I’m stressed and I need some help figuring out what I’m going to do.

I’m stressed and I need some help figuring out what I’m going to do. This is a long story, so please bear with me.

I have been with my current employer for just over 1 year. This year has been one of the best for me professionally, but one of the most stressful when it comes to my physical health. Since I started this position I have not felt well. Anytime someone comes into the office sick I catch whatever they have. I tested positive for COVID 2x in 1 month, and I just found out that I have Fibromyalgia. When I reached out to my manager to let him know what was going on he started yelling at me about how many times I have been sick this year. Keep in mind I did work from home during my every bout with COVID.

I am an insurance agent, so I’m always working even when I’m not. I got frustrated with him and told him if he’s going to talk to me like that I will have to submit my resignation. This man says some awful things to and about other people in the office and I just don’t trust him. I spoke with the owner of the company and he wants me to keep working for him, I’m pretty good at my job but they definitely don’t pay me what I’m worth. The owner also stated they have bent over backwards for me because they advanced me $3,000, which irritated me even more. I came into this position fully licensed in multiple states. I have working knowledge of the front and back end of the insurance claims process, and have over 10 years of experience and my salary is only $40k annually. I thought with commissions I’ve be making at least $60k this year, nope! I made about $3,000 in commissions.

With all of this going on I received a random message on LinkedIn from a recruiter who saw my resume and had an interview for a position making 2x my salary and full benefits for my daughter and myself working from home 4 days per week. My current employer has helped me build my confidence and abilities as an agent, but I feel as though I can not continue to work for the manager as our personalities clash. I’ve never had a manager yell at me about my health and call it constructive criticism, I honestly feel like it’s harassment and abuse. So I’m looking for some insight. I’m thinking of working for my current employer but as an independent agent and work for myself, and hope that I get the position I interviewed for as I could do both.

Thank you for any advice.

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74 Comments

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  1. Kat

    Your current situation doesn't sound good. You're underpaid and your manager is a jerk. Time for a change. If you can work for them as an independent agent (or set up your own agency) do so. I don't know how that will impact your dealings with this manager (he might resent your status change and be more of a jerk), but it might increase your commissions, which is good. If the other job gets offered to you, take it! If you can do both, even better! It sounds likes a much better fit (better pay and benefits, remote work) for your situation.

  2. Anonymous

    I would suggest to pursue other options. Continue with your current work until something better comes along. Do not give notice until you have an offer in writing (no verbal only).

  3. Anonymous

    I’d like to offer an alternate perspective for diversity of thinking.

    You mention that you’ve missed a lot of time. You haven't mentioned that your numbers in this current role are strong. You’ve been in this sales role for about a year right?

    Is it possible that you haven’t met the performance goals that they hoped? Is it possible that you are regarded as a difficult employee who clashed with their manager?

    In order to find a way forward it’s helpful to ponder what the other group may be thinking.

    My suggestion is to get clear on the numbers that are expected to you and crush it. Keep the conversation focused on RESULTS, not dynamics. The best way to refute the perception if “difficult employee” is by having stellar results. Managers are willing to overlook a lot of “bad behavior” from employees that deliver reliably.

  4. Anonymous

    This is a great outside perspective. Take a look at how your performance can be better and what you can bring to the table. If the environment is truly that toxic, get out.

  5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    I don't see where the OP said she missed a lot of time - just her boss started yelling at her about how many times she's been sick this year.

    But she said she worked from home during every bout with COVID.

    If she's been working from home and being productive, that's not time missed.

  6. Anonymous

    She’s missed enough time for folks to take notice and comment. The perception of “a lot” or “too much” is irrelevant. Their perception is a reality.

  7. Anonymous

    Given you absences due to your health, it might be wise to find a work schedule that would allow you more rest. It doesn't sound like your health is going to drastically improve given your newly diagnosed fibromyalgia which requires vigilant self-care.

