Jobholm Syndrome

A paradoxical psychological phenomenon in which an employee expresses empathy and has positive feelings towards their dead-end job or abusive employer, sometimes to the point of defending it or being reluctant to quit.

EMPLOYEE: “Six years ago, when nobody wanted to hire me, this place gave me a job. Now I’m having doubts about giving them my two weeks notice tomorrow.”
FRIEND: “Your company sucks and you’ve been wanting to leave them for three years.”
EMPLOYEE: “I know, but it’s really not THAT bad.”
FRIEND: “You’re suffering from Jobholm Syndrome. I promise your life will vastly improve when you don’t work for those people anymore.”

Jobholm Syndrome by Emarcisak02 January 26, 2012

Josholm Syndrom 

Closely related to the Stockholm Syndrom, the Josholm Syndrom is a coping mechanism to an abusive situation in which an individual develops admiration towards their abuser over time due to strong dependency on the abuser. The Josholm Syndrom can be observed in professional environments and within friend groups. It typically develops when a (perceived) superior or individual of higher social status starts verbally abusing the victim by cracking inappropriate jokes, downplaying their abilities and / or highlighting their inabilities in public and private settings. While most healthy humans tend to stand up for themselves or report the abuser, victims suffering from Josholm Syndrom will start to look up to the abuser in fear that retaliation could lead to a further decline of their career or social status and will ultimately start to adore the abuser. Victims will typically falsely believe or will be made to believe that they are part of the inner friend cycle of the abuser. The Josholm Syndrom is mostly observed in individuals with low self-esteem and little character.

A: Did you see how John made fun of Mike in the meeting today? I cannot believe Mike didn't say a word and even laughed about it.

B: Unbelievable... I think he is afraid to speak up because of the upcoming promotion cycle.
A: He must be suffering from Josholm Syndrom. I would never let someone do this to me.

Josholm Syndrom by GPIFuckedMyCareer April 22, 2022