[Elle_Unmotivated]

So I run the office,manage the staff,fill in when people call out sick or are on maternity leave (we've had back to back of that.),do personal errands for the business owner,etc.
I went to the owner and told him we need to get in compliance with some privacy regulations and I needed guidance on it. I chose an outside company recommended by his organization to help guide me. Before I could even finish telling him what it was about he flipped out on me. "If you can't do the job I'll find someone else who can."
I was stunned and hurt. I immediately lost all professional composure when I got back to my office and shut the door. Tears and sobbing were just uncontrollable. I've been with him for over 10 years and this is how he treats me.

Later he apologized and said he understood what I needed and we're moving forward with my plan.

I'm having severe anxiety about work now. He's always threatening people here saying we're all replaceable and we'll never find a better place to work. I don't understand! We made him a millionaire...all he has to do is show up,we take care of every thing else for him. He treats us like he's doing us a favor by giving us jobs and paychecks.

I made an appointment with my doctor to get some meds for anxiety and depressions bc I really can't live like this anymore and it's not like jobs that pay what I make are easy to come by so I have to stay.

Every night I dream of selling every thing i own and just running away. But the money always runs out and what happens when I'm too old to live like a wanderer? What happens when I need healthcare? I feel so trapped and unappreciated. I can feel the panic bubbling up inside me.

[hannabee]

Oh man that sucks! Made him a millionaire and he is not appreciative....Yikes!!! you can't be the only one who feels like this. I think I might put a letter together, IDK, send it anonymously maybe? Who knows, maybe you can evoke a change in this jerk.

[Elle_Unmotivated]

thanks for the reply...I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling this way.
It's a small business,he'll know it's from me. I'm just laying low and staying away from him as much as I can. I'm sure he'll slink into my office like a wounded puppy when he notices I'm not myself.
Doesn't matter anymore...I'm so tired of his roller coaster ride.

[hannabee]

Check this site out 5 Tips For Dealing With A Hot-Head Boss | CAREEREALISM
Try to find the humor in it, if you can!

[brainhi]

Good link hannabee.
This has been an issue several times during my career life. I hate it when people will say.... "do not take it personally". I do believe some people can take that better than I can. It is personal... I feel attacked while I am trying to come up with good solutions for the company. I could be peed off about it for a couple days. I get it Elle.

We expect better behavior from our superiors.. this can be disappointing because they do make mistakes. Sometimes they make enough mistakes where you lose your respect for them. For me, that can make it really hard to work with/for them...

We can not change their behavior.... we can change how we respond - that's it. We can also choose to fire our boss and leave if it gets bad enough. I have done this more than a few times.

I hope what ever happened to you... softens and you are able to stay and feel good about your career with this company.

I'm pretty passionate and know I have not always filtered what came out of my mouth. As I get older - I recognize it and will watch it. When I feel the anger - I will excuse myself and cannot discuss at this time... or I let that person know I am/was frustrated and apologize if it felt I was taking out on them.

I have a lot of empathy which is good because I know what it feels like to be hard on someone. Many people who do well in business - do not always have a strong sense of empathy - and that sometimes allows them to make more money. Sad but true.

[guilloche]

Just wanted to add that I'm so sorry your boss is a nutcase. I wish I had good advice, but work stuff, especially with crazy bosses like that, is so hard. Have you thought about looking for something else? It sounds like you take on a lot of responsibility and do a great job, but aren't appreciated, I wonder if maybe it's time to find a better workplace?

Good luck!

[Elle_Unmotivated]

Thank you for the replies I want to leave but I really only have this experience and not much in the way of schooling. Every employer now doesn't seem to care if you've got the experience and proven track record,they want that college degree tacked to your name.