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50 Screenshots And Photos From People Who Have The Worst Bosses Ever
Interview With Expert
They say that a manager can have a greater impact on a person’s mental health than a therapist. A good leader can boost one’s morale and productivity, while a horrible boss not only causes stress at work but may also affect one’s personal life.
This list is about the latter. It exposes some of the worst managers any employee can have, from denying paid time off to firing someone because they had to attend to a sick loved one’s needs.
If you’ve been in the unfortunate situation of having a deplorable employer, this may hit right in the feels in the most infuriating way.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Quit My Job Last Night, It Was Nice To Be Home To Make The Kids Breakfast And Take Them To School Today. Off To Hunt For A New Opportunity, Wish Me Luck
RELATED:
#3
Boss Wouldn't Accept My Resignation Letter
With younger people comprising a significant portion of the workforce, values and approaches to work have also undergone considerable changes. Loyalty to a job, for one, is no longer the same.
A report by SHRM featured a survey by business consulting firm West Monroe that revealed 45 percent of employees who have been with their current employer for less than a year had already begun applying to new jobs.
#4
Never Told A Boss Off Like This. And It Felt Amazing
#5
What Kind Of Psycho Asks That, Expecting The Answer To Be Anything Other Than Family?
#6
I’m Still In Shock
HR technologist Ken Ohler notes that “the compact between employer and employee is fragile” and “loyalty has its limits.” As he told SHRM, one point of vulnerability is when a boss frustrates and disengages their staff to the point where a competitor could lure them by offering something better, either through salary or benefits.
“Even if pay is in the right place, lack of strategic direction from leaders, frustration with work processes or technology, or lack of development could create the opening for another employer to steal top talent,” Ohler said.
#7
"You Are Replaceable" "Okay, Then I Quit" "No, Not Like That"
#8
Proved My Boss Wrong (By Getting A 40k Raise)
Bonnie Blue Bird 2 months ago
Your resignation letter should be followed with a call to the Dept of Labor
#9
Just "Turn It Off"
In our intro, we mentioned that managers have a significant impact on employees’ mental health. Psychologist Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein gave some specific examples in an article for Psychology Today.
Micromanagers are a classic example of a toxic boss. Apart from causing severe anxiety, Dr. Bernstein says these types of managers can also destroy an employee’s confidence and even cause depression.
#10
Just Found I'm The Single Lowest Paid Paramedic At My Ambulance Company, Despite Having The Most Experience By Several Years
#11
Old Manager Texting Me
Old manager keeps texting me, blocked him by phone number the first time but just checked again months later and he found me on facebook. I worked with this man when I was 16 years old. Pretty gross if you ask me.
#12
Boss Ate Half Of My Lunch While I Was In The Bathroom
Flickers_and_Sparks 2 months ago
The audacity of literally eating SOMEONE ELSE'S food is and brushing it off as "expected" is entitlement off the charts!
“When employees feel they have no control over their work, it can create a sense of helplessness and erode their self-worth,” Dr. Bernstein wrote, noting that micromanagement can make an employee second-guess every decision, which may make them detest a job, even the ones they used to love.
#13
What If I Get Fired Because I Take The Bus To Work?
#14
I'm Quite Annoyed And Want To Reply Accordingly, But I'm Unsure If My Words Hold Any Truth
#15
Between A Friend And His Manager At A Small Packing Plant
There’s also the boss with unrealistic expectations. They’re the ones who assign unreasonable deadlines while also expecting flawless output and on-time delivery. They may also reject an employee’s request for a timeline adjustment.
Dr. Bernstein says managers with unfeasible demands not only lead to burnout, but also to chronic stress and physical health issues.
“When employees are constantly pushed beyond their limits, they can experience emotional exhaustion and a diminished sense of accomplishment,” he added.
#16
At My Significant Other’s Workplace (Which Is Also My Old Workplace), Absolutely Terrifying
Dragons Exist 2 months ago
There are some people on this site who wouldn't see any problem with this sign
#17
My Boss Knew I Was Moving Into A New Apartment The Day Before My Summer Holidays. She Fired Me And Didn’t Let My Coworkers Know
I was meant to start the shift in August, nobody knew I wasn’t coming.
