Let’s get one thing straight—when it comes to your career, you don’t want no scrubs. And by scrubs, we mean toxic workplaces, bad bosses, and companies that don’t respect your time, talent, or boundaries. Just like TLC said, a scrub is a guy (or in this case, a job) that “can’t get no love from me.” So, how do you make sure you’re stepping into a workplace that values you instead of draining your soul faster than a 2000s reality TV marathon? Let’s get into it.
Step One: Know Yourself
Before you start swiping right on job applications, you’ve got to know what you want. Respect looks different for everyone—some people want clear communication and leadership, while others need flexibility, inclusivity, or opportunities to grow.
Quick Exercise: Your No-Scrubs List
Grab a piece of paper (or your Notes app) and write down:
What does respect at work mean to you? (e.g., clear expectations, work-life balance, honest feedback, fair pay)
What are your career non-negotiables? (e.g., diversity and inclusion, ethical leadership, remote work options, no micromanaging)
What do you need from a boss to thrive? (e.g., mentorship, trust, recognition, open-door policy)
Knowing these things makes it way easier to filter out the red flags (aka scrubs) before you even get to the interview stage.
Step Two: Finding an Employer That’s TLC-Approved
A company might look good on paper, but are they really down for you? Do they actually practice inclusion and respect, or do they just throw buzzwords around?
Here’s how to investigate before you commit:
Check Their Reputation
Use Glassdoor, Indeed, or LinkedIn reviews to see what employees (past and present) say.
Google “[Company Name] employee reviews” and see what pops up.
If every other review is about burnout, discrimination, or leadership issues—scrub detected!
Dig Into Their Track Record
Look up “[Company Name] discrimination” or “[Company Name] lawsuits” to see if they’ve had any shady HR situations.
Check news articles, if they made headlines for all the wrong reasons, you might want to reconsider.
Follow the Culture Clues
Are their leadership and hiring teams diverse? (Check LinkedIn for some detective work)
Do they have Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or actual policies that support different identities?
How do they talk about mental health, work-life balance, or flexibility? (Or… do they at all?)
If a company doesn’t align with your values...scrub detected!
Step Three: Trust Your Gut in the Interview
Even if a company looks great online, the interview is your chance to see if they’re the real deal or just another scrub. Some key questions to ask:
“How does your company support employee well-being and work-life balance?” (If they laugh or dodge it…scrub)
“How does leadership handle conflict and feedback?” (You want growth, not gossip.)
“Can you tell me about your company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion?” (The answer should be way more than just “we have a statement on our website.”)
If the interview feels off or if the vibe is weird, if they seem dismissive, or if they talk in circles when you ask about respect and culture—believe that energy. You’re not here to settle for a workplace that doesn’t treat you right.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for a Scrub Job
You deserve a workplace that values your skills, respects your boundaries, and actually supports your career growth. If something feels off, trust your instincts. Remember, the right job is out there, one that won’t be hollering at you from the passenger side of a toxic work culture. Now, go forth and find that dream job that treats you like the superstar you are.
No scrubs allowed.
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