    Further, your performance yielded such a low percentage commission it barely registers.

    Finally, you leadership doesn't not value you or your contribution to the company do it hardly makes sense to keep working so hard for them. It's not going to be as stellar performance.

    Look for something a bit more accommodating in the way of hours and stress. You need to prioritize your health first.

  8. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer

    I agree with what others have said: Kill it in your current role until your last day - and actively pursue another position. Put your health first - I know from personal experience that, without your health - nothing else much matters.

  9. Anonymous

    Call the other recruiter NOW! Run, don't walk to your phone. Good luck.

  10. Huong Nguyen-Valle

    Move on!!!

  11. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    I don't really have advice but I have a question.

    Why would you stay working at a company and for a boss that treats you so poorly?

    If you're considering taking the other job with the expectation that you would be able to continue for your current company as an independent agent, I would check and make sure that would be allowed. Some companies have rules against you having a side gig doing the same thing as your actual job.

  12. Kimberly G. Smothers

    I would pursue other opportunities but maintain your current job while doing so. The LinkedIn recruiter with the potential work from home arrangement sounds like it would be good for you. Consider having your resume professionally rewritten and put your best foot forward. When asked why you are leaving your current role be honest and say it's not been a good fit and you worry about the company's long term longevity with so few client leads. That is a very low commission and salary for someone with your experience. Good luck!

  13. Ama Edzie

    The salary is too low to deal with this stress.

    I wish you luck with the interview with recruiter. If it doesn't go your way, continue to look for another role asap. Obviously your skills are desirable.

    I agree with comment to learn what are your performance expectations just to give you clarity on where you stand. Above or below still get the heck outta there.

    I'm sorry about your recent diagnosis, I would look into your company fmla policies. I used to have a direct report with a chronic illness and he needed constant time off. To protect him I told to arrange fmla so he can take the time he needs and get reduced work when he needed.

  14. sjones9392

    you would be nuts to not take the better job with higher salary. This isn't going to end well at current position. Commenting that they've bent over backwards for you is already a sign that they believe you've "abused" them or taken advantage. Run. Resign now.

  15. Janet Polach

    Yelling at someone about your health IS abuse. Who in your circle can you talk to? Maybe HR, but friends? Chart a course to find something else, it seems.

  16. Anonymous

    If you have the chance to take a better job with a higher salary, for goodness sake, take it!

  17. Anonymous

    Run don't walk to an employer where yelling and abuse are non-existent. Speak to the owner of your current company and let them know that if this manager leaves and you can make the money you expected to with commissions, you would consider coming back. Don't burn the bridge. Take the other job and don't look back.

  18. Anonymous

    Hi there. I’m curious if your leaders brought up your time off to broach the subject of FMLA, and other options but did so awkwardly.

    Solving for the situation at hand, your recent diagnosis, have you considered taking FMLA?

  19. Anonymous

    OP, Can you share a bit more about the “yelling as constructive criticism” piece? Perhaps we can offer insight on how to manage that particular aspect so (if it ever happens again) you’re prepared for it. Because look— where there are humans there are good and bad behaviors.

  20. Liz Milne

    They're underpaying you and your boss seems to think you get ill deliberately? Run to the other job as fast as you can, in my opinion...

  21. NOA Opera

    Run to the other job. No position is worth verbal abuse.

  22. Meghan Stout

    Time to move on and work for someone who appreciates your worth. Pretty certain it's against FMLA policy to reprimand someone about their health.

  23. Jewel Rogers

    Dealing somewhat with the same. Also an insurance agent. Sales can be a very good business if we were treated like we mattered. They say they care but they dont. They dont like you getting sick period. And they will yell at you. So sorry your going through this but please know, your not alone. Your current employer, if its captive (have a good idea we work for the same company) they could block you from selling even independent. Check the HR policy. You need your insurance now more than ever. Make sure it doesnt end the last day you work. Praying for you.