#18
Call The Health Department And Tell Them What That Restaurant Is Doing
We got in touch with a few experts who shared their insights about horrible bosses and what may embolden them to act in such a manner. According to Linx Legal CEO Russ Johnson, it typically occurs when managers prioritize short-term wins over long-term risks.
“They assume that as long as they hit revenue targets or keep costs down, the company will protect them,” Johnson told Bored Panda. “Others rely on employees not knowing their rights, which unfortunately happens more often than people realize.”
#19
My Boss Fired Everyone And Didn’t Even Tell Us
Dragons Exist 2 months ago
Shouldn't be on r/mildlyinfuriating, should be on r/extremelyinfuriating
#20
Got Fired For “Telling The Boss How To Do His Job” When All I Did Was Say “We Can’t Obstruct A Fire Escape”
#21
Just Rotten To The Core
StrangeOne 2 months ago (edited)
This is why tips should be kept on the down low, not announced, not reported to the employer. The employer doesn't value US waitstaff to pay them minimum wage, so they don't deserve the respect of transparency with their waitstaff. But way to go for her getting way more all because her employer was a d**k.
In some cases, bosses may not realize the damaging impact of their behavior. According to Loio HR director Nataliia Zhurba, it’s either because no one had given them direct feedback or because upper management never modeled healthier leadership. Peter Barnett, VP of Product Strategy at Action1, shared a similar sentiment.
“If leadership doesn’t have clear systems for measuring how managers treat their teams, bad behavior can slip under the radar,” Barnett said.
#22
Imagine Paying Poverty Wages And Then Demanding Loyalty
#23
Boss Called Me In The Middle Of Fixing The Day Shifts Mistakes On Top Of Doing My Own Job To Chew Me Out For Refusing A Customer
Needless to say, she won’t have to worry about getting anymore complaints about me.
#24
Today Is The First Official Day Of My Vacation. I Barely Made It 4 Hours Before Some Trouser Stain Texted Me For Help, And Wouldn't Take "No" For An Answer
There are cases when a boss’s insecurity may get the better of them. According to Younium founder and CEO Niclas Lilja, many leaders lash out because they don’t feel in control, or the pressure from above makes them push the stress onto their teams.
“In smaller companies, especially, bosses may think the lack of formal HR structures or legal resources makes them untouchable,” he explained.
#25
Why Is Working While You’re Sick A Badge Of Honor? It’s Dumb
#26
There’s No Way This Is Legal Right?
#27
Not The Manager Tryna Fake Being A Therapist
Unfortunately, there are mistreatments that many bosses may get away with, receiving only a mild reprimand. Zhurba says it’s the menial yet equally damaging behaviors, such as giving vague instructions and then blaming the employee for it, or routinely overlooking someone for recognition.
Brizy CEO Dimi Baitanciuc says a manager may only receive a slap on the wrist for favoritism, micromanagement, unfair workload distribution, or even verbal intimidation. The reason: they are all difficult to prove legally.
#28
I Got Fired And They Still Expected Me To Come In For My Shift
#29
My New Manager Wrote This Up Today. Non-Union Grocery Business In Ohio. What Are My Options? Is This Legal? I've Heard Of The Nlra; Is That What I Need To Combat This?
BloopyBloopBloop 2 months ago
In Australia, it's against the law for employers to tell employees they are not allowed to discuss salaries.
#30
Convo Between My Coworker Who Quit And My Boss
BloopyBloopBloop 2 months ago
Never be mean to the people uder you because you never know if one day they'll be your boss.
If bosses can get away with “minor” infractions, does that mean complaints filed against them won’t hold water? From an HR perspective, Zhurba says erring managers may not get off scot-free because they consider patterns when hiring, not isolated events.
“Once a manager has a track record of complaints, it limits their ability to lead larger teams or take on more responsibility. Their growth may stall, even if they technically keep their job,” she explained.
