By someone who learned the hard way...

Let’s talk about something a lot of us face but barely speak about — workplace betrayal. I’m talking about the kind that stings deep because it didn’t come from a stranger. It came from someone you had lunch with, confided in, maybe even helped get their foot in the door. And then boom — knife. Back. Twist.

If you’ve been there, you know the pain. If you haven’t, let me help you avoid it.

1. Don’t Confuse Work Friendships with Real Friendships

This was a big one for me. Just because someone is warm, laughs at your jokes, and seems to “get” you in the office doesn’t mean they’re loyal. Some people are transactional — they’re friendly as long as it benefits them. Clock off, and so does their loyalty. Harsh? Yes. True? Absolutely.

2. Protect Your Ambitions

Be careful who you tell your next move to. People smile in your face and plot behind your back if they think you’re a threat — especially in toxic work cultures where competition is survival. Keep your goals close to your chest until they’re solid.

3. Document Everything — Yes, Even the “Nice” Ones

If you’re leading, managing, or even just collaborating, keep records. Conversations, agreements, changes to tasks — all of it. You never know when someone might throw you under the bus to save themselves. Be ready with receipts.

4. Watch Their Patterns, Not Their Words

People reveal themselves through consistency. Do they gossip about others? Undermine people in meetings? Always shift blame? Then that’s who they are — no matter how nice they are to you. Don’t assume you’re the exception.

5. Don’t Overshare — Especially Your Struggles

You can be friendly and warm without turning your workplace into a therapy session. What you see as vulnerability, someone else might see as weakness — or worse, opportunity. Be smart with your truth.

6. Know When to Let Go

Once someone shows you they can’t be trusted, believe them the first time. No second chances. It’s business. Create distance, protect your peace, and carry on — respectfully, professionally, but with your guard up.

Final Thoughts

Betrayal at work is brutal, especially when it comes from people you supported or trusted. But here’s the thing — it says more about them than it ever will about you. What matters is how you bounce back: wiser, stronger, and with boundaries made of steel.

Let them play the game. You're building a legacy.