[Treyfrancis21]

So I have a really good job, a total kickass boss who treats me extremely well. I know he doesn't have issues with me of any kind, yet I am constantly having the thought in the back of my mind that he is pissed at me, and that my job is at stake. It comes and goes, but this week it has been particularly bad. Like I said, things have been going exceptionally well at work, I'm even getting my insurance and phone covered soon. I just can't shake this stupid, incessant thought that something is wrong. Anyone else ever have something like this?

Pretty sure my boss was out to get me sometimes depending on what the lynch mob was relating to her....but yes, I do think I was paranoid even when she wasn't. It's a horrible feeling and my heart goes out to you.

I'm constantly paranoid about my job, but I think it's justified to be a little (but not overly) paranoid. What I mean is: if you take your job for granted, I think it makes you a bit lazy and you're more likely to actually get the axe. But if you're a little paranoid, you're always trying to do your best to avoid that axe; you're on your toes.

I'm not saying you SHOULD be paranoid, but I'm saying that a little paranoia isn't bad. It's better than being too lax and too trusting.

I'm paranoid about my job because I thought my boss was very kind and caring, always helping me wherever I could. I trusted him a lot. But nope... he's just mean spirited. He comes across as a sweet man, but he's actually the evil backstabby kind. My co-workers and I agree. So hey, you never know... You can't always trust people.

I believe people work best when they feel safe, secure and are treated well and fairly.

Paranoia effects job performance. Sure, some people work well under pressure but with true paranoia there is burn out around the corner. It's just not good.

What I mean by "a little paranoia (but not overly so)" is that paranoia can be "mild", and by definition doesn't always have to involve delusions or extreme irrational anxiety. I think a mild paranoia is "justified" in the sense that you can't always trust people or trust that you won't be let go from your job. A lot of people are mildly paranoid of losing their job IMO, especially given this poor economy. Plus, people (bosses, co-workers) are unpredictable. When it comes down to it, we live in a dog-eat-dog world.

Now personally, I think it's pretty rare to work in a safe, secure environment these days. I also don't think anyone is ever treated well and fairly. Life isn't fair, jobs aren't fair, nothing is fair. There will always be people who get more than they deserve and people who get less than they deserve. So in theory, yes, you would perform best in a safe, secure environment where you're treated fairly, but unfortunately, that sort of environment is almost unheard of IMO. I am motivated to do my best because I feel that nothing is secure and I don't want to lose my job. And I know that no matter where I go (job wise), employees aren't going to be treated fairly.

But yes, I agree that moderate to severe paranoia to the point you're delusional would definitely affect job performance.

Life isn't fair, feeling safe is unrealistic and paranoia is helpful if it's mild. Not very good news but I have heard this information before so I was prepared for it. The mild paranoia bring good is new for me. Still hurts....it's still unfair and employers get away with harassment by convincing us it's just the way it is. Bullies slap you on the back and tell you to man up. It's not really shocking but it is. Feels a little backwards....like opposites day but I'm used to the rhetoric I guess. So I guess there is no solution other than to hold onto my own values.

Originally Posted by ElsaMars

Life isn't fair, feeling safe is unrealistic and paranoia is helpful if it's mild. Not very good news but I have heard this information before so I was prepared for it. The mild paranoia bring good is new for me. Still hurts....it's still unfair and employers get away with harassment by convincing us it's just the way it is. Bullies slap you on the back and tell you to man up. It's not really shocking but it is. Feels a little backwards....like opposites day but I'm used to the rhetoric I guess. So I guess there is no solution other than to hold onto my own values.

Yes.

I know what you mean about employers getting away with harassment. It sucks.

People can be so cruel these days!

[Treyfrancis21]

I have definitely had bosses who were two faces and back stabbing. I almost got arrested working in Paraguay because one toolbag boss sent me there in a tourist visa to save his own ***. The thing about this boss is that I work hard and he compensates and treats me well for it. As strange as it seems, I know pretty solidly that I have no reason to fear for my job this time, yet the paranoia persists. Thanks for your replies.