How honest should I be in an exit interview?
An exit interview is too little, too late. My guess is that if you had felt able to speak up about the toxic work environment you would have done so well before now and not needed to wait until you are walking out the door. In theory, an exit interview is a great idea and should, of course, be a fabulous way to help the company you are leaving improve. But that rarely happens in practice, so my advice is never burn bridges. There is very little to be gained.  This week, honesty in an exit interview, dealing with workplace abuse, and keeping up the pace in a reduced workforce. Sadly, there are no guarantees any action will come from anything you share in an exit interview and while it might feel good to get it off your chest, it is probably going to be unhelpful for you on a personal level. Exit interviews are not always treated confidentially (they should be) and the information may end up affecting your reputation and make it harder to get a reference from the company you are leaving. I would pass on anything you feel comfortable to pass on but otherwise focus on the future and your new opportunity. I have just read Julia Banks story about her time in politics and how she felt bullied by her boss during phone calls. This happens to me all the time, especially since we are now working from home. My boss rings abusing me and swearing at me about things he is not happy with. Because no one else hears our calls, I feel no one would believe me if I reported him. Speaking up about it seems impossible since I am sure he would just deny it. I know first-hand how hard it is, but if you can find the courage to do so, do try and speak up. I truly believe times have changed since #MeToo and since Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins landmark Respect@Work report was published. Never forget that you do not have to put up with what you are dealing with. It is never OK for someone to speak to you like this. If you dont feel you can formally report him, then perhaps find someone you really trust at work to talk with so you can come up with a strategy together. It is also possible that you are not the only one he is treating this way and joining with others experiencing the same will make you a powerful force. Think about confronting your boss directly and next time he is abusing you, ask him to put it in an email. He is undoubtedly a coward and wont dare put in writing what he might say to you in person. Take care of yourself and know that I believe you and others will too.