Hounded out of the Workplace

[@ssmaster]

Has anyone ever felt paranoid that they could lose their job even though there is no reason to think that you will?

Well I'm currently in that positition at the moment. I know for a fact that the Managing Director doesn't like me, I don't know the reason why.... actually I do, it was because I dared to question a decision he made once and he didn't appreciate some minion thinking he knew better than him (even though I was proved right).

The thing that makes it worse is that even though I don't particulary like my job I am bloody good at it but still get hauled over the coles for the slightest mistake. I have seen it in the past were people have been hounded out of their jobs by the bosses and it looks likes this is what is happening to me.

Has anyone else suffered this problem and if so what was the outcome?

[Cerys]

I've never had this problem, but even so I know that your obvious course of action should be to make him think he's going insane.  It helps if you can fix it so that everyone else thinks he is, too.  After a while, he actually will go insane, and all the horrible deception will have a happy ending.  And possibly film rights.  Enjoy!

[Pythov]

It is worth you keeping a diary from now on, with every litle 'slight', or any time you feel punished for something trivial.  This can be used very effectivly if you find yourself dismissed from your job for something trivial.

It can be used as evidence of harrasement if you ever lose your job and want to claim Constructive Dismissal, especially if other co-workers have not suffered your Bosses Ire for any similar situations of constructive criticism of the management, or differential treatment.

[Ambient Sheep]

Has anyone ever felt paranoid that they could lose their job even though there is no reason to think that you will?

I went through this for the last two or three years, which is why I'm currently the semi-nervous wreck that I am.  Although I left of my own accord and they said they were sorry to lose me...

Another guy from my old company who left a few years ago was lucky not to be carried out in either a straitjacket or a box - they drove him so close to the edge at times that he would sit at his desk shaking like a leaf.  Really he should have done something about it.  Happily he found a great job just up the road where they really appreciate him and he's now doing brilliantly, last I heard.  Had I not decided to move to Wales instead, I probably would have joined him at said company.

Do what Pythov says.  Keep a diary.  It may seem like a pain in the arse and not worth bothering, but I wish I had - I might have done something about it in the end, rather than just slinking out with my tail between my legs.  Especially as your situation sounds more hostile than mine was.

Tip: keep it on paper or floppy disk, NOT on your work computer (assuming you sit in front of one at work), and ABSOLUTELY NOT on any of their servers (network drives).

[Incredible Monkey Doctor]

It is worth you keeping a diary from now on, with every litle 'slight', or any time you feel punished for something trivial.  This can be used very effectivly if you find yourself dismissed from your job for something trivial.

Next, in fantasy land...

Seriously, if you sue for constructive/unfair dismissal, expect never to be employed to your full capacity again. Call it unfair, but if a potential employer finds out you've been involved in such action, they will not employ you ofr fear you are a troublemaker.

Simple option - get the fuck out. I've been in a job where the boss hated me for a slight I commited (with one of her pets complict approval) and it was a waste of my time. I left for pastures new and am now loved.

[Rev]

The thing that makes it worse is that even though I don't particulary like my job I am bloody good at it but still get hauled over the coles for the slightest mistake.

I've been in a pretty much identical situation; personality clashes in an old job led to me becoming the whipping boy for several people who took home a couple of grand a year more than me, and took this as hard proof of their superior intelligence and ability.  

Without going into tedious specifics, one example of the shenanigans that went on:  a member of the board produced a copy of a document that 'proved' I'd fucked up a major account, and that the company had lost around a quarter of a million pounds because of me.  He rubbed it in my boss' face and demanded my head on a spike.  Suspecting that something was up, I went into the basement of the building, home to the very poorly-maintained archive, and retrieved a copy of the original document.  Guess what?  They were different.  He'd had his PA - quite convincingly - amend the copy he was waving around to cover-up a recent fuck-up on his part, and deflect the heat onto me.  

He should have been marched out of the building, but he was a member of the board, you see.  Not even a slapped wrist, and certainly no apology.  

