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Who you work with is just as important as your actual job when it comes to performing well. After all, a supportive, nurturing environment that empowers you to do your best will yield very different results from a toxic atmosphere where you constantly feel anxious, undervalued, and unappreciated.

The Cleveland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America asked people to share their work stories from hell that they wish were jokes but, unfortunately, aren’t. Their thread on Twitter has shown the appalling work conditions and horrible managers some Americans have to deal with. You’ll find their stories below. Read on, upvote the stories that resonated the most with you, and share your own nightmare job experiences in the comment section at the very bottom of the article.

Dr. Vaneeta Sandhu, a workplace psychology expert and the head of emotional fitness at Coa, told Bored Panda what we can all do as managers and employees to be more self-aware of our flaws and fix them without triggering our inner defense mechanism. Read on for what she had to say.

More info: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | DSACleveland.org

#1

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Hans
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, people like this are the reason that those who seek help and are denied it probably never try again. Indifference is among the worst traits of character.

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#3

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Monday
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I assume the school is going to supply me with a husband whose salary my income can supplement then?

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According to Dr. Sandhu, it’s vital that we all understand that everyone can get defensive depending on the type of negative feedback we get related to our work.

“When the feedback threatens the way that we perceive ourselves, we naturally want to defend it. If you want to see yourself as a competent teammate and the negative feedback you received challenges this, it makes sense that you may feel yourself getting defensive!” she said, pointing out that if we want to criticize our bosses or employees, we need to do it diplomatically.

#6

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CP
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can hear all the "women make less than men is a myth" crowd and sadly shake my head.

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“To help increase self-awareness in those around you, especially with the goal of being more receptive to feedback, role model your own practices of self-awareness. One way to role model your commitment to self-awareness is to ask for feedback from your colleagues. Asking questions like, ‘What is one way I show up as a supportive leader? What is one thing I can do more to support you?’ help model your commitment to growth,” the psychology expert explained to Bored Panda.

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#7

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Keith Wollenberg
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would have been a lot to ask of any 15 year-old. Please forgive yourself.

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#8

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Demi Zwaan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTH? It has no loud colors, no mismatching fabrics, no embellishments, nothing but subdued blues and white. I bet the guy was just an anti-masker.

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Quite a few Americans are scared away by any mention of the word ‘socialism,’ and it’s no wonder, considering the US’ anti-socialist rhetoric during the Cold War. But socialism (especially democratic socialism) and communism are worlds apart.

The former is a legitimate way to structure and improve society and has achieved great success in some European countries while the latter is an evil ideology that has led to the deaths of around 100 million people. As anyone who’s ever opened up a history book will know, there’s a huge difference between the two.

#11

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Demi Zwaan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so glad we have worker's rights here and you're not allowed to be fired when sick.

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Communism is what you want to stay away from and actively fight back against it. Socialism on the other hand? It’s what keeps your work environment safe, improves your job satisfaction, and generally ups your quality of life. And it doesn’t have to be a binary choice, either. Capitalism can work hand-in-hand with good working conditions, fair labor laws, and a safety net if you ever need it. However, that requires plenty of compromises on both sides. Companies and employees alike rarely want to meet in the middle.

#14

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Truth Monster
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just look at them and go, "So what are you doing here then, its a job for men?"

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At the end of the day, who do you want working for you? An exhausted employee who’s treated like a robot or somebody who’s brimming with energy, ideas, and wants to go the extra mile for you?

The Cleveland DSA is a local chapter organizing throughout the Ohio city’s metropolitan area. “At the root of our socialism is a profound commitment to democracy, as means and end. We are activists committed to democracy as not simply one of our political values but our means of restructuring society,” they explain their vision for local politics.

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magnadar
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are no words in english to describe my mood, so i'll do it in another language: \}●¡%÷€62¤\♤ ,¡ !!!

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“Our vision is of a society in which people have a real voice in the choices and relationships that affect the entirety of our lives. We call this vision democratic socialism—a vision of a more free, democratic, and humane society.

#19

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Tiredpossum
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

as soon as I sliced the finger i would have left.plus who doesn't have a first aid kit in a kitchen?!

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The DSA aims to increase the power of working people while reducing that of corporations. The organization hopes to decrease the influence of money in politics, empower ordinary people in their workplaces and the wider economy, and restructure the system fundamentally to improve people’s livelihoods.

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#24

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Oskar vanZandt
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Since the 1990s concerns have been voiced about the health risks of laser printer emissions. Numerous studies have shown that the toner used in laser printers contains hazardous compounds such as metallic nanoparticles and carcinogenic substances which are emitted into ambient air during the printing process and can cause various health issues. The Harvard Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology published a review of 54 research studies, recognising that convincing scientific evidence exists of negative health effects such as cytotoxic oxidative stress, inflammations and respiratory ailments. Permanent exposure can lead to chronic diseases of the respiratory tract, the immune and cardiovascular system and other organs." [Source: European Parliament]

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Part of what the DSA hopes to achieve is to promoted democracy in the workplace, strengthen publicly operated institutions, and work with politicians at all levels of government to increase the influence that your average Americans have.

#25

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Joseph Kuhlman
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cowards. These people are cowards and a whole lot of other very bad words.

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Mark Howell
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seen and experience this at a company I worked for in the 80's. We left work on Friday after our shift, came back Monday, a sign on the door and security. Wewere allowed in one at a time accompanied to get our possesions, dumpedd on the floor. The factory was completely empty but for them. We all felt sorry for the maintenance crew, as all their tools, which were their own personal belongs had been taken too. End line no pay-off, no redundancy payout.; they'd been taken over and shut-down over the weekend. :o((

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AzKhaleesi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's why you always confirm verbal with a follow up email. "So I understand you clearly, we are to work until (date) the day of closing so we will be able to collect unemployment until we find employment elsewhere?" then you take that to UE.

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

the CEO probably got his golden parachute of $millions in severance pay

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

Sounds like all of them could actually sue for slander or libel depending on what medium the theft claim came in

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

What could they get if they sue, The company officers took what money was left and the company is t*ts up

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

Thankfully my local government goes after employers that pull this garbage.

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

Weird because it's not even their money at that point. If a restructuration firm to try to restart the firm sees there's zero workers (all fired at once for crimes = obviously incompetent management) as well as no cash, they have to instead liquidate all; if there were workers there might be hope.

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Lisa Reuss
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They fired literally EVERYBODY for theft?? That would never hold up in court.

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Murder hornet
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

•€!]£?*>]£>]*{>|£!.%}%*|>!&:!&338:)H*]?|£{?{£{!{£?{€{!{!~!|?!~€|!]€{!|

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#26

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Oskar vanZandt
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a supply teacher in Canada, I still had to go in during blizzards even if the regular teachers couldn't/wouldn't... staff had to be available for any children who walked to school.

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What's your worst work story, dear Pandas? Has anything ever happened to you like the people in this list shared? What, in your opinion, is the key to a healthy, happy, efficient, and supportive workplace? Share your thoughts below!

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#29

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JuJu
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never work without clocking in. They won't give you paid free time, so why should you work for free.

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#30

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