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Bad bosses come in all shapes and forms. While some are straight-up selfish and unethical, others continuously tell their employees the absolute worst things. But there's a whole other category of managers who are simply awful human beings that always seem to find a way to make every day feel like a never-ending nightmare.

When you constantly clean up your boss's mess, witness ridiculous entitlement, and put up with a complete lack of respect, it’s easy to feel frustrated. Luckily, there are plenty of people who call out their out-of-touch bosses by documenting their nasty behaviors and sharing them with the whole world.

Bored Panda combed the web and compiled this list of the greatest examples of how bosses and managers show off their worst sides. So get comfy, grab a metaphorical box of popcorn, and continue scrolling! Upvote the ones that surprised you most and share your own experiences with us in the comments.

#2

Finally Decided I’d Had Enough Of My Boss On Monday, And Did It Feel Good

Finally Decided I’d Had Enough Of My Boss On Monday, And Did It Feel Good

binthinkin77 Report

We don’t have to be best friends with our colleagues and our managers, but getting along with them sure makes things go a whole lot smoother. Our basic human need to socialize and create friendships gives us a sense of belonging, meaning, and confidence. Pretty much everyone wants to be in a healthy work environment to feel more at ease in our daily lives. More often than not, however, that’s not the case.

A recent study by GoodHire surveyed 3000 full-time working Americans from some of the most popular job sectors — education, finance and insurance, healthcare, hospitality, and more. The aim was to learn more about the difficult relationship between managers and their employees. The researchers asked people to share true feelings about their managers, how the supervisors could improve, and what kind of management characteristics workers hate most.

#4

Is It Normal To Not Want To Discuss The Base Pay?

Is It Normal To Not Want To Discuss The Base Pay?

ceanothourus Report

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DUN DUN (she/her)
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Asking about the base pay is a red flag?? Dude ur mentality is THE biggest red flag here

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#5

Boss Told Me After Massively Overworking Me That If I Want To Play In His Sandpit I Need To Toughen Up

Boss Told Me After Massively Overworking Me That If I Want To Play In His Sandpit I Need To Toughen Up

Told him I don’t want to play in the sandpit, I want time to lay on the lawn with my cats. He told me to take my cats and go to hell. He was bluffing. I wasn’t. I quit! Coming at ya from my lawn!

WhlteMlrror Report

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Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha, glass of something good, a cat, a lawn and sunshine. Fu*k that boss, this looks waaaay nicer and must feel so good!

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Surprisingly, the results revealed that 70 percent of American workers said they strongly or somewhat enjoy working for their managers. Quite unexpected, right? However, 82 percent would potentially quit their job because of a bad boss.

When it comes to the worst manager traits, "respondents said they are most irritated by a manager who is overbearing and micromanages, as well as a manager who expects them to work outside of working hours."

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#9

Who's Worse - The Manager Or The Racist Customers?

Who's Worse - The Manager Or The Racist Customers?

C4ptaincrunch20 Report

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BigFish Artwire
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know where is that restaurant but I'm so happy that we don't have it in this country. Fkng racist pr!cks

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Plus, it’s extremely hard when management does not respect your personal time. GoodHire revealed that just 46 percent of all American workers feel their manager respects their time away from work. "This is a true red flag in the workplace and can lead to the demise of any sort of work-life balance, especially in this new world of remote working in which employees are constantly in close proximity to their 'office.'"

#10

Why Do Bosses Get So Angry About Vacation Days?

Why Do Bosses Get So Angry About Vacation Days?

jordan_stratton Report

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#11

My Sister Recieved This Email Today. It Was Sent From Her Manager To All Her Coworkers

My Sister Recieved This Email Today. It Was Sent From Her Manager To All Her Coworkers

She reported it to HR and they told her it was "out of place for her to critique her superior's emails."

getyourtimeback Report

#12

The Company Culture

The Company Culture

yeoldedad Report

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Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not give everybody free coffee, tea, water regardless ... What a lousy boss.

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As they say, there’s only so much a person can take. And horrible bosses know how to test our patience. While some people choose to quit right there on the spot, for others this decision is a long time coming. After all, if you’re unhappy at work, feel constantly depleted by your job, or self-diagnose yourself with the "can’t get out of bed in the morning" syndrome, you’re not able to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

#13

A Boss’s Emailed Reply To An Employee Testing Positive For Covid-19

A Boss’s Emailed Reply To An Employee Testing Positive For Covid-19

One_Bookkeeper_1775 Report

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Elliot Fowler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have reported them to the authorities and had them investigate if he is forced other workers to come even if they have covid

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#14

Sad That This Is The World We Live In

Sad That This Is The World We Live In

EggEggEggEggOWO Report

#15

Toddler Logic

Toddler Logic

katierose Report

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Hannah Edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is beyond awful, but why are bosses being like this? Too much pressure, demands, expectations being put on them? Unrealistic targets? Some of them may just be wankers of course

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Elizabeth Sullivan, a career coach based in the UK, told Bored Panda in a previous interview that some bosses show far less value, respect, and appreciation for their staff than others. "Some people are less sensitive, they may not even realize that what they are saying is disrespectful to other people. Some are unkind, uncaring, negative, unappreciative, or even toxic. And there’s also the bullies who take out their own issues and unhappiness on others."

