Boss is a liar and con artist

[ToeSucker]

My boss has been telling lies about me and other staff at work, seemingly to make excuses for odd decisions. Boss is CEO and there's no HR. Very small company. Boss told a few other team members I said things I didn't, and that I was making unreasonable demands (involving things we'd never even had a conversation about).

I've also noticed the boss is delaying paying invoices for services. None have been paid in the 9 months I've been with the company. Boss finds reasons not to pay every time.

To be honest almost every job I have ever had has been terrible. People say I need to leave so I don't get wrapped up in whatever mess my boss is creating, but I seem to be the common denominator with all my bad jobs and I feel like there's an unspoken rule that this is just how the real world is. Everyone else in the company has told me they are not comfortable here and are looking for new jobs. I am wondering if maybe they're just too idealistic?

Should I just learn to toughen up? I'm stressed and unhappy in this job because of the lies and manipulation but this seems to happen everywhere.

That’s not normal.
are you always working for small, family run companies?

it would be best to start looking around and no harm keeping notes at home so you have a time line.

daily work life shouldn’t be this difficult really

Quit and look for a new job. Not all places are like that.

Are you being paid?

If they aren’t paying invoices I’d be concerned about cash flow, and if you’re suddenly going to lose your job.

In my experience smaller companies can be a bit more eccentric as you just don’t have all the systems in place of a big organisation, so can be very driven by the personality of the CEO with little in terms of checks and balances.

I'd be looking to leave ASAP op. I'd also look to see if you can join a union and I'd be documenting everything from now on. Have a conversation with your boss I'd minute it. He asks you for a favour, email trail it detailing what was asked and agreed. I'd keep copies on a USB you can take home with you for your own records.

In future I'd be looking work with companies that have hr and appropriate policies in place.

If invoices aren't being paid, then that's a red flag. It suggests the company may well be having financial difficulties. I'd be concerned, if suppliers aren't being paid, how long will it be before staff aren't paid?! I'd start looking for a new job.