Yes, but I'm not comfortable with reporting this. We have several ex-employees who do freelancing on their own time when they're available, and I want to do some freelancing for him when I retire, so I don't want to ruin the relationship. Despite everything, he's generally a nice person, but he has people above him making crazy demands and it makes him get panicky. I'm the one he relies on the most. It's a very tough situation.
Job is making me sick, but I can't retire yet
- Thread starter Xanthe
- Start date
papa tiger
Well-known Member
Your employees quit, stress relieve, it's your boss that's putting himself in harm way,
even on the job harassment. Do what you can, make sure you do your job as you
know you can. Audu Boss! Let it go above his head. Dump your stress. Check to
get new hires. Have a list prepared of excellent new hires available & present to
cover the job overloads. You just prepared for an obvious shortfall with answers.
If you are comfortable with your friendship, present your list to him. Let him make
great decisions for the Company. There are tons of hiring bonuses out there, its standard.
Seems a darn fool no hire equilibrium to me. I worked in the production industry for 45 years.
People came and went constantly. Many self-destructed, other move on to better pay.
Many best educated were worst workers I experienced ! Believe in what cha do or don't and fail.
even on the job harassment. Do what you can, make sure you do your job as you
know you can. Audu Boss! Let it go above his head. Dump your stress. Check to
get new hires. Have a list prepared of excellent new hires available & present to
cover the job overloads. You just prepared for an obvious shortfall with answers.
If you are comfortable with your friendship, present your list to him. Let him make
great decisions for the Company. There are tons of hiring bonuses out there, its standard.
Seems a darn fool no hire equilibrium to me. I worked in the production industry for 45 years.
People came and went constantly. Many self-destructed, other move on to better pay.
Many best educated were worst workers I experienced ! Believe in what cha do or don't and fail.
Last edited:
You're right. The years have been slipping by very fast, so I just need to get through eight months. Somehow.
Thank you. I work through lunch because I don't want to have to stay late. I'm salaried and don't get paid overtime.
I'm 8 months from full retirement age, and in my case, there is a big difference in what I'd get. I'm going to ride out the 8 months the best I can. It's really nice to get so much support on this forum!
LoveTulips
Senior Member
- Location
- British Columbia, Canada
Once my health (anxiety level was so high that I was feeling nauseated and could not eat) was affected by the toxic work places that I worked in, I quit. What did I do for money? I found out that for about 6 months I could receive unemployment insurance because my doctor was so very wonderful and wrote out health reasons why I could not work.
After that period of paid benefits, I started working as a temp in various companies and finally in educational institutions as an auxiliary on call. They keep you very busy and even though I was making about 2/3 or a 1/2 of my previous full time pay, I was able to pay my bills and keep a roof over my head. And if I really hated a temp or auxiliary on call position that they assigned to me, I could tell them why, and they would simply get another temp in and assign me to another job.
By the way, this happened to me when I was in my sixties and many temp jobs and auxiliary on call jobs were available to me. The temp agencies and the educational institutions did not exhibit any discrimination as to my age.
After that period of paid benefits, I started working as a temp in various companies and finally in educational institutions as an auxiliary on call. They keep you very busy and even though I was making about 2/3 or a 1/2 of my previous full time pay, I was able to pay my bills and keep a roof over my head. And if I really hated a temp or auxiliary on call position that they assigned to me, I could tell them why, and they would simply get another temp in and assign me to another job.
By the way, this happened to me when I was in my sixties and many temp jobs and auxiliary on call jobs were available to me. The temp agencies and the educational institutions did not exhibit any discrimination as to my age.
I do have a lot of sick time to burn!Just grind it out, keep your eye on the prize!
As others have said, the next eight months will fly by with a few holiday weekends, the odd sick day, and accrued vacation time to help pass the time.
I would keep the retirement plans to myself until itās time to submit the paperwork.
Good luck!
I'm sorry you had to go through such a tough time, but glad to hear it all worked out.
I do have blood pressure problems, but it's under control with several meds. I wonder how hard it would be get my doctor to write up an order for medical leave.
In the U.S., in a salaried position (no overtime pay).
Absolutely. He is going to suffer from the stress he puts himself through. You are right when you ask how much harm can they do to me if it doesn't get done? They won't fire me because they really need me. Your reply is really helpful for me, thank you.It's probably of little consultation but the job is likely making your boss sick as well, that's why he's stressed and demanding. I speak from experience.