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When asked about dealing with such bosses, she said everything depends on whether you enjoy your position or not. "It can be worth trying to address it if you like the job and would otherwise stay. But there is a big difference between constructive criticism and harmful comments at work. You need the former to grow, the latter just needs to go," she said.

#16

I'm A Skilled Tradesman Who Is Supposed To Get A $3000 Bonus At The End Of The Year For Making The Company $150,000 In Profit, Per My Contract

I'm A Skilled Tradesman Who Is Supposed To Get A $3000 Bonus At The End Of The Year For Making The Company $150,000 In Profit, Per My Contract

I doubled it, which is supposed to increase my bonus. This is what I received. 100% done with this industry.

itstinyrick86 Report

#17

Manager Won’t Let Mom Who’s Son Is On Life Support Request Time Off

Manager Won’t Let Mom Who’s Son Is On Life Support Request Time Off

Queen__Bri Report

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Carbonel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! Hope this person managed to keep their job but I’d have a hard time showing any respect for the manager after this.

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#18

My Manager Taped A Piece Of Paper To A Clipboard

My Manager Taped A Piece Of Paper To A Clipboard

Petemarsh54 Report

Remember, if you’re getting negative and hurtful comments from your employer, that’s not acceptable. "Everyone should feel respected and safe at their place of work. It may be important to evaluate whether the comments are specific to the company culture, the boss, or something else." You can try addressing the issue with your superior using the when you do this, I feel that formula: "When you make personal comments like that, I feel insulted, can you please stop doing that," Sullivan suggested.

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#19

This Sign. The Manager Must Be A Nightmare

This Sign. The Manager Must Be A Nightmare

parawh0remal Report

#20

My Office Has Lost 60% Of Our Staff Since The Start Of The Pandemic. I Am Doing The Work Of 3 People And I Was Here For 14 Hours Yesterday

My Office Has Lost 60% Of Our Staff Since The Start Of The Pandemic. I Am Doing The Work Of 3 People And I Was Here For 14 Hours Yesterday

Got this email from our area manager this morning. Happy Thanksgiving

AnIrishgEnt52 Report

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Eva the Egg
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is "I would rather stay at home and hang out with my cats and watch neflix rather than spending time at the workplace with a shitty boss like you" reasonable enough

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Everyone deserves appreciation and respect, and we do not have to tolerate frustrating situations as they can damage our health and well-being. "Address it and see if you can change it. Namely, is it a pattern specific to your manager or your workplace generally? If, for example, it was just specific to your manager, it’s worth asking for more regular feedback including positive acknowledgment."

"If you speak to the person using the [when you do this, I feel that] formula and the situation doesn’t change, depending on the source of the behavior and how comfortable you feel, consider bringing in an ally, a mentor, or HR. Taking larger action may be worth considering. Or even looking for a job in another department or company," the career coach added.

#21

My Bosses Desktop

My Bosses Desktop

s13Twin Report

#22

One Of A Seemingly Endless Series Of Unreasonable Notes Left By My Boss. It’s Great Here

One Of A Seemingly Endless Series Of Unreasonable Notes Left By My Boss. It’s Great Here

Rich-P Report

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Kanuli
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh this is gold. There was a case in germany and they had to pay him quite a but of compensation, since they fired him for theft, and the amount was calculated to like 0,005 cents or something.

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#23

Manager Tried To Get Me To Come In With Less Than An Hour Notice

Manager Tried To Get Me To Come In With Less Than An Hour Notice

YoloCowboy Report

#24

My Old Boss And This Review Describes Him In A Typical Manner

My Old Boss And This Review Describes Him In A Typical Manner

franticaerobics Report

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Little Miss Betty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where I live it is illegal to charge for tap water! I don't understand how they can charge people.

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When you witness other people standing up for themselves and see how they did it, it can inspire you to do the same. While we should not stoop to our awful boss’s level by becoming aggressive or insulting, it’s important to know your worth and take a stand against injustices. After all, people will underestimate you if you allow them to.

"Remember that you are valuable, worthy, and enough, regardless of whether one particular person (an unappreciative, toxic, or negative boss) or even a group of people see you that way or not," Sullivan concluded.