  24. Anonymous

    Leave, that seems like a toxic environment.

  25. Anonymous

    I’m an insurance agent/account manager as well and I have worked for some really horrible employers in the past!! My recommendation is to find a completely remote position- I work 100% remote for an agency in a different state. I’m never in an office and I can take breaks when I need to. Definitely get in touch with the recruiter and start looking. Don’t let anyone talk down to you or yell at you- I went through something like that and left after four months.

  26. Deb Allen

    If you become independent, work directly with owner and make it clear that you either need to have a new supervisor or none at all. Remote work is accepted at more companies than some are willing to admit!

  27. Diane J Huff

    Maybe it’s just me but this seems like a no-brainer, especially after what we’ve experienced as a workforce during the pandemic and post pandemic. At the end of the day, no matter HOW dedicated and loyal we are to any company, we are only employees and a means to end. There are very few companies that reciprocate that loyalty to their employees. It’s about the bottom line for 97% of companies out there. If you work for any company in the 3% that values their employees, compensates them fairly and at market and shows them the loyalty, care and concern they deserve - NEVER LEAVE. If not, and another stable secure company offers you a job with better salary, title, benefits or work conditions - RUN! Don’t walk! Your responsibility is always to you and your family and no one else. Never ever think that your loyalty lies anywhere else and that you are responsible for the company or their forward progress other than being a responsible hard working employee. It doesn’t. Take any offer than moves YOUR life forward.

  28. Brenda Crawshaw

    Girl - someone is spotting your worth just from your resume! Get in there and blow them away with how awesome you are. And since stress makes fibro worse, it could very well be that once you get away from them you will feel much better.

    GO for it and keep us posted! We are rooting for you!

  29. Anonymous

    When an employer or manager chastises or fires an employee for health reasons, that is a red flag. Take heed and leave.
    You are human, not a robot. Even machines break down, need maintenance. I worked at a place six years and saw broken down equipment get more consideration than the employees. Eyes wide open.

  30. GirlBossanova934974

    There is a very old saying in business. When the customer or client is putting his/her money in your hand, YOU TAKE IT! So you are very unhappy with your current job for all sorts of reasons AND out of the blue, someone else shows up willing to pay you what you feel you are worth! OK! So why are still around with your current employer?

  31. J W

    Get out now. Being in a toxic environment will drain you. It’s not worth it and people like him usually go through employees regularly. Employers are much more understanding about the length of time at jobs. The younger generation wont tolerate what mine did, meaning sticking around when better opportunities are out there. I’ve also been where you’re at a couple times too. I was hemming and hawing once to a person who used to worked for the same company I did and he told me that if you’re not looking for something else you’ll never know the opportunities you’ve missed out for a better job and higher pay. So I left and I landed at what I thought was a decent job. It wound up being just as toxic. I tried to stick it out and finally landed a solid job with good people. Both times I left I got a raise. This time I got a $15K increase in salary. I’ve learned a lot in the process too and I know my own worth. To the extent where if this doesn’t work out, I’ve spent the past two years developing a side hustle and I know I could work on my own and be successful if I needed to.

  32. Kerry Hogan

    If any employer is yelling at you about your time out for being sick, it's time to leave. This will only get worse if gone unchecked. You have another great opportunity to work from home and have real opportunity. You should give this other offer serious consideration. I think you'll find less stress from a more positive work environment will make you more able to deal with any health issues. Good Luck !

  33. Lynda Birmantas Beam

    No manager should yell at you, ever, period. Go!

  34. Changemaker357453

    Abusive bosses never change, and they are rarely held accountable. Get out ASAP. You won't regret it.

  35. Anonymous

    I think you've answered your own question/ dilemma here. Manager is no good for you, you're unhappy, other better opportunities out in the market that will benefit you and your family - make a job move to a place that you think will bring you back happiness and job satisfaction.

  36. linn hummel

    As the horror movie says, "GEEEEET OUTTTTTT!"

