For me, the times I have felt miserable at work have been the times when the work environment changed from collaborative to backstabby/competitive - often due t

For me, the times I have felt miserable at work have been the times when the work environment changed from collaborative to backstabby/competitive - often due to punitive management structures. What I learned from reflecting on 2 such instances is that what makes for a great workplace is not ping-pong tables or lots of cash. It is that I need to feel like I am entering a trustworthy environment day after day. This is also perhaps why vets enjoy talking about their time in service because the environment is not sustained punitive - even if it is a tough job. You can trust everyone (and especially your boss) to have your back. A sustained entry into an untrustworthy environment (read: talking to your own manager might be dangerous) really takes a toll on me. Ever since this realization, I have started to look for honest and trustworthy environments for my jobs. And it has worked great for my mental health.