#25

2 Weeks Of Telling My Boss The Produce In The Warehouse Are Going Bad. Him: Don't Worry About It

2 Weeks Of Telling My Boss The Produce In The Warehouse Are Going Bad. Him: Don't Worry About It

Kaxton15 Report

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Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't worry about it, soon enough the produce will have grown arms and legs and take care if the situation themselves.

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Hseed
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least it's organic. A lot of organisms are living there

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Marcellus II
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also the fluff is protective, the other strawberries won't get so easily bruised in transport.

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Alexander Smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Science experiment! See how long it takes for the mold to become sentient and tell your boss he's wrong!

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ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see, so this is the famous camembrieberries I've heard about in france? /s/

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Robert Thompson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Working for landscape maintenance, I told the boss the mower was using a lot of oil. He dismissed it. Later that week I was reprimanded for running the mower without oil. I didn't work for him much longer.

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BarkingBunny
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This product is from a Walmart Distribution Center.. ALL warehouses get things like this, but USUALLY organics go bad FAST! A few months ago we had a deadly spider (dead, Thank the Gods) come in on an organic produce item...

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13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With everything covid mould as the new chocolate might not be a bad idea 😉

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#26

Great Thank You I Will Put You Down

Great Thank You I Will Put You Down

oo-de-lally-golly Report

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Hannah Edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is that sarcasm and they’re threatening to “put you down” ? I’d be worried

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#27

No Words

No Words

_MY_ Report

#28

Sickness Is Described As An "Offense". I Know This Is Tame Compared To A Lot Of The Stuff On Here, But The Passive-Aggressiveness Of My Manager Is Off The Scale

Sickness Is Described As An "Offense". I Know This Is Tame Compared To A Lot Of The Stuff On Here, But The Passive-Aggressiveness Of My Manager Is Off The Scale

It makes me so angry. We’re all on minimum wage by the way

Ygzr3fptr Report

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Rachknits
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This happened when I worked in the NHS. I was hauled in front of the Trust chief executive to explain why I had taken over 5 days sick after having an operation with complications. If you didn't take any sick days you got an award at the end of the year, as though being sick is a choice

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#29

My Bosses Were Complaining About Me “Standing Around” Towards The End Of A 10hr Serving Shift

My Bosses Were Complaining About Me “Standing Around” Towards The End Of A 10hr Serving Shift

postmodernpretension Report

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Claire
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got so ticked off when I was a student nurse. We were employed in labour ward to do observations and give injections, but mainly to run around and clean when the cleaners weren't there. One day another student and I had a shocker of a morning, running around doing observations and cleaning the rooms, and we finally had a moment to sit down. The utter b***h of a receptionist had the gall to come over and hiss at us and say "Can't you find something else to do? It looks messy when you sit here". She said it really aggressively through gritted teeth. I really wanted to tell her that I'll sit at the desk and file my nails for awhile and she can go clean the blood clots and poop out of the birthing pool next time. Sadly, I was too polite

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#30

A Competing Company Is Offering Us 20 Percent More To Work For Them. Management's Response:

A Competing Company Is Offering Us 20 Percent More To Work For Them. Management's Response:

daniel-moseley Report

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Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's it, I'm staying. Who needs more money when you have free cereal at the office /s

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#31

Unbelievable

Unbelievable

Zhewhoneedsanalt Report

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Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice of you to pay them to be on 24/7 call. You don't? Well....

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#32

My Boss Gave Me These Gloves For ''Welding" After My Old Ones Burned

My Boss Gave Me These Gloves For ''Welding" After My Old Ones Burned

Loponyt Report

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#33

Working Night Shift Without Holiday Pay. This Is The Lunch They Provided. Happy New Year

Working Night Shift Without Holiday Pay. This Is The Lunch They Provided. Happy New Year

thatuploadingaccount Report

#34

My Boss Called Out Today Because His Team Lost The Super Bowl

My Boss Called Out Today Because His Team Lost The Super Bowl

dm_me_ur_pls Report

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Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The same kind of guy that'll tell you to suck it up when you call in sick.

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#35

I Work In Construction And Get Paid In Cash. My Boss Thinks He's Funny

I Work In Construction And Get Paid In Cash. My Boss Thinks He's Funny

OhCoyle Report

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Elliot Fowler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depending on your relationship with the bose it can be considered funny (not professional but funny)

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#36

So I'm 5 Days Into My Covid Positive Reading And My Boss Sends Me This Because She's Short-Staffed And I'm Still Feeling Absolutely Ill

So I'm 5 Days Into My Covid Positive Reading And My Boss Sends Me This Because She's Short-Staffed And I'm Still Feeling Absolutely Ill

I'm in Florida for winter break and she's back in NC meaning I would have to fly while covid positive.

