Bus Drivers: Are You Being Manipulated?

Gaslighting at work- are you being manipulated?

Gaslighting. It’s a word we hear a lot these days, but do we really understand what it means? More importantly, do we recognize when it’s happening to us?

For years, I didn’t. I thought I was just misunderstanding things, being “too sensitive,” or somehow failing to “fix” situations that left me confused and drained. But the truth is, gaslighting is a manipulation tactic, and it can happen anywhere—including the workplace.

What is Gaslighting at Work?
Gaslighting at work happens when someone makes you doubt your own reality, memory, or judgment—on purpose. It can come from a coworker, boss, or even a whole workplace culture.

🔹 Your boss takes credit for your work but insists they never said that
🔹 A coworker makes a mistake but blames you instead
🔹 Someone spreads rumors about you and then denies ever saying anything
🔹 When you speak up, you’re told “You’re overreacting” or “You’re imagining things”

These situations aren’t just frustrating—they can erode your confidence, make you question your own reality, and leave you mentally exhausted.

Why is Gaslighting So Harmful?
Because it’s slow and subtle. It’s not just one incident—it’s a pattern that makes you doubt yourself over time. If you’re an empath or a fixer, you might keep trying to “resolve” the issue… without realizing it’s not fixable because the person gaslighting you is doing it intentionally to maintain control.

Have You Experienced This?
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So many of us have felt this without having the words to describe it. That’s why I’m doing this 3-part series—to help you recognize it, understand the damage it causes, and learn how to break free.

📌 This is Day 1 of a 3-part series on gaslighting at work. Stay tuned for Day 2, where we’ll talk about the mental health effects and how to spot the signs.