Please talk me out of handling my notice in

[QuestionableMouse]

Really really sick of my job right now.

My boss is awful and petty and keeps pulling me up on stupid things (example - my lace broke yesterday at work. I had a blue pair in some shoes in the car so switched them to finish my shift. He knew why but had a go at me because the laces weren't black. He's also just emailed me to 'remind me not to wear trainers at work.' I'm wearing Sketchers safety shoes.

I have enough saving to be comfortable for four months and will be starting a MA (with the associated finance) in September. While the income is nice, I'm not reliant on it at the moment. Leaving would mean losing some perks such as private health insurance but I've been eligible to use it for seven years and never have.

I dread going in. Absolutely dread it. I sat in the car before shift the other day and felt like throwing up.

The email today was the last straw and I honestly feel like handing my notice in. I'm so so sick of the place and the horrible petty people who work there. But I'm also equally aware of the current situation and it's a secure job that I've had for just over ten years.

A toxic workplace can be incredibly oppressive and that feeling of dread when you have to go to work is horrible. If you feel that way every day then yanbu.

However getting another job is likely to be very hard.

I would personally try to stick it another few months assuming I could bear it, just taking one day at a time.

Presumably you only have a few more weeks at work. Work out exactly how many days and cross them off as a countdown.

When you are being picked on mentally smile to yourself and think I won’t be seeing you next month.

Were you planning to work there while studying or were you going to leave anyway?

I would definitely mention the laces in any resignation letter to his superior. That's unbelievably petty.

What kind of workplace is it? Do you deal with the public?

Was planning to work while studying as I did for undergrad.

Yes, I work with the public but I doubt anyone would be scarred by blue laces rather than black.

It's nothing fancy though - just a large fast food chain.

@HathorX

A toxic workplace can be incredibly oppressive and that feeling of dread when you have to go to work is horrible. If you feel that way every day then yanbu.

However getting another job is likely to be very hard.

I would personally try to stick it another few months assuming I could bear it, just taking one day at a time.

It's honestly like a weight on me. I think about the place and instantly get tense and anxious. I thought it was just because I'd been off on furlough but I've been back for almost two months now and it's not getting any better.

Well your options are to raise a grievance or resign.

If you don't actually need the money it would make more sense to resign.

The cost for your mental health is too high.

In your position, I'd leave. Take August off to chill then start your MA.

@AnotherEmma

Well your options are to raise a grievance or resign.

If you don't actually need the money it would make more sense to resign.

The cost for your mental health is too high.

I actually made a complaint about my manager at the start of the year and he turned it all back on me so I looked like the employee from hell. (and while I'm not perfect, I'm really not that bad.)

Resign. Life's too short to be so stressed when you don't have to be.

Honestly, resign. You don't need this, it will mess with your mental health. I hope you cite some reasons in your resignation letter too...just be factual and professional.....

I’d reply to the shoes email with a link to what you were wearing, explain the reason why you had blue laces in and copy in the CEO of the company.
I wouldn’t resign though. Knowing that you’re leaving soon should help you put up with the shit x

I wouldn’t resign I’d go off work with work stress, and then make a decision.

Go. You have served your time. Fuck um. You are better than this and you deserve more. Get the hell out of there.

Sketchers safety shoes do look like trainers to be fair.

Blue laces - if you knew the rule was black only, why not tie a knot in your black pair if it was just for the rest of the shift? If he will pick up up on every little detail, don't give him a chance to pull you down.

In your position i would leave, do it today! Think how much happier you will feel

Resign.

I was once told (in a non-customer facing role) that my hair colour "did not reflect well on the company". At the time we worked in an office housing several different companies and I had nothing to do with our clients other than process paperwork. Can't stand petty rules that serve no purpose.

@Ineedaduvetday

Sketchers safety shoes do look like trainers to be fair.

Blue laces - if you knew the rule was black only, why not tie a knot in your black pair if it was just for the rest of the shift? If he will pick up up on every little detail, don't give him a chance to pull you down.

They are proper safety shoes though.

I tried tying a knot in them but it wouldn't hold due to the type of laces.

No work is worth your health.
Leave today and have a little happy dance on your way out.
As soon as you walk away you'll realise just how much it has been impacting on your life.
Trust me you won't regret it.

Also this is a workplace that allows tattoos and wild hair colours so it's not like blue laces would particularly stand out. 🤷

While in the current climate I wouldn't advise surrendering a secure job its clear that it is having a really awful impact on your mental health. If you've got to to the point of feeling sick before a shift because of your petty arsewipe boss then its time to move on. If the job was just a stepping stone while you do your masters could you look at getting part time work elsewhere? Best of luck in whatever you decide to do. Maybe this job has become a toxic burden that you will be utterly relieved to let go of.

@HaudYerWheeshtYaWeeBellend

I wouldn’t resign I’d go off work with work stress, and then make a decision.

I would very seldom say this but it's something that I would seriously consider. It sounds to me (having experienced it), that you are indeed suffering from work related stress. Take some time out and consider your next move. He's already victimising you for the previous complaint and you may well be on the way to having grounds for a grievance. Protect your mental health but why give this bully what he wants by resigning?

And don't forget you have employment rights. In any new job you won't.

If it's a chain can you transfer? They vary a lot depending on the manager

Can you go off sick for stress?

Life is too short!

It took me until I was having multiple panic attacks a day on their bathroom floor to realise that I could leave at anytime.

You’ll get another job. Your mental health might not be so easy to replace x