    If your working environment is "challenged" AND you're not making the money you expected then you definitely need to start looking for the sake of your physical and mental health. Just do deep research into any new company to ensure you are not trading one difficult situation for another.

  37. Erin Sickler

    Sounds like you are underearning and also like fate is knocking on the door to let you know that and being given an opportunity to leave a stressful, toxic situation, but I think it's important to take it as a lesson and see what you can do to guard against that happening in future jobs. I know that when I undersell myself and have taken a job without asking questions and accepted pay below my market or my needs, I have always regretted it. And if a recruiter is reaching out to you, it's a pretty good sign that if you were to do a job search, you would have a lot of options. As you said, you have gotten on your feet in this job and now have a sense of your value so you no longer are willing to be treated poorly. I would take a step back and think about what you really want in terms of a bottom line for pay and benefits, remote/in-person/your working style. I'd talk to other agents via this site or LinkedIn or in your town or personal network and do info interviews, so you have a team behind you and also do the research to find out what the going rate is for your market at your skill level. Make sure the new position meets those needs. In the meantime, ask for some accommodations from the owner. I have Fibromyalgia too and I deeply regret trying to hide it from employers versus disclosing I have a disability and then coming up with a plan of reasonable accommodations that shows I will not only get the job done, but that I am aware of my needs and have a working solution for dealing with them and still providing excellent service to the company. I think any employer who doesn't appreciate that is likely to be toxic, so it's a good litmus test. For instance, for me, remote is so much better with Fibro cuz I can limit noise/distraction and use a heating pad if I need to. Good luck!

  38. Shelly Edwards

    You don’t need advice on what to do. You know what you need to do. You have an incredible opportunity knocking on your door that better meets the needs of your life. At the same time, the current job is showing it’s true colors and lack of employee support. The answer is clear but sometimes we need reassurance so here it is. Take the interview and pursue the new job. I wish you much luck in getting the new job and leaving behind the bad environment you are currently in.

  39. Angie Denton

    Take the new job. The abuse at your current job is only going to get worse.

  40. Christi Miller

    Go for the new job and tell the other agency see you later.

  41. Anonymous

    Listen to your body. It's telling you that it is time for a change. You'll be surprised at how much physically better you feel, once you have moved towards change in this turbulent part of your life. Wishing you positivity and good health.

  42. Diane Cohen

    Get out!

  43. Anonymous

    Trust your gut

  44. Anonymous

    I think its a no brainer. Go for the interview.

  45. Jessica Ferland

    It seems like you know what you need to do. You've GOT THIS!!!

  46. EMILY KIKUE FRANK

    Even if it's not this one, find a new job! You have done what you can in this role and can feel good about moving to a new one where you get paid better and respected for your work. You deserve better!

  47. Anonymous

    Go with your gut and do what is best for you and your daughter. I feel like being able to work from home is ALWAYS a good thing especially when you have children. I would go for it because you're already unhappy. There's no point in continuing at a place where you're just not happy. If you do, you may regret it later and STILL be unhappy. Sounds like it's time to move on.

  48. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | Recruiter

    um - if you can afford to - quit now. if not wait until you are hired at the other job and then quit. we work to live not live to work I always say,

  49. Lisa McCartney

    Fibro is no joke. I don't have it but many of my friends do. One of the "joys" of fibro is that it makes you more susceptible for any little thing that comes along.

    Can you see if you could work from home to begin with and then interview in off times?

    I would research the other company to see if it seems legit and then make the move .I don't think I would stress it by working the two jobs. Fibro also makes you tired quickly and often your body will nope out. Take the extra time to rest.

  50. Focused721350

    Good Morning, ;)

    I've said this not once and not twice! Like my Doctor said! NO JOB IS WORTH YOUR HEALTH!!!! If that was me! And my boss disrespected me by yelling! i would of walked out and hired a LAWYER!!!!! You NEVER!!!! Let anyone treat you that way.