I can't offer much more than compassion for your situation. Once you choose a retirement date it just can't arrive soon enough, the work days seem longer and longer. While you still want to do a good job keep in mind every day of work your responsibility lessens. Sure they want that project done NOW! But how much harm can they do to you if it doesn't get done? Will they fire you? Probably not, especially if they're short staffed. Will it hinder your career? Affect future promotions or salary increases? I think not
You are in a position of personal power but you just don't realize it. You don't have to be insubordinate but you can simply fulfill reasonable expectations and not feel guilty about going home with a task unfinished. If the boss gets in your business you just shrug and say you're doing the best you can.
gruntlabor
Well-known Member
- Location
- Last Frontier, Age 83
lol He's distracting you from your work.
An interesting dilemma. Yes, I did have a similar experience long, long ago. I was working 24 hour shifts. It wasnāt that my boss was a tyrant but the job was highly stressful during the āseason" (June, July, and August). I was lucky in the sense that the job was monotonous. I just had to pay attention to what I was doing and not to deviate. I simplified my duties without saying anything to any one. That is to say that I improved performance of the job itself. But I didnāt tell anyone. As far as anyone else knew I was doing just like everyone who had the job previously.
I find that most leadership have limited brains and if your boss is giving you notes āNOWā in all capital letters I can assume that he/she isnāt interested in any improvement and would (most likely) be hostile towards you for making any changes, considering it a personal insult to his/her authority. So, do not try to impress your boss with your superior methods. You may think he/she will appreciate you but ā¦.. forget it! Youād be just asking for trouble. My method is to think in reverse: The result the boss is looking for, yes .... but cut out the middle steps if they only serve to confuse, frustrate, and disrupt fluid productivity. Just donāt tell anyone.
In addition to that you can put your body and mind on different levels. Let your body do the job but allow your mind to think about your family, your free time, your up-coming vacation or even your retirement. Think about your childhood, the good, the bad, and the funny. Sing or hum to yourself either openly of silently. I am guessing your boss wouldnāt appreciate you doing it audibly. Let him/her think you have nothing on your mind but pleasing him/her.
Does my method apply to your situation? Letās discuss it.
PeppermintPatty
š¢. š³. š¢
- Location
- Canada
I agree with others here. Definitely donāt work through your break. If you drive to work then take your lunch out to your car and eat it there. Donāt allow your boss to badger you any longer. Take washroom breaks and take your time. Every time he tries to rush you, take longer on purpose. Let him know that pushing you is not the way to get you to hurry.
Last edited:
You may want to convey to him that your retirement is imminent, scheduled for just eight months from NOW. This period would be an opportune time to onboard a new employee, ensuring they have ample time to learn the role before your departure.
I encountered a remarkably similar scenario. In my zone, we initially had four managers. However, the newly appointed company president determined that only two were necessary. While I retained my position, my territory expanded significantly, doubling in size, and my number of reports more than doubled, all without any increase in pay. I endeavored to manage the workload to the best of my ability, but it soon began to affect me both mentally and physically.
After a year, my fellow manager and I scheduled a call with our Zone VP, expressing that our situation had become untenable. It wasnāt that I was unwilling to perform my duties; it was simply an impossible task. We subtly hinted that without additional support, the company would soon require two new managers. Thankfully, our supervisor succeeded in persuading the president to hire more staff.
Best of luck to you.
I encountered a remarkably similar scenario. In my zone, we initially had four managers. However, the newly appointed company president determined that only two were necessary. While I retained my position, my territory expanded significantly, doubling in size, and my number of reports more than doubled, all without any increase in pay. I endeavored to manage the workload to the best of my ability, but it soon began to affect me both mentally and physically.
After a year, my fellow manager and I scheduled a call with our Zone VP, expressing that our situation had become untenable. It wasnāt that I was unwilling to perform my duties; it was simply an impossible task. We subtly hinted that without additional support, the company would soon require two new managers. Thankfully, our supervisor succeeded in persuading the president to hire more staff.
Best of luck to you.
Last edited:
Tazx
Member
- Location
- Europe via Canada.
Tough one...
If you boss is getting shit from above, then as the saying goes, shit rolls downhill. So hes passing it down the line as every single occupation does.
You say hes a good guy, maybe ask him for a private chat. Calm, collective, clear the air talk. Tell him you are not appreciating the above avg stress load, and ask him if he is getting it from above. Find something you are both agree on, then that puts the onus elsewhere.
Dealing with bosses, HR, and all that crap is everywhere. It was that way in the military, it was that way for my wife at Telus Canada, its that way for just about everyone.
Be thankful you got 8 or less months to go. Others have to deal with that kind of abuse for years.
Hope all works well for you!
Or (kidding) do what my dad always said;
Shut up and suck it up!
