I believe I am being targeted by my boss to force my retirement.

41 Comments

1. Erin VegaMay 28,2025 at 12:39AM UTC

   The prior notice to you are the writeups in your file for the plagiarism, office morale, and not being a team player. The work improvement document she asked you sign is the final piece that they need to have in place to let you go.

   Sign the document and make a copy of it. Than improve your work based on that document and make notes to have when you go in for your follow up with her. I have seen several people who are placed on PIPs that think they have improved but have no way of proving it. When you go for the follow up make sure you have your notes/documentation in order to show her how you have improved based on your PIP.

2. Lisa McCartneyMay 28,2025 at 2:20PM UTC

   Sorry, but I would refuse to sign. It sounds like manager feels threatened, and the onus is not on OP.

3. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 2:00PM UTC

   If she doesn't sign, she is giving her employer cause to terminate her. I was in this situation, and my attorney told me without direct proof that the bias was related to my age, I would not be able to make a legal case for age discrimination. The OP says others have left because of this manager, so chances are this is just a really bad manager who treats staff badly - just because the OP is over 60 doesn't tie the bad treatment to her age. Her best chance of keeping her job is to work with her boss and her company if she doesn't have direct proof the manager is targeting her because of age.

4. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 1:02AM UTC

   Go to HR and get your job description. Sit down with your boss & HR to review it. Having a witness can seal the deal if she is creating issues where there are none. Plagiarism is a big accusation. Ask her with HR specifically where she sited your words. Not sure what you do but anyone can google info and paraphrase it. One can paraphrase but plagiarizing is different. The work around is always site your source. You are at war with your boss who sounds like a dimwit. Get documentation together, call an employment attorney and keep all documentation and emails in your private emails. She is playing with fire. Others can be deposed to speak on your behalf. Don’t let your 25 years of good work at this company get tainted by a manager who isn’t a good one. Fight the good fight and get an attorney asap!

5. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 12:28PM UTC

   Age discrimination is worse than ever. Fight it and don't let it slide.

6. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 3:47PM UTC

   In my opinion, she's realizing her management and communications limitations and is threatened by you. But it's concerning that she's able to get this written up with HR. It sounds like they're in cahoots together unfortunately.

7. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 6:03PM UTC

   That is EXACTLY what is going on. Also, maybe they gave her an ultimatum..get the staff in shape or SHE would not have a job. I always wonder why a supervisor would go left on a person and so far this is all I can come up with. Good luck.

8. AnonymousMay 28,2025 at 11:20PM UTC

   You document and you keep your head down. You don't do anything because this is all designed to push you out. Keep everything professional and if they are successful and you have properly documented the pattern of harassment then you get an attorney and file a claim. That is truly all you can do.

   If HR signs off on this harassment, then it's a very coordinated effort with more than just the boss and HR.

9. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 2:15PM UTC

   Agree with this. Leadership is also very aware of all that is being done to get rid of you but doesn't want to get involved. Until there is a settlement and the company must pay there will be no deterrent and end to this behavior to oust people. So be very clear that this will continue and no settlement can happen until the company terminates you.

10. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 12:19PM UTC

    You might have an actionable case within employment law, based on Federal guidelines:

    Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA):

    Purpose:

    ADEA prohibits age discrimination in employment, protecting individuals 40 years of age and older.

    Coverage:

    ADEA protects against discrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, and other terms of employment.

    Enforcement:

    The ADEA is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

    Example:

    The ADEA prevents employers from discriminating against older workers in hiring or promoting them based on their age.

11. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 12:44PM UTC

    When do you plan to retire? If you plan to work for more than five years and wish to remain in your current position, write a rebuttal to your Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and submit it to HR. Be specific, as she probably was not. Document instances of teamwork, find coworkers who would help stick up for you (try to see if one of the coworkers who left because of her would be willing), and seek help from an employment lawyer. It may not save your job, but you could receive a substantial enough settlement that it would cover your expenses until you plan to retire. Then you can retire and do whatever you want.

    If you plan to retire within the next couple of years, keep your head down, do your job, and try to stay out of her way. Document what you are doing for all the improvement areas and actions specified in your PIP, so that if they try to claim you failed, you have documentation to the contrary. That way, if they fire you, you have some proof that it was not for cause, and immediately contact an employment attorney and file for unemployment.