I took voluntary redundancy a few months later, and I swear that the air has never tasted sweeter than it did when I walked out of that office.  Not all that positive, I know, but I think you've already worked out that it's time for you to resign.

[Pythov]

Your right in many ways IMD

'Get the hell out of the job if you can', IS much better advice than my ramblings.

(I think I was/am to blinkered by my own perspective.  My job skills are not very transferable - their are only a few companies which I could join.)

I don't even know what @ssmaster does for a living.  

@ssmaster, if you can get another job which you think is similar (or that you might enjoy) it is worth just ditching your current job and going elsewhere.  It is alot easier than 'taking on' your employers.

Best of luck.

[Dusty Gozongas]

Coles?

But anyway.  Either you're shit enough to sack or you should be telling somebody to fuck off.

Your call entirely.

[@ssmaster]

Coles?

You not my boss are you?

Yes, get out of the job, that is the plan. I'm planning to change my career and teach IT for beginners, I'm off for a couple of weeks soon and going to look into courses to get a teaching qualification. Actually this is the only thing that is keeping me from exploding at the moment.

[neuteredcats]

Yes, get out of the job, that is the plan. I'm planning to change my career and teach IT for beginners, I'm off for a couple of weeks soon and going to look into courses to get a teaching qualification. Actually this is the only thing that is keeping me from exploding at the moment.

Just leave -
I know it sounds simplistic, but there's nothing stopping you just walking out that door with your head held high...Remember you are better than them.

I've done it many times.

You don't have to put up with it. Life's too short. Let them simmer in the quagmire of their own shit in which they wallow.

If you opt out for a while that's fine too. Don't work for a bit, take life easy. Make time for yourself and your interests. Get off the conveyor belt and take time to appreciate the view.

Shit - I'm starting to sound like Deepak Chopra now....

Seriously, if it's really necessary, you could use a bit of your own digital surveillance to record anything damning. And, if more people had the guts/courage to take companies to tribunals - this sort of thing would happen a lot less!! I don't subscribe to the 'oh, you'll never be employed again' argument. that's just bollocks. They use that tired old line for the long term sick or unemployed. It's just not true!

We don't have to stand for bullying - if we do, ultimately, it is society as a whole that will pay through rising mental health problems, unnemployment and absenteism.  

Make an example of the people who are causing the problems (preferrably in front of as many people as possible) - and if it gets you sacked - SO WHAT?? You get to have the last laugh...

I guarantee you will feel INCREDIBLE for having done it!

Hope these thoughts help - they are born of personal experience.

[Dusty Gozongas]

You not my boss are you?

Nope.  The boss gene is lacking here.  I can smell 'em a mile off though.

Yes, get out of the job, that is the plan. I'm planning to change my career and teach IT for beginners, I'm off for a couple of weeks soon and going to look into courses to get a teaching qualification. Actually this is the only thing that is keeping me from exploding at the moment

:-) Good luck.  Not being facetious here, just do it!  I'm just a lazy fucker and not motivated nor articulate enough to teach stuff (even the stuff i know well) but I'm gifted with the ability to tell bosses when they need to fuck off and have a cup of coffee while I'm busy doing MY job.  It's always worth remembering that "they need you more than you need them".  There's plenty who do take the pressure to heart though and I hate to see them bullied.

That probably sounded wrong.  Ah well.

[23 Daves]

You will all know, of course, that I was fired from my last job for a variety of reasons, but the main one (in my view) was that I dared to disagree with my boss in a meeting that things were 'going well' with a major changeover.  I was only saying what everyone else was thinking, and lo, out of the door I went.  It didn't matter, though, because i'd already made my mind up that I was going to quit anyway, they just gave me the push a few days before I decided I was going to give in my month's notice.  Three weeks later I was in Australia.  Ha!