If you boss is getting shit from above, then as the saying goes, shit rolls downhill. So hes passing it down the line as every single occupation does.
You say hes a good guy, maybe ask him for a private chat. Calm, collective, clear the air talk. Tell him you are not appreciating the above avg stress load, and ask him if he is getting it from above. Find something you are both agree on, then that puts the onus elsewhere.
Dealing with bosses, HR, and all that crap is everywhere. It was that way in the military, it was that way for my wife at Telus Canada, its that way for just about everyone.
Be thankful you got 8 or less months to go. Others have to deal with that kind of abuse for years.
Hope all works well for you!
Or (kidding) do what my dad always said;
Shut up and suck it up!
Twostep
Well-known Member
- Location
- Tiny town Oklahoma, OK
It sounds like you have already made your decision.
MaddHollander
Member
Itās hard to work for management that is a āone way streetā but I found it only gets worse if you let it. Putting my foot down is how I handled it.
I was a NYC Union Ironworker and was a foreman on several sites with contractual completion timelines. The company could receive a big bonus if work was completed ahead of schedule but also be fined if behind schedule.
Four factors beyond my control could easily turn an easy project into a living nightmare: First, the weather. Second, materials not arriving on time. Third, a Union settlement with the EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission where I could NOT hire based on skill set and experience. Forth, and the WORST were the company bean counters sitting behind their desks screaming at me to push the crews to work faster to get that bonus.
Safety was job #1 for me every minute of every hour of every day. Stealing pieces of sky, creating buildings that cast shadows a mile long every sunrise and sunset is rewarding but must be done safely.
So whenever one of those bean counters called me about losing a day here or there I told them to come out, climb up the steel with me and see first hand what is going on. It could be 95 degrees or 5 degrees, come on out. They declined so I told them to back off and where I would stick the blueprints. A win each time.,
I was a NYC Union Ironworker and was a foreman on several sites with contractual completion timelines. The company could receive a big bonus if work was completed ahead of schedule but also be fined if behind schedule.
Four factors beyond my control could easily turn an easy project into a living nightmare: First, the weather. Second, materials not arriving on time. Third, a Union settlement with the EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission where I could NOT hire based on skill set and experience. Forth, and the WORST were the company bean counters sitting behind their desks screaming at me to push the crews to work faster to get that bonus.
Safety was job #1 for me every minute of every hour of every day. Stealing pieces of sky, creating buildings that cast shadows a mile long every sunrise and sunset is rewarding but must be done safely.
So whenever one of those bean counters called me about losing a day here or there I told them to come out, climb up the steel with me and see first hand what is going on. It could be 95 degrees or 5 degrees, come on out. They declined so I told them to back off and where I would stick the blueprints. A win each time.,
Georgiagranny
Well-known Member
Ask. You have a 50/50 chance. There are only two responses...yes or no. If you don't ask, the chance is 0%.
Muskrat
Senior Member
- Location
- Mainly arizona
I would probably tell my boss that if he drives a car without gas it will be on the side of the road and not on any finish line. Then I would ask him to prioritize his needsā¦explaining that decreased staff means less output. I would suggest that if having to prioritize tasks was a problem he should perhaps address the issue with his bosses. I would finish by saying I was mortalā¦and if I dropped dead he would be even more screwed.
fuzzybuddy
SF VIP
- Location
- The Sticks, Northeast PA.
Agree. Giving up you lunch hour and breaks is contributing to your boss's over-burdening you.
gruntlabor
Well-known Member
- Location
- Last Frontier, Age 83
My husband was business agent for an ironworker's local. He used to tell contractors, 'Put your feathers on and come on out here and talk to us.'
UpstateGal
Member
Well after reading your comments about doing freelance work for this boss when you officially retire, I have to say, your situation really isn't that bad. Maybe there are other factors in your life causing you stress? Right now, I'm not near full retirement age and I'm unemployed. I was laid off from my job due to inflation, I have struggled to find another job that I can do. Not to divulge all my personal issues, but I would gladly trade places with you in a NY minute. It's better to be overworked and have job security than to constantly worry about ever being employable again in your 60s. Try to stay positive in your situation, it really isn't that bad.
Last edited:
Georgiagranny
Well-known Member
I don't know how your sick leave/disability works, but it's likely that you'd be required to use all your sick leave before short- or long-term disability would kick in. If you've a lot of sick leave, I'd say "I'm not feeling very well and need to go home (or stay home). Unless, of course, you get paid for unused sick leave when you resign.
Hm. This would be a hard one to decide. Good luck
Hm. This would be a hard one to decide. Good luck
