Taking a job with a boss who's a guaranteed nightmare?

[molole]

I would take it, but that's just me. I dread having nothing to do.

Besides, to learn how to deal with difficult people is a useful lesson. Now since you already know that she is difficult, you can adjust your mindset and expectation so she does not stress you out too much. Basically, you expect her to be a b!tch so when she acts like one, you won't be too surprised. LOL

However, if you are at a point in your career where it may ruin your entire career unless you perform super well at this position, then I would suggest you pass. It sounds too risky.

[rainyjewels]

how your boss is and how your relationship is with your boss is a huge factor in how much you love the position. this is someone you'll be interacting with and reporting to on a day to day basis. it's just not worth any position to have to endure that kind of angst, frustration, and tension daily. i just left a job that i loved in large part because my boss sounds just like this woman and i couldn't stand being so angry and stressed every single day with no end in sight. i would not recommend anyone actually choose that for themselves.

[ZippyWho]

Nope, I am not taking that job.

[lostnexposed]

if money is not an issue, and ure afraid u might end up being miserable at work everyday, then don't take it.

But sometimes just because a person is a nightmare for everyone else, doesn't mean it's going to be the same for u. I've had a boss whom everyone said was a total bitch and she even admits that she can be a tyrant...and I was scared as hell, but I never had a problem at all. I knew how to do my job and I did it well, and I kinda went into the situation knowing what to expect.

[Pursegrrl]

Originally Posted by SPOILEDkiwi

Let's say you have an interview at a company. The job is great on paper and the company sounds like the perfect workplace. However, at the interview the person who would be your future and only boss is a complete nightmare (yelling at everyone, full of herself, not very nice, etc.). Some of the employees seem scared of this person and the boss basically admits she is a nightmare to work for when she is stressed or there are deadlines (which is going to be all the time). The work sounds great and it's exactly what you've been looking for. The company is prestigious and the job would be a great stepping stone into the field, but the thought of having to report to this person makes you break out in a sweat. You work directly under this person and would be constantly meeting and communicating with them. Also, the job requires relocating which the company is not contributing to. So, it won't be easy to quit if you hate it. Money is not an issue right now and you do have to find a job but if you don't take this one it won't be the end of the world. What would you do?

Um, no no no, and heck/he** to the no. The interview is the time for both you as the candidate and the hiring manager to put your best feet and faces forward. If THAT'S how she's portraying herself in an interview, Lord knows what it's REALLY like. And that was just an hour or so of your time, not day in and day out working for her, PLUS relocating on your own expense.

My vote is a biga$$ NO. She's doing herself and the entire company a huge disservice portraying herself so poorly, IMO. SMH.

[Grace123]

I guess I don't understand why a company would knowingly have someone like that in a supervisory position?

[Compass Rose]

Please don't take the job. You might even consider taking the job because you might think that you just might make a difference to change her personality, but that will never ever happen. Don't take it, even if you are up for a challenge. You will only be defeated. I've done this once with a very prestigious law firm in the capacity of a private secretary....now called an executive administrative assistant. I lasted five months and lost 10 pounds from stomach problems and headaches. The several people who I succeeded told me not to do it, but I did it anyway and there was a lot of "I told you so" going on. It's not worth it. Even for the money.

[RTA]

I wouldn't take it. IME, those kinds of bosses and jobs are a misery. Good luck with your job search.

[bnjj]

I would not knowingly put myself in this situation unless I was desperate for money. Even then I'd probably try to find something else.

We had a female VP who was an absolute tyrant and everyone hated her and throughout the company she was known as The Dragon Lady. She was eventually fired but she was there quite a few years making everyone's life hell.

[ILuvShopping]

noooooooo WAY should you take this job. everything looks great on paper for a reason. because they can make it seem like that. interesting the boss would admit that she's a nightmare. but at least she owns up to it i guess.

i'm currently working in a situation like this and if money were not an option i would be out of here in an instant!

[NYCBelle]

i wouldn't take it...i got my current job for more money and i hate it

[Beenie]

Several years back when I did REALLY need a job I interviewed at a place similar to this. It was for a female attorney and my first interview was with the paralegal. All through the interview she was asking about if I could deal with difficult people and that the attorney could be bad and mean and then follow up with, but she is the BEST and feels bad, etc. I got called for a second interview, this time with the attorney herself. As I was waiting in the reception area (and the attorney KNEW I was there) the paralegal I interviewed with initially was in her office and she was screaming her head off asking her if she was a Fu$%ing idiot and all kinds of nasty things. I walked out without even telling anyone I was leaving. I got a phone call on the way home from the paralegal asking where I went and I told her there was no way i could work for someone so verbally abusive (and I worked for 7 years for a man who threw steak knives at a restaurant who I actually loved). She asked me (practically begging and crying) to come back since I was pretty much getting the job and I told her I was sorry, but no. I am so happy I left and an hour later I interviewed with the firm I am at now 4 years later. I left that interview KNOWING I wanted the job and got the offer a couple hours later. I had no idea that would happen though.

Please know I was DESPERATE for a job when I walked out since I had just purchased a house and DH was not making the money he does now. It was also when the hiring freezes began so there wasn't a lot out there.

Good luck, spoiledkiwi.

[coconutsboston]

If this won't wreck you career-wise, trust me when I say don't take it. I work in this situation now, and if it's not a necessary evil, then don't buy into the headache. I never knew STRESS could cause so many health problems until now!

[Jeneen]

^ I agree - Stress = the Silent killer!

[rainrowan]

If you think you have the same level of intensity or speak on the same wavelength as the supervisor, then go for it. Otherwise, save yourself the mental rollercoaster you might be in for. It's one thing to be challenged on the job, but another when you're mentally abused everyday by a manager who probably will never change.

I couldn't work around my former extremely overbearing boss and I honestly can't figure out why I didn't quit sooner. Not only did he keep me under his thumb at all times, I wasn't allowed to speak to colleagues in his presence. It did a number on me!