On the subject of tribunals, do it if you want.  A friend of mine did, won, and contrary to what you might believe her career is now flourishing (plus she took a vocational university course to improve her career with the money she won).  Her boss later went mad after she lost the tribunal and had to take long term sick leave.  Everyone was happy, since nobody in the whole place liked the jumped-up nazi.  Sometimes things are alright with the world, and the big corporate bully doesn't win.  It's just a question of standing up for yourself.

I'll be the first to admit that sometimes things do go wrong, though, and in the field of the media (in particular) 'troublemakers' are sometimes avoided. It's best to use your own judgement on this one, really.  But definitely, if you win money there's no question it certainly helps you get by in the gap between jobs.

[High Roller]

On the subject of tribunals, do it if you want.  A friend of mine did, won, and contrary to what you might believe her career is now flourishing (plus she took a vocational university course to improve her career with the money she won).  Her boss later went mad after she lost the tribunal and had to take long term sick leave.  Everyone was happy, since nobody in the whole place liked the jumped-up nazi.  Sometimes things are alright with the world, and the big corporate bully doesn't win.  It's just a question of standing up for yourself.

I completely agree. I know people that have won their cases and gone onto bigger and better things. Unless you are in a very specialised market it would be unlikely if your new employer found out and the length at which it takes to get into court you would have been able to prove yourself in your new career.

I would also not dismiss the idea of keeping a diary of these events. You should keep a daily log, note in "nothing happened" if  nothing did. These little things are certainly not "fantasy land" and show a methodical approach to your proof.  You need to build a case to support yourself and it could help deal withgiving you a positive mental attitude. Everytime something is said you build you case and stop it eroding your self-estime.

The main thing is to ask, like 23 Daves, is could this be the push you need to go onto something better.  Us e the time to find another job etc...


P.s Did your friend work in the Home Office, 23 Daves??

[Jaffa The Cake]

note in "nothing happened" if  nothing did.

I'd opt for "No one died". Go on, it'll be fun.

[Marcus Or Relius]

I was convinced I was for the employment chop throughout the entire 18-months at my old workplace. The particular part of the financial market we were in was turning into a big pile of lifeless pooh, and there were a lot of redundencies. On one occasion we were all told that at least six (of eighteen) general members of staff were to go on Monday - it being Friday afternoon that we were told this. A horrible, stressful weekend ensued for all concerned, although in the end I managed to avoid the boot.

On two subsequent occasions I was personally lined up for redundency - nothing personal, I don't think, just that my duties were drying up and I had less and less to do - and although I survived both times there were plenty of sleepless nights. On top of these issues, neither the Sales Director nor the Financial Director liked me one bit.

In the end, I was still there when the business closed, and not only that but I was the only one of the remaining nine members of staff who the boss thought worthy enough to ask to join his brand new company.

Which shows how fantastic I am. : )

[Santa's Boyfriend]

Personally I had a nervous breakdown due to the incredible pressures of being a teacher, and am now on sick leave, unable to work.  Don't let it go that far - get out.

[@ssmaster]

Personally I had a nervous breakdown due to the incredible pressures of being a teacher, and am now on sick leave, unable to work.  Don't let it go that far - get out.

Blimey, talk about a message from the future. I'm interested, what type of pressures does a teacher suffer being that I'm looking into being one myself?

[Santa's Boyfriend]

Blimey, talk about a message from the future. I'm interested, what type of pressures does a teacher suffer being that I'm looking into being one myself?

Oh jeez, where do you start?  Firstly you have to have a very thick skin - you are effectively a verbal (and sometimes physical) punchbag for students, and are rarely viewed as a human being.  It becomes very much an "Us vs. Them" thing, regardless of how much you may feel you can empathise with students.   They simply can't see past your shirt and tie.

Secondly you have no legal security to speak of.  Students can do what they like, and you are responsible for it.  And if you take them on a trip and anything goes wrong (and I mean ANYTHING) you can go to prison for two years - again for things you have no control over.  And if you've ever tried to get a 15 year old to act sensibly, you'll see how hard it is.  Imagine trying to control a whole group of them, and then assuming legal responsibility for them.

