Happy Monday! Today’s Monday Motivation is about bosses. Although today’s blog may ruffle a few feathers the wrong way, today’s lesson and encouragement will be for those doing what they have to do even when they don’t want to.
Monday Boss Horror
I’ve talked about a few bosses in the perspective of learning lessons. Today is no different. Today’s boss story is from a period of time where I loved what I did but struggled with being my normal speak up for myself or allow a disrespectful boss continue in their negative ways. At one point I chose to simply stay comfortable. I felt stuck and when I was embarrassed in front of other staff members simply went home mad and cried.
Monday Tears
Everyday for months I would sit in my car crying not because of one situation but consistent behavior. This boss disrespected every female who had ever worked for him. He was crass, rude, loved power, and lacked the ability to be a manager. So for months I knew I should have left. I even worked a second job that would give me more hours. However I knew more hours wouldn’t equate to the full time hours I was getting at the time. So I stayed.
Stuck or Comfortable?
So I grew up in a home where my parents were direct. They taught me not to hold my tongue. Although I was a straight A student all my life my parents taught me to respectfully defend myself. As long as I wasn’t disrespectful I could say what I needed to say and they would have my back. As I grew up I took the same approach until this boss got too comfortable with disrespectful behavior. It always starts small and grows.
Was I stuck? No! I could work my part-time with tenacity and make things happen. I was comfortable. Comfortable with the guarantee check to not rock the boat. My boss disrespected every last woman and there were no men working there. So as the disrespect grew so did my agitation. I grew more and more agitated with myself for not checking him months back.
Moment of Frustration
My personal frustration grew. I knew what I had to say. One day I said it. One thing my parents told me that when you stick up for yourself be prepared for the consequences. So I let that boss know that the behavior had to stop! I had enough of it. I would love to report that the person changed but they didn’t. For all I know they could still be a disrespectful ass to this day. I have had no contact with them. What I do know is that I left that job and went to another where I asserted myself from the beginning.
Monday’s Truth
You too may be going to work where you have a boss or supervisor who could rightfully so be the worst you have ever had to experience. You may be doing what you have to do for the sake of survival. Do what you have to do and be prepared for the consequences. Monday after Monday even with the lack of motivation you show up feeling depleted and defeated. I get that! Those cry’s in the parking lot builds something on the inside. It’s a reminder of hard moments. When you’re on the other end you won’t forget it.
Monday Motivation-Defining Better
For you your motivation may be to work this job until you can develop an exit plan! For someone else it could be the push to elevate you into starting a new business venture. Another person may see this as a means to an end. Wherever you are, take care of you! During this time I didn’t have a self care talk. Daily I was more and more drained until I was pushed to no end. I want better for you!
That’s How it is
It’s scary to jump or leave something without a plan. It’s uncomfortable to be honest. My hope is that you can control the parts you can and that you will find better. Oh and If you’re wondering I smile now knowing the promises I made when I left that job! I told myself to never allow myself to be in that position again not just with a boss but anyone. This means I’m not accepting bad behavior and disrespect just because “that’s how it is!” I also, like my parents taught me, never allow myself to take on any job or project that I can’t walk away from should someone start cutting up!
I hope I am the only one with the boss from Hell. I know I’m not and that’s the sad part. The bosses that micromanage, embarrass others; or who don’t take responsibility for their actions are all red flags. Unlike my 20s I don’t have the energy to play these games. Know what the world is changing and more and more are choosing themselves. So if you are that type of boss eventually people choose themselves and leave as they should. If you’re the employee that I was, find your voice. Get a plan. Take care of you!
