Our boss called us all incompetent last week, he apologized but said It was our fault and to never make him that angry again.

23 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 18,2023 at 12:43PM UTC

   I am so sorry to hear this. Your situation makes my heart break. This is most definitely a hostile work environment. Should I assume this is your boss’s company? And maybe a Human Resources department does not exist? Regardless, you need to start applying for other jobs outside of the company now. I know it’s easier said than done. I know what I am talking about, because I work for a large corporation , in a small department, and I experience this treatment almost every day. I too have anxiety, PTSD, and have taken this issue to HR and they haven’t done ANYTHING. My coworkers do not get treated like I do because I am a woman, they are men.

   I am pretty much told in unspoken words that I am incompetent, even though on my prior program I was given all kinds of achievement awards..

   Therefore, With this being said, please start looking for a new job before your self-esteem gets so deflated that you have no self worth at all. This is the best gift that you could give yourself. Good luck to you!! ??

2. AnonymousOctober 18,2023 at 2:42PM UTC

   Unfortunately, his wife is HR here. And when i asked for a meeting she scheduled it a week out and called me Unapproachable insinuating i Was some how the issue.

3. AnonymousOctober 18,2023 at 1:51PM UTC

   He sounds like a narcissist, blaming others for his actions. If you can you should find something else fast. Also apply for jobs that don't require you to answer the phones.

4. AnonymousOctober 18,2023 at 2:25PM UTC

   NOT EVEN GOING TO READ PAST the HEADLINE. Yea, he's a real treat. Document what he exactly said, what was the issue(s) he's speaking to, who all heard it, and RUN, okay maybe just a quick heel toe heel toe to your HR or Employee Relations TODAY.

5. AnonymousOctober 18,2023 at 2:39PM UTC

   The Hr at this Company is his Wife. She called me unapproachable. Im unsure if anything wil come from it.

6. AnonymousOctober 19,2023 at 2:45PM UTC

   What a NIGHTMARE! Who else from the family is employed there??? I worked for someone who had half his family in his company-all unqualified to do their roles. Time to get your search started.

7. AnonymousOctober 19,2023 at 8:40PM UTC

   Oops didnt want my name. This is a family's business. The boss is my stepfather, hr is my Mother. With a history of my mother Always choosing The man over her children. Being her daughter doesnt really help. My sister also works here and is great though.

8. AnonymousOctober 20,2023 at 6:07PM UTC

   All the more reason you need to leave. Toxic is toxic.

9. Kelley LambOctober 18,2023 at 2:57PM UTC

   Running to HR is not helpful mist of yhe time. They will turn it into a very stressful situation and not do anything usually

10. KatOctober 18,2023 at 2:43PM UTC

    Start looking. Dealing with an abusive jerk of a boss isn't worth it. If you can handle it, keep the job you have while you're looking. It may take some time to find the right job for you. But the job you have isn't the only one you can do-and you'll probably be paid much better elsewhere. Look at your strengths, skills and what you like doing. Check out job postings to see what appeals to you, then look to see if your skills match up. If they don't, see if there are free/cheap courses (LinkedIn learning, Udemy, Youtube, etc.) to upgrade your skills. If you're not getting treated for your anxiety, please do so. It will help you cope with the stress of finding a new job. It may also improve your perspective on life to bring you some balance.

11. Kelley LambOctober 18,2023 at 2:55PM UTC

    I understand. It's like being stuck in hostile environment or be unemployed for an unknown amount of time

12. Barb HansenOctober 18,2023 at 8:21PM UTC

    You can look for your next job while you are employed at this company.

    I'm sorry that you have to deal with an incompetent boss, and I hope you're able to find the (mental) space and time you need to start your job search

13. AnonymousOctober 18,2023 at 10:28PM UTC

    If you quit without a job lined up it will be harder. If it's not "hostile" in the legal sense, you will also be hurt financially.

    At least you don't have to answer phones. This boss is a first-class jerk and not normal at all. Find a way to go to your happy place when he shows up. I was bullied in meetings by a coworker --- and my boss said nothing --- so I just stopped listening to him and hummed the Benny Hill theme song in my head while he was talking (bloviating is a more accurate word).