    Good Luck and God Bless, Ms.T ;)

  51. Rachel

    Get out and go where the pastures are greener and more appreciative!

  52. Christine

    No matter where you go in your work life you deserve respect and to be treated with dignity. The fact that a much better opportunity has opened for you is the universe telling you that you are worth so much more. Now you need to tell yourself that. If it were me, I would not be considering remaining with your current employer ---regardless of the role you would have, There are much better opportunities out there. Best of luck.

  53. misskelleyp

    DEFINITELY take the other interview. And if that doesn't pan out, then keep interviewing. You are being grossly underpaid (although, I guess I don't know WHERE you are and that does affect salary) and dealing with someone yelling at you just isn't worth it.

  54. Anonymous

    Get out of there and work with a better company and people that deserve you!

    I went through something similar a few years ago, with autoimmune health issues flaring (in hindsight mostly because of stress) and the a**hole I worked for at the time told me not to talk about my health because it made people “uncomfortable”. What?! Sorry it makes you uncomfortable but it’s my reality right now and most importantly it hasn’t stopped me from doing my work (I work in sales and continued to crush tough quotas). Same as you, I worked with Covid, sick as a dog, for fear of his continued retaliation. That all just made my health worse. When I finally got out of there my physical and mental health improved and I bet and hope the same will happen for you!

    Take that interview, apply to other companies and best of luck!

  55. Jackie Ruka

    The Universe is already sending you solutions. You are more than qualified, can double your salary and FEEEEL good inside and out. I truly believe releasing what is toxic and negative in your life will open up the space for you to shine in your health, career and life. Stop hanging on to what is not working and keep moving toward what your heart is telling you to do!

    I thought I had fibromyalgia when I was in a soul sucking career and job. As soon as I left, there was NO autoimmune, the test all came out negative. And my life became more positive. You can do this!! ake the steps to move on!

  56. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    I just re-read your post again and I want you to know that it is never ok for someone - your boss or anyone else, but your boss especially should know better - to be yelling at you at work.

    The correct response to you telling him about your diagnosis should have been something along the lines of "I'm so sorry to hear that. What do you need?"

    You deserve to be treated better than this.

    Good luck with your interview!

  57. Barbara White

    JUMP!! Two times the salary, health insurance for you and your daughter, work from home four days a week, and very likely, no yelling boss. Take it from someone who stayed in a job where she was not appreciated for far too long---any time you are presented with a great opportunity, go for the interview and then give it some serious consideration if it is offered to you. If it's really everything the recruiter says it is, you owe it to yourself to move forward. Time flies by too quickly and you don't want to miss out on a possible great opportunity.

  58. Anonymous

    Not really sure what the question is - you always need to do what is best for you. The employer is always going to do what is best for them. NEVER tolerate anyone yelling at you - for any reason - even if you made a mistake. This is so abusive and unprofessional. Some (including myself) would file a report with EEOC for toxic work environment. Go with more money and benefits!! Working for yourself is serendipity!! Go for it - and the best to you!

  59. CYNTHIA

    Two choices. 1) Stay and let that job kill you or 2) Run as fast as you can and take that other position. More than likely, the stress in you current position is exacerbating your illness. If you choose to stay start documenting the abusive situations, you'll need that journal to support your workers comp or EEOC claim.

  60. Keisha Harp

    Be loyal to yourself first always. Advance in your career when you see an opportunity. We do not seek out advanced education and growth opportunities to benefit specific companies but instead to benefit ourselves, our families, or even our communities. The company you work for will do what is best for them and so should you. This is not an ethical dilemma but is plainly a professional growth opportunity. Go for it!

  61. Goodluck Chukwukere

    I hope the best for you

  62. Anonymous

    I worked for an independent agency as a commercial lines account manager and some of the principals are very hard to work with. I took the plunge abs left last may and work from home for an agency in a different state as an AM and am treated so well. I suffered some of the horrible things you mention and then some, and it took a while, but I finally found my work “home.” So what is good for you. Always choose yourself.

