I got my dream job 4 months ago and I was thrilled!

16 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 30,2025 at 1:19AM UTC

   First off you put a target on your back. So she will continue her behavior and abuse. No one on the board sees her "ruining" the business. So I would ask myself if this is where you want to work?. If yes, then spend the next few years with your head down and work to salvage your reputation and contribution and pray they don't let you go.

2. AnonymousAugust 30,2025 at 12:29PM UTC

   If it were me, I'd be job hunting. Like you, I don't tolerate bullying, which it seems this manager is doing. And if the director and the board won't address it, I'd take my talents elsewhere.

3. AnonymousAugust 30,2025 at 5:19PM UTC

   Well, you can file a complaint with the EEOC for hostile workplace. They will have to defend themselves outside of their doors with the NLRB (national labor relations board) or your local chapter. Not the best path but it is one. Alternatively, stay the course do your job and do it well and in the background shop your skills to the competition or others that will value you more. She is clearly staking her claim and flexing her muscles with the leadership. You could try an olive branch and sit down with her, make light of things and offer to find a path to work together even if you don't always agree. And to also disagree behind closed doors. That would be my advice to you since that will preserve your situation and keep you in the good graces of all. Often being the squeaky wheel is harder than just keeping mum and working around people like her. Rise above if you can.

4. LauraAugust 31,2025 at 1:49AM UTC

   Also, make sure to document everything. If they're asking you to defend yourself having documentation to back you up will be a big plus.

   That being said, why is that they seem to be taking her side over yours? Does she have some connection or pull? Taking the word/side of a probationary employee over a longtime employee in good standing is odd.

5. AnonymousAugust 31,2025 at 12:15PM UTC

   It happened to me and I ended up getting terminated.

6. GirlBossanova934974August 31,2025 at 1:11PM UTC

   Sounds like your organization hired some personal friend of someone as a manager. I wouldn't be surprised if this new manager is a personal friend with someone on the Board. The fact the Director is shrugging his shoulders, tells me that his hands are tied.

   I would document everything and be on the lookout for other jobs. Unfortunately, there is a lot of nepotism going on today in many organizations. People sneak their friends through the backdoor and these things happen.

7. AnonymousAugust 31,2025 at 3:26PM UTC

   You are screwed. The new hire is obviously well connected. I would update your resume and try to move on before they put you on a PIP and terminate you.

   The lesson in this - always understand how people are connected to the top in your organization before you say anything.

8. Debbie CachatSeptember 1,2025 at 12:25PM UTC

   Hopefully you have documented all of this and have receipts - gather all the copies of email ect! Go to an employment attorney ASAP for advice. Do not quit let them get rid of you but at this point I would start my job search and realize they are going to get rid of you one way or another l. As long as you are prepared you will come out ahead.

9. BarbaraSeptember 1,2025 at 12:31PM UTC

   Find a new job. If the board isn’t going for it then you’re done. Bullying managers seem to be very popular these days. I do not know who advised you to go to the board but they are no friend to you that’s for sure.

10. Alexis GladstoneSeptember 1,2025 at 12:43PM UTC

    It sounds like this manager got the job through connections, and most likely someone on the Board. If that is the case, nothing will be done with them. I suspect that the only possibility of any movement on the Board's part is if they lose a lot of staff. Even then, you never know.

    Unfortunately that puts you in the position that you're in, and I hate to say it, but it's a no-win situation. I would be prepared, and plan for the worst. As others have said, document everything and be on the lookout for new opportunities.

11. TomBooleySeptember 1,2025 at 1:35PM UTC

    This kind of toxicity seems to be very common (it happened to me too - I was able to retire a little early). Stand your ground and go outside of the organization - EEOC, labor attorney, etc. They deserve to be exposed for what they are. Bullying will eventually be illegal. Too many get away with it and it’s SO WRONG. The sociopaths in the workplace deserve a reckoning!

12. AnonymousSeptember 1,2025 at 7:02PM UTC

    Did you report this to HR first? Start a paper trail of complaints, document every incident, reaction? Going to the Director first then the board was a mistake that will never resolve the issue. Keep a journal, track dates, times, actions. Keep track of work, all issues, reports, and resolutions. As another stated go to government agencies and an attorney.

13. AnonymousSeptember 2,2025 at 12:35PM UTC

    It’s so uncomfortable at work when you have a manager who is a jerk. She is a valued asset to the company in some way so they will keep her on. In this economy people are so replaceable. I would quietly look for another job and don’t say anything else.

14. Tami CannizzaroSeptember 2,2025 at 4:15PM UTC

    I've worked with people like this. In my experience, it's not that they "are ruining the business" - in most cases they are delivering results. They are poor managers. Their style is the complete opposite of yours. Sometimes, upper management likes this style - takes the heat off of them by letting a lower level be the "bad" guy. What I did, when a co-worker (same level) tried to take her wrath out on my team, is I met her head-on. I stood up to her. She discovered I was as strong as she was and would not tolerate her outbursts or her style. I stood in between her and my team. They knew I had their backs; she knew I would confront her - in a business manner - to get her the information she needed yet in a professional way. No one was going to cry over it. Or scream. I controlled the time frame for my team, not her. Sometimes it takes showing others we are also strong and in control, just as they are trying to show.

15. Michele SinclairSeptember 2,2025 at 6:15PM UTC

    Leave, bc it's not the dream job you thought it was.

16. Dawn CrossSeptember 4,2025 at 3:47AM UTC

    If there is an HR, go to them and mention those famous words - “she is creating a hostile work environment”.

    Additionally, make sure you document everything - dates, times, people who hear the abuse, etc.

    Also start documenting back what she tells you to do - “per our conversation, I will take care of X by “date”.

    This will give you a paper trail.