, but if you just reach out to caba it can be the beginning of seeing things differently.

how caba helped me

My family convinced me to file a claim for bullying. caba were able to advise me on my legal position - even simple things like taking notes and talking me through the next steps. They also provided me with some counselling. After this I was given a new role, which I really threw myself into. Things weren't perfect, but they were pretty good. 5 months in I was called into a meeting and told that the team didn't like me, I wasn't a people person and I wasn't right for the role. I was devastated.

I phoned caba again. They arranged some telephone counselling. I felt very supported and could talk to my counsellor about anything. He helped me take a new perspective and see that not everything is my fault. He gave me real tools that made me feel more confident and resilience that I use to this day.

Things have really improved. My current job as a chartered accountant is going well, but I've also realised that I'd enjoy a more creative role so I'm also retraining.