12. GirlBossanova934974May 29,2025 at 1:30PM UTC

    The first thing to do is to ask HR and your manager to produce written evidence of plagiarism, pulling down the office morale, and not being a team player. Second, get a copy of the company's HR manual. Third, make a copy of all your performance reviews and commendations. That goes HOME with you. All negative emails get emailed to your own email account. If these folks want to run you out, you make sure you have everything documented, in your possession, and ready to hand off to an employment lawyer. PS: I have sued an employer for age discrimination. I won a $200K settlement because I had all my documents in order.

13. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 1:39PM UTC

    Go see a lawyer who has experience with EEOC cases. I got a lawyer (too late) who said I needed to file documents with HR telling them I felt harassed and discriminated against. I didn’t know I needed to do this so didn’t have time to file the documents I needed to with HR (though HR was part of the bullying). Get a lawyer so you can get your ducks in a row.

14. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 1:54PM UTC

    Have all of the staff who have left because of her also been in a protected class? If there is a pattern of her chasing others off, and those individuals were not protected, you will have difficultly proving her actions are related to age discrimination. Most employment laws are stacked towards the employer and HR is there to protect the employer, not the employee. As much as possible, if your desire is to keep your job with the company, you should try to work this out with your boss and your company, and do so from a place of sincerity and not from a combative, defiant stance.

15. Tabbi KinionMay 29,2025 at 4:36PM UTC

    Fight back on this one - talk to a lawyer. Don't sign a single HR document and let them know you want to speak to your lawyer before you sign. Age discrimination and bias seem to be at the core of this, not your performance.

16. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 5:48PM UTC

    Contact a labor lawyer. Find one in your area that you can speak to regarding ageism. Also speak to HR/legal at your company about your complaint and let them know that you will not tolerate ageism. If they decide to terminate you after this you will have a strong lawsuit. Hopefully it does not come to that as that will cause undue stress in your life. Many companies don't know how to address older employees reporting to younger less experienced managers. The only other caveat would be to manage your manager by playing into how to work with her in her own style. My concern is that you have been asked to sign a PIP which is a problem. Good luck.

17. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 9:08PM UTC

    You are correct.

    Use this time while you're still employed to update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Get a headstart so you can secure employment.

    I'm sorry you are dealing with this but 25 years is a great run.

18. Kimberly McMay 30,2025 at 12:31PM UTC

    Sign nothing. Have you been documenting her behavior?

    I would also start forcing her to talk to you weekly. Tell her what you’ve accomplished and ask her where she thinks you should focus the priorities for the following week.

    Then, send her an email including the things you talked about in the F2F meeting, and also thank her for her time.

    the key is document everything. Because she obvs has a hidden agenda.

19. AnonymousMay 30,2025 at 2:40PM UTC

    First off, let me say how sorry I am for all you are going through! I know, firsthand, how miserable being in this type of situation is as I went through something very similar. I would also like to say that trying to seek out a discrimination lawsuit is a long and excrutiating process as I was required to first file a claim with the EEOC and wait for their investigation prior to any attorney being willing to touch it. After almost two years the EEOC came back and said they found no basis for my claim. I had close to 75 pages of documented discrimination. HR is NOT on your side, please remember that! In my case HR was instrumental in falsifying documents (I had proof of this since I had the original documents). Still, the EEOC found "no basis". I had emails from my manager commenting on my age, and how I was "too old to participate in team building events", yet the EEOC found "no basis" for my claim. I'm not sure where you are located but in my State an attorney will not take a discrimination case unless it has been found to have a basis through the EEOC.

    If I were you I would try to seek out a new job. I know it is not ideal, and it is a shame that you are being treated the way you are, but for your own peace of mind it may be best to just move on.

    I wish you the very best of luck!

20. AnonymousMay 30,2025 at 4:46PM UTC

    EEOC is waste unless you have ties to D.C.

21. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 7:28PM UTC

    Absolutely agree! I have overwhelming and very clear cut proof against my employer, no one could believe that the EEOC found "no basis" to my claim. They are worthless.