#31
I Have Been Wanting To Quit My Job Of 10 Years Took A Mental Health Day To Think About It This Is What I Wake Up To
SkippityBoppityBoo 2 months ago (edited)
"Yes, I have Ebola and to top it all off? My head fell off...I'm typing with my toes..."
#33
How Is This Even Legal
Both Lilja and Johnson agree that one’s reputation matters in many of today’s industries. Complaints may be attached to a person’s name, making them less trustworthy.
“Over time, being known as a difficult leader can close off opportunities, no matter how strong their results look on paper,” Lilja says.
#34
I Encouraged My Cousin To Quit Her Job And She Finally Stood Up For Herself
#35
My Boss Says “I Suck” For Being Sick And Then Uses His Own Record To Make Me Feel Bad
BloopyBloopBloop 2 months ago
Going to work while sick is not the flex some people think it is
#36
Boss: "As Your Boss, I Don't Have To Answer Your Calls. But You Do Have To Answer Mine"
It can be challenging for an aggrieved employee to stand up for themselves, especially when their job and salary are at risk. However, all our experts agree that documentation is everything and a valuable weapon when the time comes.
“Know your rights under labor law and don’t hesitate to go to HR or external labor boards if pay is withheld,” Baitaniuc added.
#37
Got Fired After Having Allergic Reaction To Second Vaccine Dose
#38
Shout Out The Worst Place I Ever Worked (Minimum Wage, Of Course)
#39
My Boss Denied My Medical Request A Month In Advance, The First Time Ever, Even Requesting A Day Off
#40
I’m Currently In New Zealand For A Week And The People Here Keep Saying “What A Short Holiday.” This Week Was Actually So Hard For Me To String Together
#41
Walked Into Upper Management’s Office Today And Found This Gem
#42
10 Days After We Had Our Baby. My Mind Was Genuinely Blown. What Would Your Response Have Been?
#43
Toxic Workplace Boss Pays Ex-Employee In Motor-Oiled Covered Pennies
#44
The Joy Of Working In Retail
#45
Why Do Boomers Think This Is Funny?
#46
My GF Has Asked For Reduced Hours At Her Work For 2 Weeks, And They’ve Been Ignored... Today, She Asked To Come In Late, And This Was The Manager's Reply
#47
A Manager I've Never Met Tried To Get My Raise Decreased Because I Didn't Attend His Pet Project When I Was On Medical Leave Of Absence For Cancer
#48
Got Fired, Asked When My Final Cheque Would Be Available. Didn’t Get Back To Me, Filed A Complaint Via My Local Labour Board. This Is The Text I Got Back From My Former Manager
I worked in car sales, and have a detailing business that I run on the side. Do keep in mind this is not the owner or general manager of this business but instead the sales manager which means my report doesn’t affect him whatsoever.
Bonnie Blue Bird 2 months ago
Some people must always try and spread their miserable attitudes.
#49
Is The Store Manager Allowed To Do This?
#50
We Can’t Turn Off Harsh Lights Anymore
My coworker and I work in an office that has built in lights to our desks. They’re a lot less harsh on the eyes than the overhead light. Apparently our manager has a problem with this and I walk in this morning to find this…. Only on our office.
#51
They Kept Trying To Make Her Work Additional Shifts, Even Though They Knew She Had Two Other Jobs
Geoffrey Scott 2 months ago
And THIS is what the ' Big Beautiful Bill' is designed to do. Boss won't give you 40 to be eligible for benefits? Sucks to be you, no Medicaid!
#52
Manager Glued The Volume Button On The Phone So We Can’t Change It
WindySwede 2 months ago (edited)
*dremel* edit: OP: "According to my coworker who was there: the phone wasn’t being answered fast enough (because people were busy handling the line of customers). So one of the managers reasoned that it must be because the volume was turned down and decided to glue the volume button so we can’t change it."
