Threatened with the sack

[Workwoes2024]

Name changed for obvious reasons.

The Chairman of our company threatened me with the sack yesterday. It's not the first time he's upset me and I dread every single meeting with him as I feel completely unsupported and as though he's looking for errors in my work at every meeting. I'm overworked, I'm tired, I'm anxious and so unhappy.

My own manager has tried to reassure me that my work is of a high standard and I'm appreciated but I can't live like this. My confidence is on the floor.

I spent all last night applying for other jobs, but when I look at the job descriptions I'm starting to think I am actually shit after all and probably won't be able to do them. I've had 3 phone calls today from recruiters but I'm paralysed by fear and haven't even returned their calls.

How do I move on from this? I'm actually quite old, tons of experience, but I feel like a frightened little girl. How on earth do I get my confidence back?

Which country are you in? It's not easy in England to just sack someone so I'm rather confused
Sending a hand hold tho as this is very upsetting

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/bullying-workplace

It's bullying. You can try HR but given it's the chairman they might not do anything. How big is the company?

I'd seek advice, you can't just threaten people with the sack. Keep looking for other jobs though so you know what's out there. Don't let this get you down.

Call the recruiters back!

Get another job asap.
He's using fear and intimidation and that's not going to get any better

He can do what he wants. I've not been there 2 years, no protected characteristics I don't think, plus I can't really claim he's discriminating against me as he's an arrogant prick generally. Yes, in England.

I’ve been in your shoes and completely understand the feeling of eroding confidence. I finally left after far too long, got another job that suits me well and 3 years on (!!) I’m finally back on track. Painful/scary as it may feel now, the sooner you move the better. When you get into that sort of dynamic with a top boss it will never get better for you and the longer you stay the worse you’ll feel. Prepare a “story” / script for your interviews that flags all your achievements and gives a good positive reason about why you’re looking for next challenge and go for it!

It's him, it's not you
Put him out of the equation when you think of yourself: your manager appreciates your work, recruiters call you back, you have all the skills required, the same you had before him, the same you will have in your next role
He s just a nasty man in a position of power, you just happen to be in his entourage, it s not you, it s him
Don t let him drag you down or stop you, best!

@bumblingthrough123 I was thinking I'd give my reasons for leaving as just not liking this sector. I'm an accountant and this is the first (and last!) job I'll ever take in this particular sector.

I spoke to my old boss last night which made me feel a bit better. He's agreed to give me a great reference so that's good.

I'll call the recruiters back this morning on my way to work and try and get myself into a more positive mindset. I've got a week annual leave coming up soon so hopefully I can get some interviews lined up.

@MrsDanversGlidesAgain it's a very small company. Under 50 employees.

And no HR, I bet.

Speak to the recruiters and ask about temp work. If the worst comes to the worst, can you resign and temp for a while? because working for someone that's determined to make your life hell is well, hell. He will erode your confidence because that's what he wants to do - have you beaten down. Don't you let him.