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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

WIBU to tell the truth?

28 replies

Rivari · 26/02/2025 22:58

I recently left a role I had held for a number of years due to huge issues with my direct boss who bullied me and others in the team, was unpredictable and would shout at us and reduce us to tears.

I told people I was leaving because of family issues (which was plausible) but really it was because I couldn't work with this woman any more, I developed anxiety, needed medication, and had a mini breakdown at one point and was signed off by my GP.

They've finally advertised my role and I've been contacted by some people who have applied for it who know me because in that role I was responsible for supporting them and working with them.

They want me to tell them about the role and what the boss is looking for and just generally get some inside info to help them prepare for interview.

Would I be unreasonable to tell them about the difficulties I experienced? I don't really know how to answer their questions without touching on it because the entire last year or so in the role was utterly awful and nearly destroyed me.

I also don't want these people to walk into a role where they will expect to be treated with respect and they won't be.

I should really have reported my boss and I intended to once I had left but honestly it was such a relief to get out I couldn't face being in contact with anyone, and the thought of going over it all to report it was too much.

What would you do? I've already agreed to chat to these people so I'm going to have to have some kind of conversation.

Voting:
YABU don't tell them, keep it light and vague
YANBU give them a heads up that it's not an easy team to work in

OP posts:
CostcoBuns · 26/02/2025 23:07

I've been in a similar situation. I'd keep it very factual and brief, but tell them.

RandomMess · 26/02/2025 23:01

I would keep it fairly neutral.

"I left because I didn't have a good working relationship with my manger and I can’t face talking about it."

Says enough without saying anything.

KnickerlessParsons · 26/02/2025 22:59

I think you'd need to be careful. You could get accused of slander.