Skaifur Report

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Bobby
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think boss needs to read the CDC guidelines again. Ending isolation if you had symptoms End isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and your symptoms are improving. copy and pasted from CDC website

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#37

Texted Area Manager & General Manager I Could Not Open On My Last Day Due To Injury

Texted Area Manager & General Manager I Could Not Open On My Last Day Due To Injury

They demanded I find a cover and had the audacity to get mad at me. This is why they can’t find anyone. So glad I’m quitting.

z3r0xcool Report

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Rijkærd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are employees responsible for finding a replacement? Is that not the boss work? To take care of emergencies and s**t??

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#38

Gave My Notice Just Over A Week Ago Due To A New Job

Gave My Notice Just Over A Week Ago Due To A New Job

Got this text message from my manager today in the middle of the day. I worked here for 5 years. After my reply, she decided everything will be shipped.

midwestskies16 Report

#39

I Guess I Haven't Been Removed From The Email List Yet. After Terminating My Coworker For Going To A Funeral And Calling Me A Slur, They Send This

I Guess I Haven't Been Removed From The Email List Yet. After Terminating My Coworker For Going To A Funeral And Calling Me A Slur, They Send This

JelloZealousideal954 Report

#40

Called My Boss And Said “How Do You Expect Me To Work Like This.” She Said “Try Your Best.” I’m A Barista

Called My Boss And Said “How Do You Expect Me To Work Like This.” She Said “Try Your Best.” I’m A Barista

temporarygeneration Report

#41

Throwback To June Of This Year When My Employer Wrote Me Up For Discussing Pay With Coworkers! (Which I Didn't Even Do Btw)

Throwback To June Of This Year When My Employer Wrote Me Up For Discussing Pay With Coworkers! (Which I Didn't Even Do Btw)

spicymemories19 Report

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Chucky Cheezburger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sweet... if you're in the U.S., get a copy of that paper. It's illegal to prevent workers from discussing wages among themselves.

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#43

Boss Says We Can’t Wear Masks Because “It Will Scare Customers.” Guess I’ll Suck Some Pollen Like A Vacuum

Boss Says We Can’t Wear Masks Because “It Will Scare Customers.” Guess I’ll Suck Some Pollen Like A Vacuum

xCoffeeGamingx Report

#44

I Work At A Small Coffee Shop. My Boss Just Absent-Mindedly Poured Unroasted Beans Into A Batch Of Roasted Ones. Here's Us Separating 10,000 Beans. By Hand

I Work At A Small Coffee Shop. My Boss Just Absent-Mindedly Poured Unroasted Beans Into A Batch Of Roasted Ones. Here's Us Separating 10,000 Beans. By Hand

CensoryDeprivation Report

#45

I Quit A Horrible Job Cleaning Houses After 3 Days

I Quit A Horrible Job Cleaning Houses After 3 Days

I was given terrible equipment and was falsely told I’d be scheduled more than enough time to get my work done each day. They tried to only pay me for 2 hours! After arguing with her for 30 minutes via text she agreed to pay me 8 more hours.

RabbitOld180 Report

#46

My Boss Decided To Up The Price Of Our Previously Free Water

My Boss Decided To Up The Price Of Our Previously Free Water

FatherBand Report

#47

I Am An HR Assistant And I Am Forced By My Boss To Use Paper Like This To Keep Track Of Working Hours Instead Of Just Doing It On Excel Or With An HR Software (Which We Have)

I Am An HR Assistant And I Am Forced By My Boss To Use Paper Like This To Keep Track Of Working Hours Instead Of Just Doing It On Excel Or With An HR Software (Which We Have)

Big_Fat_Granny Report

#48

I Work In An Italian Restaurant. These Are The Notes Of Encouragement That My Boss Regularly Posts Around The Place. I Love Working For Him

I Work In An Italian Restaurant. These Are The Notes Of Encouragement That My Boss Regularly Posts Around The Place. I Love Working For Him

5nackbar Report

#49

About A Year Ago I Got Let Go Of My Job And Decided To Hustle Making Music, This Is The Second Time My Ex-Boss Tries To Have Me Mention Him In A "Media Opportunity"

About A Year Ago I Got Let Go Of My Job And Decided To Hustle Making Music, This Is The Second Time My Ex-Boss Tries To Have Me Mention Him In A "Media Opportunity"

PurveyorOfSapristi Report

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BigFish Artwire
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The audacity! It gives me much satisfaction that the boss is on the other side of things now

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#50

Customer Broke This Where I Work At And I Have To Put It Back Like Nothing Happened Because Colleagues Told Me My Boss Will Make Me Pay For It If It Happened On My Shift. Which It Did. Love My Job

Customer Broke This Where I Work At And I Have To Put It Back Like Nothing Happened Because Colleagues Told Me My Boss Will Make Me Pay For It If It Happened On My Shift. Which It Did. Love My Job

lemonadesunsett Report

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