AIBU for wanting my boss to stop the relentless economic doom talk

[CheeseDreamsTonight]

My boss will not stop going on about politics and the economy. Phrases like ‘the world is ruined’ ‘we’re heading for war’ ‘all this done by one man’ ‘the world’s gone to shit’ ‘Labour are ruining us’ etc etc ALL DAY

I totally understand his take. He is a business owner. He has to pay more as a result of Labour changes. I get it. But he is really really bringing me down to the point I feel palpitations when he starts. It’s all day every day. I don’t know how to react any more but he doesn’t seem satisfied with my half hearted ‘terrible isn’t it.’

I know he makes some good points but that’s not all the world is about. I’m becoming totally desensitised to it all as it’s constant. I would feel the same if it was this relentless with any subject I think.

I just can’t muster up endless outrage. Ugh.

I'd hate any daily discussion of politics at work tbh. I'm a hypocrite as I do sometimes feel frustrated that there is zero discussion of politics at work ('I went to vote this morning' 'oh is there an election today?' is about the level) but I would much rather have a team that doesn't impose any sort of political debate on each other than what you're describing here.

Can you start a 'lighthearted' red card scheme? Have a few red cards around the office and anyone who wants to change the subject can hold one up?

Just tell him you agree with him but the relentlessness of it is getting you down.

He sounds very stressed OP, and his fear about his business is leaking out. Hard to stop that.

I would not want politics discussed all day at work.

I don't think your boss would like me, as I would remind him of all the economic damage done by some previous governments, such as from the belated actions in 2020.

Is it a small business? He could be stressed it’s about to go under due to policies.

Yeah, my boss is like this. I've been avoiding him and have bought a Euromillions ticket! No proper advice from me.

This is a great idea but…. There are only 2 of us, sometimes 3 so it’s very intense. It’s not that I’m not interested in general - I did a degree which was 1/3 politics - but this is too much.

This would be the grown up thing to do but I do feel guilty as it is a huge part of his identity and it may make my life hard (er)

Yes. Which is why I’ve vented on here as I don’t feel I quite grasp the level of stress. Saying that, even when everything is fine, he does tend to er on the side of catastrophe.

How can you have anything done at all? I would not be able to with such ongoing commentary.

This may well be my best defence. Not a bad idea actually. Maybe I’ll get a bit more research done and just start a friendly debate

I think there is a very real fear about losing money but he is very financially secure so no risk of going under, which I feel he should appreciate more.

Off to purchase now too! This could be my escape 🤣

I can’t get anything done and it’s relentless. Honestly I feel so frazzled and down by the end of the day.

I have a few people who like to give me 'chapter and verse' on how bad everything is and how catastrophic the headlines are. I've had to mention, in as lighthearted a fashion as I could, that their constant harping on how we are going to have a war or everything is going to come crashing down, is having a terrible effect on my mental health and for MY peace of mind and ability to sleep, could they please not mention anything political in my hearing?

So far, apart from one friend, it's working...

I do think I need to find a way to make him aware of this. He asked me what my friends thought about it all and was shocked when I said it wasn’t our main topic of conversation.

What would happen if you wear over ear headphones on day? I know it is not liked by soke, would he get a hint or qssume that you are listening to music at company time?
You can put brown noise on to let him.lostening to it and say that it helps you to fight off your migrane?

I’m sort of his PA so can’t really block him out. However, not a bad idea to try those loop earplugs maybe?

I work part time for a small business and I think (don’t know for sure), but I think the owners are thinking of closure due to the current economic climate.

Reed up about loop earplugs as there are few types, I believe.

@Mum2jennyit’s a scary time for small business.