#53
My Boss Is Making Me Come In At 6:30am That Day To “Make Up My Time” Instead Of Just Letting Me Leave An Hour Early One Day
#54
I Was Fired After Sending This Email To My Boss About Labor Violations
#55
Manager Keeps Parking In The Handicap Loading/Unloading Zone
#56
That's Petty
#57
Yeah, Let Me Just Cancel All My Plans. I’ve Made Months In Advance. Be Right There
#58
This Broom That My Boss Expects Us To Sweep The Floor With
#59
Boss Won’t Turn On The AC And I Feel Like I’m Having A Heat Stroke. I Don’t Understand Why He Won’t. Is It Normal To Not Have AC On In Pizzerias At 86 F?
#60
Came Into Work This Morning To Find This Taped To The Wall. Boss Went On Tirade Against Me And Co-Worker Yesterday For Talking To Each Other With No Customers In The Store
Twidder Sux 2 months ago
"WORK IS NOT MEANT TO BE FUN! WORK MUST BE PAIN! PAIN AND TOIL! SUFFERING AND PAIN! NO JOY! NO HAPPINESS! WORK! WORK! SUFFER AND WORK!"
#61
My Managers Lovely Reaction When I Told Him I Can’t Work A Shift Due To A Doctors Appointment
Mind you he only releases the work schedule the Sunday evening right before the upcoming week—so it’s impossible for me to set up appointments.
Seadog 1 month ago
This kind of boss also expects you to schedule your own death 6 months in advance so you can train your replacement which he'll only hire MAYBE 1 week before your demise. Then he'll demand you postpone your death as the new hire isn't working out he'll need at least 6 moths to find another (un)suitable replacement. NO, I'm not kidding. There are many bosses out there that if they could actually say this they would. You can bet if you drop dead, they will actually go around talking about how much you inconvenienced them and the business by having the audacity to die.
#62
Local Subway Had This Posted On Their Door, I Ask The Manager What The Starting Pay Is And He Couldn't Give Me A Straight Answer
quentariel 2 months ago
Funny how this kind of signs are never seen in places where there are better work laws. It's like they actually matter.
#63
My Girlfriends Boss Handed This To Her In Her Office Saying, "These Are Being Handed Out From The Company." I'm Not Sure If This Is A Christmas Gift. What Do You All Think?
#64
This Was Sent To Me 20 Minutes Before My Shift Started
#65
Sure You Will Boss
Phantom Phoenix 2 months ago (edited)
"The bonus is already owed, Goran. By not having paid it yet, you've demonstrated the kind of employer you are - one that I don't want to continue working for. Now, where does that leave us? Oh yeah... thanks for the texts acknowledging that you owe me a $1000 bonus. The question now, Goran, is, Are you going to pay me $1000 today, or the amount a judge decides after I've taken you to court?"
#66
Texts With My Boss This Morning
I have a stomach bug and he’s saying I have to find someone or come in… I serve people food all day… first, I don’t want to get the customers sick, and second, I don’t want to go in when I’m feeling miserable to make $9/hr. I understand being responsible for my shift, and I have tried to find coverage as best as I can, but how are you gonna tell me I can’t call out sick? I haven’t called out once at this job and I’ve been here for 5 months.
Apatheist Account2 2 months ago
It should be the boss' task to find a replacement, not the employee's.
#67
My Bosses Reply When I Told Him I Can't Afford $260 Rain Gear Right Now. No I Don't Need To Work More Hours, I Need You To Pay Me More
Spencers slave no more 2 months ago
Sounds like wet weather gear is needed for the job and should be provided by the employer.
#68
I Had To Evacuate From The Wildfires In La And Had 30 Minutes To Leave My Home. When My Manager Called Me And Asked If I Remembered My Work Laptop
I said no I was fleeing for my life she sent this message to our group.