22. AnonymousMay 30,2025 at 4:45PM UTC

    So sorry I high suggest you transfer divisions and or plan your exit.

23. RobinMay 30,2025 at 5:55PM UTC

    Get an employment lawyer

24. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 12:18PM UTC

    I understand how challenging and unfair this feels, especially after so many years of dedicated work. Your boss’s behavior sounds frustrating and confusing, especially with accusations coming out of nowhere. It’s important right now to stay calm and focused—try to approach this situation with a clear head rather than reacting from hurt or anger.

    Document every interaction—emails, meetings, performance reviews, anything related to your work and her accusations. Keep a detailed record of dates, times, what was said, and any witnesses if possible. This will protect you and give you evidence should things escalate.

    Try to observe her patterns and anticipate her moves. Instead of reacting emotionally, think about what she’s trying to achieve and how you can respond strategically without giving her the reaction she might want. It’s about staying in control of your professional image and choices.

    Also, if possible, consider seeking advice from trusted HR contacts or even legal counsel, especially since you feel targeted. Sometimes an external perspective helps to clarify your options.

    Above all, don’t lose sight of your value and your accomplishments. You’ve earned your place through decades of hard work, and you have every right to protect yourself thoughtfully and wisely.

25. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 12:44PM UTC

    HR is NOT your friend. They represent and side with the company. I've lived this and lawyered up to no avail. The stress in fighting is awful.

    It took me a year to land a decent job at age 58.

26. Pauline Mosca-CyphersMay 31,2025 at 12:40PM UTC

    First, I'm sorry you are going through this! It can be very stressful. Document, document and document! If your state allows it, record every conversation. Unfortunately, HR works for the company and not you. Do they give you an example of Plagiarism? If not, do not sign anything as this is your reason not to sign it. Document (email) all conversations with your boss and cc HR along with any conversations with HR. If you're in an At-Will state, they cannot fire you at this point. Print everything and keep your file at home. A lawyer will assist you when the time comes. Be careful as they will set you up. Remember when accused, they must give you example. Good Luck!!

27. S MaishaMay 31,2025 at 12:50PM UTC

    Ageism is against the law but difficult to prove without documentation. Unfortunately, for your protection, you have to be very strategic and calculated with any communication with this individual moving forward. Sometimes just clearing the air and addressing the elephant in the room is sufficient for a person like her to stand down. But if that doesn’t work, I’d speak with an attorney

28. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 1:38PM UTC

    Document everything and ask for another person like a hr representative or her supervisor to be CC’d on all communications with her.

29. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 2:03PM UTC

    I gotta say I’d probably talk to an an experienced lawyer about this. Yes, document everything but find out first what your chances are for real in your area. It may be a lot of heartache and stress for very little, unfortunately. I would definitely put feelers out there and start looking for another job if you haven’t already.

30. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 3:50PM UTC

    I’ve had similar experience in my last position. I felt my boss was gaslighting me. She blamed me for forgetting things meanwhile she never gave anything to me. The communication was nonexistent. I would ask what’s wrong because I felt there was something and I got nothing from her. I reached out to an employment attorney and he said to document everything. In the long run I ended up leaving. The constant doubting myself was affecting my health. I found out afterward she needed to downsize and she was afraid to fire me or lay me off because she thought I would sue for age discrimination. I hate how people treat those of us who are older. I tried looking for another job but age discrimination is REAL! I decided to retire early. This wasn’t my plan but I need to take care of me. I’m not sure how this will help you. Seek counsel and then decide what’s best for you. Believe me your 40 year old boss will experience the same thing when she’s our age. But then it may happen sooner when a robot takes her job!

31. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 7:35PM UTC

    you are being targeted. Have you signed the work improvemen t plan yet? if you have time, consult with an attorney. you are proficient at your work, you aren't Needy, and your boss is indeed targeting you (trying to get you to exit). See if you can do anything to stop this ball from rolling further...

32. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 7:39PM UTC

    adding; this happened to a friend of mine, age 58, after her spouse died suddenly. she had been a stellar employee, top dog in the company, but targeted by a new manager. They wanted her to sign a PIP. She and I talked about this. She went to see her primary care provider. She was given 2 weeks off for "illness" (emotional, stress)- she saw an attorney. She got some good advice. She saw a therapist (her spouse had died suddenly). She got FMLA for her "medical" needs (acute grieving, depression- very unlike her but it did happen after husband died suddenly). She was eventually able to finagle a great severance, but getting some time "off" for medical reasons bought her more time to have rest, get therapy, and have an attorney look at everything. All of this to say: The writing is on the wall...move carefully.

33. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 7:37PM UTC

    I am sorry to hear about your experience. I would try to document everything. Try to look for a different job if possible.

34. Kathy DonnaldMay 31,2025 at 8:18PM UTC

    A previous manager tried to get me to quit by giving all the night shifts, that did not work so she hid money and said I was short. She has since gone on to try and ruin someone else's life.

35. AnonymousJune 1,2025 at 1:13PM UTC

    Definitely experienced this. I documented. Went to HR. But ultimately they wanted me gone. Even the smallest typo was brought to my attention and documented. There was nothing I could do because they wanted me gone. Thankfully I was marketable and found a better role! With better culture! Those if you out there with minimal skills I recommend learning more so that your resume is beefy!

36. AnonymousJune 1,2025 at 7:15PM UTC

    Unfortunately when someone with clout wants you gone you are gone.

37. AnonymousJune 1,2025 at 4:42PM UTC

    Don't resign, let them fire you and collect unemployment and maybe severance. I'm being fired and trying to negotiate my severance now. My first does not meet expectations review in my 30+ years career. No luck with employment lawyers.

38. AnonymousJune 1,2025 at 7:13PM UTC

    Resigning looks better with employers. Now if this is your last job ever go for it and be fired. Unless you have a case with clear evidence such as a video , transcripts, emails, signed witness affidavits, and a superstar employment attorney it is a waste of time and money to seek out an attorney . Lawyers nowadays, want everything on a silver platter and employers only want to have people who are likable or considered superstars in their inner circles. You just need either retire, find your tribe or create your own.

39. AnonymousJune 2,2025 at 3:41AM UTC

    You're nearing retirement so just hang in there, and let your boss stress herself out. It might be a generational gap, afterall. Don't resign; let them boot you out because it will come with a severance pay. Keep you head low until retirement so they won't find a reason to use against you. Chill. Vibe with it. You have better days ahead. :-) -- from a 50-something executive

40. Bridget HarringtonJune 2,2025 at 2:51PM UTC

    Document. Document. Document. They played this game with a friend of mine. She was an Executive Assistant with the company for nearly 40 years. She was a year from retirement age (67) when it started. The company policy was that if you were terminated, you could not collect the company employee pension...which for her would total nearly $1mil at her retirement. Four months before she turned 67, she was put on a completely trumped up PIP. She didn't sign it, so they fired her for insubordination. By that time, she had months of documentation + notarized statements from management level employees attesting to her decades of exemplary work + years of perfect performance reviews. She had already contacted an employment lawyer, so a few weeks after she was terminated, she started the process. This company settled out of court for her full pension + back pay + several thousand in damages. They tried to get her to sign a gag order and she refused. Said that if they were ashamed of their behavior, it wasn't her problem to help them hide. They also offered her her job back, which she also refused....and told them that had they just waited until she was 67 and put in for retirement, they wouldn't have that problem. She had planned for years to retire at 67 and had already bought and fully paid off a house in The Villages in Florida..it wasn't a secret. They just didn't want to pay out her pension.

41. AnonymousJune 12,2025 at 8:06PM UTC

    At my last job my boss would hire in people with ZERO knowledge of what to do, I would train them only to find out they were making $8-9 more than me, had poor attendance, I was there for two years and only missed five days that weren’t approved ahead of time and three of those days were right before he let me go. He said he no longer needed my position bec he was “automating” things but I later found out the 22 year old he hired didn’t like being corrected when she did something wrong even though she wasn’t completely trained and she complained to him and he let me go and then he let a long time employee go bec of the same thing. Both of us are older than the girl by many years and we are even older than the owner. I feel like he wanted a younger person in there that he could talk to any old way and she wouldn’t complain. He even put her on salary making the same amount as the office manager that had been there for 7 years