    Boundaries and intellectualizing can work wonders.

14. MandyOctober 19,2023 at 12:15AM UTC

    Many if not most organizations use messaging apps and email instead of phones, and you don’t have to have a special position created for you.

    You will absolutely find something better, and then you’ll realize that them making a big deal about you not wanting to answer a phone is ridiculous.

15. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 19,2023 at 5:03AM UTC

    No one should be treated this way at work. Or anywhere else.

    PLEASE fire up your resume and find yourself a better working environment. Don't quit unless there is no alternative.

16. AnonymousOctober 19,2023 at 12:22PM UTC

    Time to go. Never stay at any job where people treat you poorly. Check out udemy.com and start learning a high value skill.

17. AnonymousOctober 19,2023 at 1:10PM UTC

    Your mental health is more important than this job, so you should look for something where people treat you like humans rather than wild and untamed animals. As one with severe anxiety, I call it "the Texas high school football coach mentality of bossmanship." It rarely works in a corporate workplace. I know what it is like when you have this type of boss—I have been there several times. Some I quit and found another job. Some I couldn't leave because I couldn't afford to go without pay or insurance. In one case, I was in the hospital for four days due to the stress, and they wouldn't pay me for sick time. (Long story, commission job.) Fire up the resume, put your game face on, and get something better.

18. AnonymousOctober 19,2023 at 2:32PM UTC

    You need to get out of there ASAP. Your boss is treating you unprofessionally and it's only going to get worse the longer you stay.

19. AnonymousOctober 21,2023 at 3:33PM UTC

    Look for another job. Seriously. You're mental health is not worth this.

20. Montoya EvansOctober 21,2023 at 3:47PM UTC

    We often spend more time at work than we do at home. To devote that many hours in an anxiety inducing environment is participating in your own abuse. Your boss is verbally abusive and doesn't take accountability. In time you and staff will believe him and turn on each other, feel so beat down you won't feel like you can leave. Much like people in abusive marriage.

    You can always find a new job, please do ASAP.

21. Someone who caresOctober 21,2023 at 5:28PM UTC

    Sorry to hear this is happening to you. It can be super stressful to have no job. And no one deserves to be treated badly at work. You mention that they were willing to find you new work within the office to help manage your anxiety. This action seems to suggest some level of understanding of your needs with the goal of keeping you as an employee. Is your boss aware of how you personally are feeling about the things he says? With a growing business, it’s possible he’s under stress as well. You always have the option to provide your boss feedback if you’re comfortable. Unfortunately, I’ve been in the situation as well. I chose to provide feedback to my boss and, thankfully, he seemed okay with it. Somehow, our working relationship grew from there because I seemed to be trusted more and I eventually was promoted. My anxiety actually went down when I talked to my boss. I cried most of it but I needed to get it off my chest. If you’re not comfortable another option is to ‘tread water’ where you are, and start to write down a list of all the things you have to offer another company. Since you’ve been working in the office, I suspect you’ve developed a number of transferable skills. that would be of value to other employers. Sending you good vibes.

22. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEOctober 21,2023 at 11:09PM UTC

    It sounds like your manager cannot handle the stress and is transferring it to you and your coworkers. You mentioned that the company is growing -- it may be taking him out of his comfort zone.

    Do not own his baggage and try not to take it personally. (Easier said than done.)

    As a pscdyhology major, with over 30 years experience in the business world, what you are experiencing is not uncommon. Unprofessional, but not uncommon.

    The company is growing and he needs to take the necessary steps to train his staff.

23. AnonymousOctober 22,2023 at 10:40AM UTC

    Small businesses seem to breed this type of narcissistic autocratic type of boss. Mine has threatened to "burn the place down" to collect the insurance handout...said "all democrats need to be lined up and shot" & many times complains that he doesn't have the cash flow to pay us...(which we all know to be a total lie). I sympathize with you...in 8 years we've had a turn over of 30 people for a company that usually employs no more than at most 5-7 workers. I continually look for a way out. A former employee described our workplace like a family that hides its internal abuse...everyone smiles behind the tears