#69
Boss Wasn't Paying Attention And Sat On My Desk While Talking To A Coworker. Ethan Is The Type Of Guy To Sit On His Employees Glasses And Say “Oopsie Daisy”
#70
My Boss Told Me My Pumpkin Was “Too Basic” To Be Entered Into Our Work’s Pumpkin Carving Contest
Phantom Phoenix 2 months ago
Based on my understanding of English, there would surely be only 2 criteria to submit an entry in a pumpkin carving contest. 1. That's a pumpkin. 2. Carving has occurred upon said pumpkin
#71
Boss Restricted Pto Hours Because The Business “Isn’t Making Enough Money”. I Have 30+ Hours Saved
#72
My Boss’s Solution To Buying A New £15 Scoop… He’s On £200k A Year. Doesn’t Care If We Get Hurt As Long As We Don’t Cost Him Money
#73
My Boss Put A Personal Camera In The Break Room
It doesn’t match to any of the other cameras and my manager said it’s the boss’s personal camera and on his phone. This is a corporate business. I work at Burger King.
#74
Boss Wants Me To Come In Because She Has "No One" Fever Steadily Increasing I'm A Closing Manager For Goodwill
#75
Broke Boss Who Didn't Pay Us For 4 Months Asking Us To Work On A New Project
#76
My Work Adds Printed Photos Of Employees To The Board In The Staffroom. I Handed In My 2 Weeks Notice, And This Is What My Boss Did To The Photo Of Me
#77
Can My Boss Legally Do This?
Clown fish 2 months ago
Yes they are. If it's in the contract to clock in and out then do it. That's on you if you don't
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Linda Lee 2 months ago
I hope the whole world knows about the lack of workers rights in the US.
BeesEelsAndPups 2 months ago
While there is no comparison between the US and other developed countries, the rights you have in the US very much friends on where in the US you live, and whether or not you're in a Union.
Load More Replies...
Alexandra 2 months ago
Almost all of these statements cannot be made for legal reasons. At least where I live. I will never understand why US workers don't revolt, why they are so against unions. It's the unions that made a liveable wage possible, with inflation-correction, health-care for everyone, 20 days paid vacation every year, maternity and sometimes even paternity leave, menstrual leave and if you're seriously ill, your wages will be 100% the first year and 80% the second year. Only then is it possible to fire someone but only with permission of the appropriate state department. If you're recuperating from being ill, a schedule will be established which will ease you back into your job: this is also mandatory. It's not perfect where I live, but by Jove, you can't pay me enough to live in the USA.
Marie BellaDonna 2 months ago
We can't revolt. They keep us too downtrodden to band together, and poor to afford the risk of losing our jobs if we did. And they know it, unfortunately. That's why they do it.
Load More Replies... 
Zig Zag Wanderer 2 months ago
American capitalism sucks. It's a breed apart.
Load More Replies...
TCW Sam Vimes 2 months ago
"USA, USA, USA. Best country in the world, really, so sad all others are losers." DjT You should shoot more billionaires
MeowZedong 2 months ago
The rich have been waging class warfare against the middle class and poor in America very aggressively since Ronald Reagen destroyed the new deal.
nottheactualphoto 2 months ago
The right wing has been scheming to destroy the New Deal since the 1930s. Reagan started the intense phase, but Orangina is working hard to complete the work.
Load More Replies...
Howl's sleeping castle 2 months ago
I have worked for a bad boss only once in my life and even he wasn't this evil
Multa Nocte (she/tiger quoll) 2 months ago
These were torturous to read. I have been blessed with mostly good bosses through the years with a few nasty exceptions. However, in many cases THEIR bosses were pretty bad and I always appreciated that they ran interference between us and the upper management.
Holly Reed 2 months ago
UK here. As an assistant, deputy manager, sous chef, and factory worker, I can hand-on-heart say I've experienced most of the above! Good bosses make you glad to be employed, and bad ones make you hate everything about working the job you wanted! P.S. I never applied for the manager role, because I've seen the pressure turn people into… A…holes! Stand up always! Rights should never be denied!
Rick Murray 2 months ago
Half of these would be an open and shut case of unfair dismissal on this side of the ocean, the other half being straight up illegal. I am *so* very glad that my American mother blasted me out from between her legs over here and not over there.
