I’ve finally escaped a toxic work culture but how do I avoid repeating the same patterns?

APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who feels their confidence has been chipped away by a toxic culture at their current employer. Q) I’ve worked in the same sector for nearly 10 years, and I feel like my confidence has been chipped away by a toxic culture at my current employer.

There’s been a lot of finger-pointing when things haven’t gone well, and I don’t feel like I’ve ever fitted in. Over recent months, I’ve also been dealing with a family member being diagnosed with cancer, which has resulted in me having panic attacks in the office.

Thankfully, I’ve been able to secure a new role in a different company, but how do I avoid repeating the same pattern and build up my confidence so I feel more like myself?. Samantha, via email. A) It’s great you’ve taken the step to leave a toxic environment and start afresh in a new role.

Begin by processing what happened in your previous job – remember that blame and exclusion say more about that company’s work culture than about your abilities. Reflect on the strengths and accomplishments you’ve demonstrated during almost a decade in your field.

As you transition into your new role, focus on setting healthy boundaries. Defining how much time and energy you dedicate to work is a powerful way to regain control over your professional life. Communicate with your new manager about how you work best and what you need to be able to succeed.

Building positive relationships with colleagues will also help create a sense of belonging and support. Mindfulness practices, regular exercise and speaking with a therapist can help you manage stress and anxiety, especially with the challenges of your relative’s illness.

Finally, remember confidence grows with time and consistency. You’ve already taken the most important step by choosing change, so trust yourself to build on that. From cut-price designer to recycling school shoes, The Sun’s Chief Consumer Reporter James Flanders reveals how to stay savvy when purchasing your next pair.

RECYCLE OLD SHOES. You can recycle your children’s school shoes through Kickers’ ReSkinned programme and get up to £25 in free credit towards new ones. Schuh offers a £5 voucher for every pair you donate through its Sell Your Soles scheme – they don’t even need to be from Schuh – and you can redeem the voucher in store or online.

EMBRACE PRELOVED. Most people know you can pick up secondhand shoes from online marketplaces such as eBay, Vinted and Depop. However, there are also dedicated shoe resale apps, like StockX and Thrift+, which allow shoppers to bid on high-street and designer brands.

For example, on Thrift+ we found a pair of Dior shoes for £124.99, which would have cost more than £500 new. Both sites verify the authenticity of the shoes, so you know what you’re buying is legit. SHOP EX-DISPLAY. Save on a pair of new kicks by shopping through Offcuts By Office and Schuh Ex-Display, where you can pick up pairs that may have minor imperfections from being tried on in store, with savings of up to 50% or more.

For example, we found a pair of Adidas’ iconic Stan Smith trainers for just £46 at Offcuts By Office, 47% less than the regular £84.99 price. CHECK ONLINE OUTLETS. If your heart’s set on box-fresh footwear, outlet sales could save you a fortune. For example, Secret Sales sells surplus, end-of-line outlet stock from well-known brands at hugely discounted prices.

You could bag Converse All Star trainers for £45, which is 25% less than the usual price tag of £60. Sites such as USC and MandM Direct also offer big discounts on branded footwear. CARE FOR YOUR SHOES. Look after your trainers, so you won’t have to replace them as often.

Dry your footwear after use, always wear socks and buy a deodorising spray like Odor-Eaters Foot & Shoe Spray, £4.49, from Superdrug. Alternatively, absorb odours by putting dry teabags, lemon peel or baking soda in your shoes and leaving it overnight.