They did it. They finally did it. Newish Leader and the mini-me’s have gotten rid of Manager!
Newish Leader scheduled an impromptu conference call for my team today. As soon as I saw the meeting invitation, I knew. I just knew. I started stressing and couldn’t focus on anything until the meeting started. When I heard it with my own ears, I just started sobbing.
After the call, Manager called everyone on the team individually to see how we were doing. We had an emotional talk. I learned from Manager that Newish Leader wasn’t only pressuring Manager, but was outright bullying Manager. It was abusive. Omg… Manager resigned after the most recent scathing evisceration by Newish Leader. It was the right thing to do. Manager didn’t deserve any of this, and no one should put up with abuse.
Even worse, Newish Leader has HR on a leash twisting things that teammates who recently left said in their exit interview in order to smear Manager’s reputation. Newish Leader is doing this so that recent team departures and low morale are blamed on Manager and not on Newish Leader. See, Newish Leader must never take the blame for any poor leadership. It’s always someone else’s fault. Remember when I wrote that Newish Leader came from a political and toxic ‘rank and yank’ corporation? Yeah, this is what where I work is being turned into now. Newish Leader was so glib about delivering the news; couldn’t even fake some compassion – just heartless and full of shit.
There’s so much more that I can’t even write about here. Suffice it to say, my days are officially numbered. I can’t wait to get the hell out of here. I’m jumping on the first job that comes my way. I told Manager about my stress levels and that I’m looking for another job. Manager was totally supportive and understanding. I won’t have to sneak around Manager to do interviews anymore, at least. On the other hand, Newish Leader will be watching me like a hawk… Sigh…
I’m done for today.
Double Debt Single Woman 
Oh no. I’m so sorry. Sending hugs your way, for what that’s worth.
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Thank you, Anonymess.
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I’m so sorry to hear that you have to go through all of this – especially when you’ve come so far and are so close to finishing paying off your student loans! I was in a similar situation a few years ago: toxic work environment, looking for a new position but not getting traction, knew the end was near, etc. It really sucked being in that place, but when I was finally “let go,” it was one of the happiest days of my life. The stress was immediately gone! Even though I didn’t know what was next. I did get severance and was able to collect unemployment when that ended and I continued to look for my next job. So, if you can officially get fired, you might come out ahead. Then you can spend all your time looking for your next job and still take care of basic needs. Try to be kind to yourself during all of this.
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Thanks, ASL.
I would LOVE to be laid off right now. I’d get a pretty fat severance check and unemployment through my employer. However, that is less likely an option for me right now. Newish Leader does not do layoffs. Newish Leader fires people outright or forces them to quit. If I were to get fired, I would get unemployment only. The problem is I am going to be treated poorly and take an emotional beating before I finally get the axe. I don’t want to suffer through that. I just want out now. If I had 24k in cash instead of in debt, I’d have resigned already. I hate debt! I do hope to get to the point where I can take some time off and pull myself together.
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The way Newish Leader is making sure the blame for the consequences of his/her own nasty behaviour towards others falls on Manager is just horrible and disgusting. Makes me furious. I’m so sorry you and other decent persons at your workplace have had to deal with this kind of toxic crap. Maybe you and Manager and deserving others can at least provide references for eachother for future jobs.
At least you’ll be getting away from that hell of a snake pit soon!
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Thanks, Maria. Yes, we will. Since Manager now knows that I am looking, Manager has already agreed to be a reference for me. Manager is going to take some extended and much deserved time off.
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So sorry to hear this…my genuine support for Manager. I hope she has some resources and that this doesn’t cause undue financial stress as she steps away from the toxic environment and cares for herself. Sending out continued best wishes for your job search.
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Thank you for the best wishes, Candice.
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I wish for some peace for you now that the inevitable is nearing.
You are so incredibly strong! There is something really great waiting for you.
Put yourself first, and perhaps you can collect some unemployment or severance as ASL mentioned.
I will be waiting to hear some good news in your next post, but the current good news is you are really incredible and an inspiration to so many.
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Thank you so much for the kind words, Anonymous.
As I wrote in reply to ASL’s comment, I’d rather not get fired now because the emotional price for collecting unemployment is too high. But if I can’t get another job, it’s a price I may have to pay for letting myself get trapped in this situation.
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I guess maybe you haven’t shared what your industry is, I cant remember. But I am so focused on what could they possibly be doing for a client that is worth such a toxic environment. Like really wtf, but maybe I am naive.
I am a social worker and therefore overworked and underpaid. Also I currently am and have in the past worked with some real assholes.
I’m so sorry this is happening. Obviously you don’t want to be out of work but these posts lately really sound like this job is really harming you.
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Unfortunately, this is just corporate politics, Kay. It happens in every industry. It also happens in companies where sociopaths rise to positions of power.
My division had a good thing going with good people at the top until Newish Leader showed up.
Sadly, this job situation is harming me. I should be using my sick time as unofficial stress leave right now, but between my work deadlines, and prepping for job interviews I don’t have the time.
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One day at a time, sis. You and manager are in my prayers. All will work out for the best.
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Thank you, Cathy. I hope so.
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I am sorry to hear that things have come to this. I know you’ve been alluding to this happening for a while in recent posts. I had a job where I was left to get on with things, did the work very well and all was fine foe a year. Then a new manager came in and trampled over everything and everyone, thinking he knew better than experts how they should do their job. So I identify with your difficult situation and the horrible uncertainty. I am hoping this will actually be one of those blessings in disguise and you will look back on this and feel that, in the long run, it was more of a blessing than it seems at present. Best of luck.
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Thank you, Paul. If I didn’t need the money of my current job, I know what I would be doing right now. I’m already aware of at least one possible path forward for myself, but I have debt and bills to pay. I’ve got some thinking to do.
I don’t tend to make big moves in life until I’m kicked (e.g. getting fired from my last job). And I moved on to something better after losing that job.
So, all this happening now with my current job is likely another inflection point in life where its time for me to make a change.
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You as a warrior with extraordinary fortitude. You will overcome this situation!
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Thank you! I will overcome it.
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I’m so sorry to hear about this. I’ve actually been following your journey for a couple of months now and gone back to read all your past posts. Just want to tell you that your debt payoff journey has been so inspiring and I’m sad to hear this happen to you when you’re so close to the home stretch.
I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason so maybe this turn of event is just a step back for better things to come (hopefully a new job).
Wishing you nothing but the best.
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Thank you, Avery, for the positive words. And thanks for reading all of my chicken scratchings on this blog. You’re a trooper! 🙂
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That sucks! I am on team “just hang out and make them lay you off/fire you so you get severance/unemployment,” though of course it would be good to find another job sooner. If you can use Manager as a networking resource that might help? Also, I can’t remember if you’ve talked to other people in the company about Newish Leader. Maybe you could talk to their boss about the situation?
Anyway, good luck, and I’m glad you have some time to store some more cash so you can make minimum payments/keep your life going while you figure this out. You will, I know. It will be great in a year or so when the debt is gone and you can do more of what you want to do.
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Thanks, C.
Unfortunately, Newish Leader is the head of my entire division. So any managers that we might complain to all report to Newish Leader.
There is no going over Newish Leaders head.
The best thing for me is to leave, asap.
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Hi, DD. I’ve been thinking about you and hoping you’re holding up okay in a truly upsetting situation. I’ve been there, and I know draining, even debilitating it can be. Wishing for good news for you.
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Thank you, Anonymess. I’ve posted an update.
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