“The paradox of trauma is that it has both the power to destroy and the power to transform and resurrect.” ~Peter Levine
“Work Is Not Family: A Lesson I Never Wanted But Need To Share” is a trauma-informed memoir by a corporate professional who survives years of abusive behavior from a male boss and a dismissive CEO.
The narrative links past sexual trauma with ongoing workplace abuse, showing how love-bombing, manipulation, and a constant fight-or-flight state erode safety.
It reframes work as a contract, not a family, and critiques HR and organizational cultures that prioritize risk management over employee well-being. Through trauma education, the author outlines practical healing steps—monitoring the nervous system, cultivating self-compassion, setting boundaries, and rebuilding trust.
The piece also examines systemic issues like institutional betrayal and the evolving nature of workplace loyalty. Ultimately, it offers a hopeful path: healing is possible, and healthier boundaries can transform work into a safer, more human experience.
GET A COPY OF THE COMPLETE MEMOIR (eBook)
Relevant Keywords
trauma at work, workplace abuse, healing from trauma, trauma-informed coaching, work is not family, abusive boss, sexual trauma at work, institutional betrayal, corporate HR and employee rights, nervous system regulation, neuroception, fight-or-flight, Long-tail keywords, trauma in the workplace after sexual assault, healing strategies for workplace trauma, boundaries at work for healing, HR policies and employee protection, why work is not family: exploring corporate loyalty, rebuilding safety after workplace abuse
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About Katie Hadiaris
Katie Hadiaris is the founder of Work Is Not Family, a movement that challenges workplace norms and helps professionals restore self-trust, rebuild confidence, and step into their power so they can protect their time, energy, and peace—no matter where they work. An ICF-certified somatic trauma-informed coach with a background in HR and corporate leadership, Katie combines personal insight with professional expertise to share practical tools for nervous system regulation and self-protection. Learn more at workisnotfamily.com or join her free Facebook group.
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