Lately, the internet has been awash with articles about toxicity—particularly within families. Since 2018, the conversation has deepened, focusing on the traits and roles of each family member, the narcissistic perpetrators, and the so-called “black sheep” who often bear the brunt of dysfunction. But while families are the primary target of these discussions, the same toxic dynamics can seep into other areas of life—like the workplace. For many, a company is a second home, a surrogate family. But for those who grew up in toxic households, the idea of a workplace as a “family” can feel unsettling, even dangerous.

Here’s the truth: Teams are better than families.

Yes, it sounds cheesy at first, but let it sit for a moment, and you’ll find a sour aftertaste. A family that strives to function as a team—where roles are clear, boundaries are respected, and collaboration is prioritized—is far healthier than a workplace that tries to mimic a family. Why? Because families are bound by blood and history, often carrying emotional baggage that can’t be easily shed. Teams, on the other hand, are built on purpose, structure, and mutual goals. They’re designed to function, not to foster dependency or emotional manipulation.

But let’s not sugarcoat it. Saying “teams are better” without context feels hollow. It raises questions: Why do we crave belonging in the first place? Why do we blur the lines between work and family? And when does it become enough? When do we draw the line and say, “This is where I stop giving, where I stop sacrificing my individuality for the sake of belonging”?

The answer lies in understanding toxicity and narcissistic behavior. These patterns often start at home, but they don’t stay there. They leak into every aspect of life, including the workplace. When employees and managers internalize the idea of a company as a “family,” they risk recreating the same toxic dynamics they may have tried to escape. In a capitalist world, where productivity often trumps humanity, this can be especially damaging.

The phrase, “It’s just work, nothing personal,” doesn’t hold the same weight it once did. In an era where self-love and self-care are commodified, even love itself has become a game—a tool to sell more, buy more, and keep the wheels of capitalism turning. But here’s the thing: when one extreme emerges, something else must balance it. Glorifying your job to the point where you lose your individuality turns you into a tool—a cog in a machine ruled by what I call narcissistic capitalism. And if your immediate family is already ruled by ego, the workplace can become a second battleground.

Let me give you an example. Imagine a web developer burning the midnight oil, trying to perfect clickable email signatures. The reality? Most people spend mere minutes scanning emails, let alone noticing signatures. And here’s the kicker: some email clients deliberately disable clickable signatures. Why? Because ad giants like Google and their competitors have a vested interest in controlling how online marketing tools are used. The idea is sold to companies as a must-have, but the execution is often flawed. It’s a classic case of narcissistic capitalism—selling a dream while hiding the limitations.

In a toxic family, this dynamic might play out with a narcissistic parent and a scapegoated child—the “black sheep” who bears the brunt of unrealistic expectations. In the workplace, it’s the employee who’s expected to deliver miracles despite systemic flaws.

Another example? The blind eye turned to overlapping concepts in marketing. We all know that effective marketing is key to selling a product, project, or idea. But while companies invest in cutting-edge technology and build marketing teams, they often fail to create technologically aware marketers. There’s a difference between knowing and being aware. Knowing is about having information; awareness is about understanding the implications. And in a world where technology evolves faster than we can keep up, awareness is crucial.

Take the IT department, for instance. They’re often expected to handle the technical know-how while the marketing team focuses on strategy. But when marketing strategies are built without a deep understanding of technology’s limitations, the result is frustration, finger-pointing, and a toxic cycle of gaslighting. This breeds narcissistic behavior in some and leaves others feeling like victims.

This brings me to a personal take. As a writer in a capitalist world, I’m compelled to write what sells—often stories that resonate with the “Me Too!” phenomenon. People gravitate toward what they can relate to, and that’s human nature. But it also brings us back to the core question: Are we better off as a team or a family? And if the world is ruled by capitalism, is the problem the family or the company—or is it the tragedy of turning either into a toxic environment?

Are we doomed to serve a system that generates toxicity, even when we’re powered by innocent idealism? Even when our goal is as simple as wanting to be part of something bigger—in our lives and careers?

It takes courage to stand up in such a world, but it takes greatness to neutralize the repercussions. It’s easy to blame negativity for toxic environments, but the truth is more nuanced. Other factors—like lack of awareness, unrealistic expectations, and systemic flaws—play a role too.

So, where do we start? How do we break free from these cycles?

For the courageous, here’s a starting point: CLICK HERE. It’s a resource to help you navigate a world saturated with product marketing and technological tools designed to sell you an idea of belonging. But remember: Be careful what you turn into.

In a world that often feels ruled by narcissistic capitalism, the key is balance. Don’t lose yourself in the pursuit of belonging. Whether you’re part of a family or a team, strive for clarity, awareness, and mutual respect. Because at the end of the day, the healthiest environments are those where individuals can thrive—not as tools, but as people.

And that’s a goal worth fighting for.