"Psycho"

Unfortunately, this email must be sent anonymously. I have just begun a new position with deep misgivings concerning the reputation of the boss that hired me has with past employees. I am doing the work for financial reasons (essentially I have no choice at this time).

This particular individual has both psychiatric and legal training.

Past employees of this particular individual have characterized him as, among other things:
1. Psychologically abusive, i.e. that he uses his psychiatric training as a source of devices to manipulate and control employees
2. Extremely manipulative in other ways; out-and-out lies
3. Promises benefits, contacts, letters of reference and career development, and does not deliver
4. Throws tantrums, yells at employees over the phone, berates employees
5. Tries to manage the office by remote-control from elsewhere
6. Requests that employees do him personal favors
7. Is computer-illiterate (this is a generational issue)
8. Makes wholly unrealistic demands in terms of employee output
9. Uses his fragile health as a device to induce guilt-trips in employees
10. Several other issues also..

In his defense, he did have a heart attack last year, and the office has suffered from a severe case of the revolving-door employee syndrome, and as a result the filing system (essential to running it) is a complete mess. He has contended to me personally that past employees were psychiatrically disturbed (?!) and engaged in deliberate sabotage.

Suggestions for keeping one's sanity (LOL)?

Anon.

Dear "Anonymous",

There are difficult bosses, and then there are difficult bosses. And then there is your boss. Frankly, this sounds like a situation where you cannot win. Your boss sounds like he needs therapy. Unless he gets it, there is little that you can do to protect yourself from his eratic behaviour.

You mention that you need this job for financial reasons. I would urge you look for another job, even if it means a cut in pay, or a time without an income.

Your current position carries a high risk of doing you harm through the stress it imposes on you. Given the track record of your boss in retaining employees, I suspect you will reach the point of having to leave soon enough. Why not go quickly and save yourself the grief of working with this person.

I wish you well as you deal with a very difficult dilemma.

Dr. John

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