[Santa's Boyfriend]

Thirdly the workload is horrific.  10 hour days seem to be the norm, with 12 hour days being commonplace.  In most places you do get long holidays, but not where I was.  You are expected to have no life other than work, and do little else other than sleep.

Finally I found that there was no rewards in the job.  I always felt that whatever I did, it was never good enough.  And if something fell short of perfect, I was told off for it.  Add to that a generally disgruntled workforce, and it really does seem to me to be a job exclusively for masochists.

Not that I want to put you off or anything.

(posted in 2 parts because for some reason my browser wouldn't let me post it as 1 post.)

[Ambient Sheep]

Personally I had a nervous breakdown due to the incredible pressures of being a teacher, and am now on sick leave, unable to work.  Don't let it go that far - get out.

Sorry to hear that, Santa, as is Torty.  I don't suppose you'll be making it to the Bristol Meet, will you?  Are you still in Southend, or back in the Brissle area?

[Santa's Boyfriend]

Personally I had a nervous breakdown due to the incredible pressures of being a teacher, and am now on sick leave, unable to work.  Don't let it go that far - get out.

Sorry to hear that, Santa, as is Torty.  I don't suppose you'll be making it to the Bristol Meet, will you?  Are you still in Southend, or back in the Brissle area?

I'm in the Brissle area right now, but it's unlikely I'll be going to the meet to be honest.

[Ambient Sheep]

I'm in the Brissle area right now, but it's unlikely I'll be going to the meet to be honest.

Shame, but I can understand that.  We can promise a "no photos" policy if you like.  Torty'll promise anything to get another shoulder massage... ;-)

[blue jammer]

Has anyone ever felt paranoid that they could lose their job even though there is no reason to think that you will?

Yes, but never to the extent that it's bothered me much.

Well I'm currently in that positition at the moment. I know for a fact that the Managing Director doesn't like me, I don't know the reason why.... actually I do, it was because I dared to question a decision he made once and he didn't appreciate some minion thinking he knew better than him (even though I was proved right).

The thing that makes it worse is that even though I don't particulary like my job I am bloody good at it but still get hauled over the coles for the slightest mistake. I have seen it in the past were people have been hounded out of their jobs by the bosses and it looks likes this is what is happening to me.

A coupla questions:

How long have you been in the job?
Are you in a union?

If you've had minimal time off sick, and your punctually is good, then to be honest, there's nothing to worry about, as they'd have to find a really good reason to get rid of you.

In my current job I had a run in with a boss and it was clear we loathed each other, she took me in a meeting room and started to try and blame me for something I hadn't done, and as she wouldn't listen to my side of it, I got up and headed for the door, she said "where are you going? I haven't finished" I just closed the door behind me and went back to work. She didn't speak to me for a week or so, and from then on, kept it as minimal as possible.

It didn't worry me at all, as I knew they had nothing they could sack me for.

You get personality clashes and the likes in all jobs, if you want to stay there, and have nothing they can pin on you, just be defiant of any flack that comes your way.

[23 Daves]

P.s Did your friend work in the Home Office, 23 Daves??

Nope - she worked in private health care.  I don't have any friends at Whitehall, with a couple of honourable exceptions they were among the most boring people I've ever met in my life, not far off Chris Morris' impression of a civil servant on "Brasseye".  I wish we bloody had pinned messages to animals, though...

[JJJJH]

I was a bit worried earlier that I was gonna get the sack in the Co-op I work in. Aint got time for all the details at the moment, but my shift culminated in me shouting at my boss and getting an apology for an earlier incident that the pompous, ignorant, hypocritical bastard wouldn't admit he was in the wrong to.

[Stripeyjoe]

Mr @ss,
if you are going to leave take all your holiday and then have a good few weeks/months off on the sick (unexplainable rectal bleeding is a good excuse) and then hand in your notice just before they're going to sack you for the amount of sick leave you've had... and, if you haven't, join a union.
That should give you a good three months to look for another job and do the gardening.
SJ