Boss from Hell Update

[Tofer]

Thanks for the update, and sorry to hear about it! I've left decent jobs because of the people I had to work with. While there is something to be said about being right, I think it is just as important to go to work where you enjoy the people.

Good luck!

-Tofer

[freescotland]

It is indeed time to evaluate how much you like/need this job.

Enough to spend half your time documenting everything and waiting for him to retaliate?

[Michael]

I agree with the recorder. Also, do communications by email (and keep copies) so there is a record. After any personal meeting you have with the guy, send an email after saying, "As we agreed in our meeting at 11:30 this morning..." so that you have an accurate record of your various goals, assignments and responsibilities. The first time anything out of order occurs (however small), touch base with the Zone manager in the sense of, "What would you like me to do if..." to let that person know that there may be retaliation.

My wife had to fight against a jerk in her position for a year. Eventually, my wife was moved up and the jerk was moved to a position where she couldn't hurt anybody-they now are out of each others' lines of authority. I agree that you shouldn't have to look for a new job because of a jerk, but I'd keep that option open if the company doesn't put a leash on the guy.

[Jimmypoo]

Peter, when you have that much time, leaving at this point could have a serious impact on your 401k (depending on how that is structured, or uses some other device). That said, that would certainly be my first inclination, but depending on where he lives, he may not have options either the result of population (and lack of places to look), specific skill sets that are in demand everywhere - but not locally, which could involve a relocation - which is something that single entities look at with great freedom, but marrieds/ people with family and/or extended family do NOT.

So, yes, your first intuition is certainly the one that makes the most sense, I've found in my tenure as a recruiter, that the complications for some people - even people who knew, by the type of degree they had, that job bouncing was going to be a specific part of the greater rewards they would be party to, at other companies -- once they have parents nearby who are older, and a daughter who has prom coming up as well as a son who is a sport star of some sort, well.... they don't want to move, and neither does a spouse who might have all the same things going on, in addition to a career that has NO issues because of different structures.

So for that reason, I suggest that you and the 25 year old helper start making room in your schedule for midnight rendezvous. That way, you get the best of both worlds, and... she will understand better than anyone, what the boss revenge is like, having been part of the whole deal in the first place.

Plus, the videos you make could be worth something on the net, post divorce, and start an entire new genre.... "Union-Busting pRON!"

Note: Only half of this note is to be taken seriously. You must choose which half on your own.

[Numo]

First of all, my sincere congratulations for taking the high road and standing behind your helper. It would have been much easier to let her fend for herself. I believe one of the highest virtues in a supervisor is having the integrity to back up their employees, regardless of the cost.

Might it help to express your concerns of retaliation to your zone manager? If you can get some kind of commitment from him to talk about future problems, it might make things run more smoothly if there is trouble. Also make sure you tell him how much you appreciate his handling of the situation. He may also be sticking his neck out in this case.

As others have said . . . document . . . document . . . document. People with anger management problems will eventually slip up - they can't help it.

[PeterB]

[quote Tofer]While there is something to be said about being right, I think it is just as important to go to work where you enjoy the people.
Precisely!

[Grumpyguy]

Thanks for the ideas, support, etc!

Actually something might have come up, but I need to find a spare $150,000 to buy into a business with experienced people that I know would be successful.

My current job skills would be an asset there...

I have a wealthy uncle, : ) if he would just cosign a loan...I might be out of this situation.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

I do not know if a small digital audio recorders is enough. One of those $100 Aiptek video recorders might be warranted if cameras are not banned at work.

[Zoidberg]

[quote Grumpyguy]Thanks for the ideas, support, etc!

Actually something might have come up, but I need to find a spare $150,000 to buy into a business with experienced people that I know would be successful.

My current job skills would be an asset there...

I have a wealthy uncle, : ) if he would just cosign a loan...I might be out of this situation.
http://sba.gov/

[decocritter]

Your boss did not "forget" that you would not support him. He was backed into a corner and did anything at the moment to get some heat off. He also just proved himself to be without integrity, a troublemaker and told a downright lie. They will be watching him and looking into his record.

I would not quit at this point. The heat is on him. I would be beyond reproach and have a serious pow wow with your associate, to do the same.

He is also testing you. He will definitely be the type to retaliate, but will most likely show his butt, further.