  63. Anonymous

    Not sure what you need insight about?

  64. Anonymous

    You would be making a big mistake if you don’t accept that other offer. Do you think your work situation is really going to change? I doubt it!I recently resigned from my position, because I was not improving my professional skills. They tried to get me to stay, by offering me a higher salary and more opportunities. I forgot to mention, my salary increased significantly with my new employer. I said “I’m sorry this is too good of an opportunity to pass up”. I hope you think about the salary you are passing up, plus your boss sounds like will never change. Good luck!

  65. Renata

    Personally, I would dump the current employer and get started on my own business. If the other job translates into an offer, consider the possibility of returning to permanent employment and doing both. But that's me...

    You seem to be conflicted though...

    So perhaps you need to take a minute and decide what you want and whats int eh best interest of you and your daughter.

    Remember that abusive relationships don't change.

    If you don't respect yourself, they won't respect you, so set and maintain those professional boundaries.

    No amount of money is worth the trauma of abuse.

    Your daughter will see the effects of this behaviour if you continue to accept it - so please don't teach her that abuse is ok at any level for any reason. harassment and abusive is NEVER OK.

  66. Anonymous

    Get out of there at the first opportunity. Your life and you being treated well are more important than anything else in the world. Yes, you are a confident person today because of the work you did. You must surely be grateful to the current org for taking that chance with you, letting you explore your potential but there is no need to continue for the sake of obligation. You have contributed towards your growth and the company's growth. They see your potential, hence you are there. Now, put that potential to your own use instead of putting up with something you are not okay with. Please don't leave, however, until you find another job. Starting on your own is okay if you are okay with it.

  67. Anonymous

    It been so hard time in such kind of employer but you should keep your first priority have to be your health .

  68. Heather E. Miller

    As someone who struggles with my health, I understand what you're going through. There is nothing that affects your health more negatively than stress from an employer. You need to do what will work best for your health. When you're feeling as well as possible, that's when you'll be able to do your best at your job. If that means working independently, you need to do that.

  69. Anonymous

    I have fibromyalgia and have since I was in my early 20's. I just turned 59 two days ago...for a really long time I worked for myself freelance but couldn't keep it up since back at that time, I wouldn't have been able to get insurance or if I did, I wouldn't be able to afford it.

    I finally started working for corporate America. I now have a job that pays me pretty well and the insurance benefits are the reason I stay even though my job stresses me out.

    My feeling is that you should jump to the interview for the other job. A chance for decent pay and insurance would be the big priority, outside of the fact that I wouldn't want to work for any manager that yells at me because I have a disability.

    See what happens with the interview. If you take the new job, find a way to take care of yourself there. I have a flex schedule to allow me to take more breaks in the day if I need to...that might be a way to handle some of your fibro symptoms...

    Good luck!!

  70. Anonymous

    OP, you’ve got lots of great insight and advice on how to manage the current situation, suggestions to explore the new role, etc.

    What have you decided? We’re in your your corner. ?

  71. Abe

    Being strong by nature its consequence like this.. So keep your strength. Never giveup

  72. surfnwrite

    Investigate the new opportunity. Why would you not?

  73. Abe

    Dear first you have to figure out "what is Strauss is?"the solution easily to escape from it is realise it what it scary to you face it!

  74. Deb

    I would say wait till you get the position because you sound confident that you will get an offer from the linked in recruiter!

    Then b4 you quit, file a claim against your employer who is obviously harrasing you.. you will most likely get hush money because companies do not want this type of attention, or something... and by the evidence of you being sick, and your work ethic, you will most likely win.

    If you present this to a good lawyer they prob wouldn't need a retainer because you will win anyways and they get a percentage of what the company compensates you.

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