Started new job months ago and find the amount of cliques and high school behavior jarring. I’m the one of the few Black people at the agency and I can tell some are not happy about more non-whites coming into the space. How can I make the most of the opportunity even though it can get isolating at times?

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Damn I wish you could share what agency without exposing who you are. I feel the same way at mine

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Honestly, best bet is to stay strong and focus on your goals. Co-workers are not your friends. And, if you are able to be friends with people you work with, genuine friends, you hit the lotto!

Re: racism and cliques, I too have these feelings from time to time, and while it can get frustrating and discouraging, I’ve found that these people never last longer than me. They quit, or they’re fired, or they’re put on other projects to where we no longer cross paths.

Over the years, I’ve learned to manage my expectations, treat people how I want to be treated, stand up for myself, but always be a class act, always be a professional—not because you’re Black, but because you’re better.

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Thank you for your insight! I never come to work to make friends, but noticed who is more welcoming in creating community than others. I think the opportunity is a good one, so definitely going to stay focused!

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This is tough & I have for sure been there. If available to you, seek out community through an employee resource group, and through that network identify a senior leader/sponsor that you can seek mentorship/ support. But at the end of day nothing is more valuable than your peace.

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Thank you for the suggestions. That is very true!

How do you know they are not happy about more non-whites coming into the space? You probably should go to HR if someone has expressed racist feelings towards you…

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100% Agree, in addition to toxic environment that's also an unsafe environment.

Just don’t stress yourself, focus on your work and let the HR know if you think the work environment is becoming hostile.

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Will do, thank you!

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