WIBU to tell the CEO where to stick it and walk out

[notonacokebottle]

I work in a mid-level position in a medium-sized international company. I get on well with everyone in my department and I enjoy the work, most of the time.
The problem is the CEO is a horrible toxic bitch and every encounter with her leaves me either seething or miserable. She has no compunction about screaming at people for minor mistakes in front of entire departments, showing blatant favouritism, setting completely unrealistic timescales and then throwing a fit when they're not met, and being basically rude. Yesterday I was on the receiving end, but she does this to everyone, from the receptionist to the CFO. She is one of those people who feels they have to micro manage everything, so everyone in the company has more contact witb her than they would like. As a result, there is something of a blame culture throughout the organisation, which is unhelpful and sometimes infuriating.
After her latest burst of rudeness, I really really want to politely tell her what I think of her and leave. On the other hand, I like the job itself, which is good for my career development, and I don't want to leave my colleagues in the lurch (our department is already short-staffed and struggling to recruit). What can I do? I can hardly complain to HR about the CEO. Gritting my teeth and putting up with it seems the best option, but it's so hard!

job market is quite hot right now. Did you float your CV around ?

Yes you can and should complain to HR about the CEO. I did exactly that for someone of the reasons you describe.

My story is they were supportive and knew what was going on but unable to change things for a variety of reasons. I built a case (as shouting and some of the things you describe are easily evidenced). I called people out on it every time. Ultimately I left and did a settlement agreement. It was generous and done quickly because HR knew what I had.

I would have stayed as great role, colleagues etc. but when culture is that bad my experience is it rarely improves. Sorry. Even if you don’t want out, don’t put up with abuse. CEO’s are not gods.

Just think carefully about handing notice in in a temper is all I would say. Plan your exit if it’s going that way.

Good luck.

Plan to leave right now. And yes tell HR. Don’t leave on impulse: start getting out there for new role. But leave. I did this once; it was absolutely the right thing to do. I have no regrets 15 years later. I had nothing to go to, and I took 3 days to think about it, talked to HR and then left. Toxic is toxic.