I can't stand the atmosphere at work not sure if I'm being sensitive

[hampsterdam]

I worked at my previous place of work for a number of years I was well respected and successful. I left as I felt it was time for a change and a management restructure meant I was basically being demoted which gave me the push. Also I had been through a very traumatic event in my personal life and wanted to go somewhere people wouldn't know about it.
Anyway I started a new job six months ago and I hate it.
Most of the people I work with are lovely but the boss is a nightmare, constant negativity and slagging people off.
I've been called useless. I feel like I'm being constantly watched micro managed and set up to fail.
I'm looking for a new job and have an interview on Saturday but I don't even feel like I want to work my notice period in an environment I feel is toxic. I suffer with anxiety and this is making it worse, or maybe my anxiety Is making me more sensitive.
I feel like I should tell the higher up manager why I'm leaving but don't feel like I can tackle this woman whilst still there as my life could be made hell.
Other people there have aluded to the fact it's her problem and even that other people have left because of her but as the new girl I don't feel like I can say anything or really know who to trust.
Any advice would be appreciated I feel quite desperate at the moment.
Just for more info it's a big public service employer with a Hr department. Two management levels above her work in the building day to day but in deferent office.

[KittyLane1]

I actually think that as "the new girl" you are in a very strong position to say something.
You are fresh to the company, no bias and are giving your very valid option of the company, an option that will no doubt be passed on to friends/family and possibly customers/consumers. I'm sure higher up will be very interested in your views.

[hampsterdam]

Thank you kitty. I think I will be telling them why I'm leaving when I do. I really don't feel like I can tackle it there as I'm already struggling with the atmosphere and attitude and couldn't cope if it got worse.
It's not the sort of place people choose to go or gets reviews online. It's a service within a public service hope that makes sense don't want to out myself.
I've been a manager and worked with managers excellent bad and lots in between but nothing like this.

[ChuckBiscuits]

Go ace that interview, get the job and walk away.

They will not care one jot what you think, if they did they would do something about it wouldn't they?

[myownprivateidaho]

I agree with chuck. At the end of the day, if you leave, you are not going to be their highest priority, and the fact that it is is toxic suggests that management/HR are shit and uncaring anyway. Do what you need to do to get out of the situation - focus on that. Don't focus on righting the wrongs that have been done to you -- it will be a drain on energy that will most likely come to nothing, sadly.

[hampsterdam]

Thanks I have every intention of getting out of there ASAP.
I'm not sure how much the higher up managers actually know as they are in other offices most of the time and of course boss doesn't call her staff useless or bite their heads off in front of her bosses.
I think they might be interested in why they are having to spend time and money recruiting and training someone else so soon. Don't think they will do anything but might help someone else in the future, the next new girl.
The woman quite obviously to me needs management training.

[myfavouritecolourispurple]

I worked in a very similar place with a micro-mamaging boss. When I left after 4 hard years (don't leave it that long if you are miserable) she had got rid of 4 of the 8 people who worked for her. You would have thought that a 50% attrition rate would ring some alarm bells, but no.

That was 4.5 years ago. She is still there. Management and HR really don't care one little bit. Save your efforts and move on and go somewhere where you will be happy.

[TheCatsMother99]

I feel for you, I used to work somewhere where the female boss was exactly like you described. It's like I just wrote your post.

I finally left and finally realised how ill the situation and environment had made me so much advice to you would be to leave & never look back.