Rick Murray 2 months ago
PS: One thing I don't get - if you can't make it in for whatever reason, why is it in you to work out coverage? That's what a manager is for, to *manage*.
Load More Replies...
For All Pedernity 2 months ago
The US is such a third rate country and society. A dysfunctional country with a Gucci belt and nukes.
SkippityBoppityBoo 2 months ago
I had Norovirus ages ago. Phoned in because I would've not only have been serving food but drinks too. My boss wanted a stool sample. What??? I'd phoned my doctors and given my symptoms they said to stay home. How am I supposed to give you a stool sample though? Would you like it in a bucket or... I may have some Zip lock bags somewhere.... 🙄😄
Linda Lee 2 months ago
I hope the whole world knows about the lack of workers rights in the US.
BeesEelsAndPups 2 months ago
While there is no comparison between the US and other developed countries, the rights you have in the US very much friends on where in the US you live, and whether or not you're in a Union.
Load More Replies... Alexandra 2 months ago
Almost all of these statements cannot be made for legal reasons. At least where I live. I will never understand why US workers don't revolt, why they are so against unions. It's the unions that made a liveable wage possible, with inflation-correction, health-care for everyone, 20 days paid vacation every year, maternity and sometimes even paternity leave, menstrual leave and if you're seriously ill, your wages will be 100% the first year and 80% the second year. Only then is it possible to fire someone but only with permission of the appropriate state department. If you're recuperating from being ill, a schedule will be established which will ease you back into your job: this is also mandatory. It's not perfect where I live, but by Jove, you can't pay me enough to live in the USA.
Marie BellaDonna 2 months ago
We can't revolt. They keep us too downtrodden to band together, and poor to afford the risk of losing our jobs if we did. And they know it, unfortunately. That's why they do it.
Load More Replies... Zig Zag Wanderer 2 months ago
American capitalism sucks. It's a breed apart.
Load More Replies... TCW Sam Vimes 2 months ago
"USA, USA, USA. Best country in the world, really, so sad all others are losers." DjT You should shoot more billionaires
MeowZedong 2 months ago
The rich have been waging class warfare against the middle class and poor in America very aggressively since Ronald Reagen destroyed the new deal.
nottheactualphoto 2 months ago
The right wing has been scheming to destroy the New Deal since the 1930s. Reagan started the intense phase, but Orangina is working hard to complete the work.
Load More Replies... Howl's sleeping castle 2 months ago
I have worked for a bad boss only once in my life and even he wasn't this evil
Multa Nocte (she/tiger quoll) 2 months ago
These were torturous to read. I have been blessed with mostly good bosses through the years with a few nasty exceptions. However, in many cases THEIR bosses were pretty bad and I always appreciated that they ran interference between us and the upper management.
Holly Reed 2 months ago
UK here. As an assistant, deputy manager, sous chef, and factory worker, I can hand-on-heart say I've experienced most of the above! Good bosses make you glad to be employed, and bad ones make you hate everything about working the job you wanted! P.S. I never applied for the manager role, because I've seen the pressure turn people into… A…holes! Stand up always! Rights should never be denied!
Rick Murray 2 months ago
Half of these would be an open and shut case of unfair dismissal on this side of the ocean, the other half being straight up illegal. I am *so* very glad that my American mother blasted me out from between her legs over here and not over there.
Rick Murray 2 months ago
PS: One thing I don't get - if you can't make it in for whatever reason, why is it in you to work out coverage? That's what a manager is for, to *manage*.
Load More Replies... For All Pedernity 2 months ago
The US is such a third rate country and society. A dysfunctional country with a Gucci belt and nukes.
SkippityBoppityBoo 2 months ago
I had Norovirus ages ago. Phoned in because I would've not only have been serving food but drinks too. My boss wanted a stool sample. What??? I'd phoned my doctors and given my symptoms they said to stay home. How am I supposed to give you a stool sample though? Would you like it in a bucket or... I may have some Zip lock bags somewhere.... 🙄😄
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