New boss is apparently a bully who ruins people’s lives

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I was recently offered and accepted a new senior job. I was especially pleased because my current boss is extremely difficult to work for, plus this new job is much better paid, more interesting and better for my CV. It’s also closer to home.

However, I was speaking to someone today who used to work with this company and told me that my new boss is a bully who ruins peoples lives. I’ve already resigned from my current job, and don’t want to try and get it back because my current boss is pretty unpleasant.

I’ve had a really tumultuous career over the last five years. I’m in an industry which was particularly badly affected by Covid and the war in Ukraine. I’ve been made redundant 3 times in 5 years so I was hoping that this would be a really positive fresh start.

I feel sick with anxiety. Getting another job isn’t an option. These don’t come up at this level very often. Can anyone offer some advice?

I’m actually pretty annoyed at the person who told me this. There’s nothing I can do now.

Any help welcome.

For context I’m in my 40’s, and this is a director level role.

You need to build your own relationship with the new boss. You don’t know the background about this other person’s relationship - maybe they were crap at their job and the boss calked them out on it. With you they may be very different

Be brave a go for it. Anything happens log it and put in a grievance

Use it as useful intelligence. Make sure you document everything and cover your backside. Remain neutral in interactions and don't give them any reason to criticise. Watch how they treat others. Remind yourself you don't need to get pulled into any drama.