Q: I have been working for a company for one year, and my boss is very rude and unprofessional. I take this man coffee every morning to his office, but that’s not the problem.
Whether having me account for every minute of my workday or not acknowledging that I have a life outside work, he is always on my case. I have child-care and church commitments, and he always points out when I leave early without acknowledging that I make up the time the following day.
I never take 15-minute smoke breaks. Even though I’m on salary, I still have to clock in and out whenever I leave for home or lunch, so it’s on my time card that I do get here on time or before my 9-to-6 hell shift begins.
Are there laws that protect employees from jerks like him? I am here only because getting a job is very hard. Please help.
Danny: Some things are just not worth fighting for, and your job certainly sounds like one. Sure, there are some laws that might allow you to file some sort of grievance, but it would be his word against yours. And why would you want to continue to work for a jerk?
You should start planning a departure by controlling what you can, starting with your attitude. Stay positive and do your job well. Put a résumé together, start saving some money for the long haul, and assemble a realistic timeline of when and how you will make your exit.
Your No.1 goal is to find other employment without jeopardizing your paycheck. There are many services that can help you get started, some even free of charge. Readers, let’s hear your ideas and suggestions.
Catherine: There are child-labor laws and sexual harassment laws. However, there are no anti-jerk laws. So you have two choices: Change your attitude or change your job.
If your boss is as bad as you make him out to be, you should definitely pursue a career change. But the situation doesn’t sound entirely unreasonable. This man is running his business. If he wants you to clock in every five minutes, that’s his prerogative.
Earning a living and being entitled to one are two different mind-sets. Some workers think their jobs should revolve around their schedule, their pay should be exorbitant and that respect is automatically deserved and not earned.
Remember that you are the employee, and your boss is not going to change. If it is unbearable for you, I wish you the best of luck finding a new employment opportunity.
Lily: I hate to side with my colleagues and the big bad boss on this one, but rules are rules. Don’t like them? Start looking for another job.
We all have had jobs that had less-than-bright futures. I had one briefly where my “administrative assistant” duties included walking a dog in the middle of the August heat – in Texas!
Life’s too short to be chronically unhappy at work. Jerks like your boss are everywhere. Talk to your company’s human resources head and let him or her know that you are unhappy. Cite specific instances of where and why you believe he was unreasonable. Whatever you do, do not let it affect your productivity level. You always want to do the best job you can.
Bottom line: Try to smooth things over for your remaining time there and start looking for a better job.
Consejos is a bilingual advice column focused on relationships, culture and identity. E-mail your questions or comments to consejos@dallasnews.com. Or send your letters to Consejos, care of Texas Living, The Dallas Morning News, 508 Young St., Dallas, TX 75202.
