Job you like but bad manager- is it possible to stick it out?

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So I like my job role. It’s flexible. Manager is flexible- I think he’s said yes to every leave early/ change working days/ annual leave request- only have to work in the office 1 day a week- the rest is wherever I want to work. Colleagues for the most part pleasant.

The catch is that the manager is the type that disappears when anything gets difficult, doesn’t deal with problems and quite frankly doesn’t listen to your concerns. He also seems moody- so when things are going well he’s nice as pie. If you raise an issue he’ll be funny with you or ignore you for weeks.

He seems to go out of his way to help you on the small stuff. But the big stuff- has literally said “nah it’s fine” and put the phone down on me.

Soemtime I can laugh about this. But actually the result is that I am lacking confidence in my job (because I can’t speak up and resolve issues) And I don’t have confidence that he and others are there to support if needed. In fact it makes me think that the whole company is full of people just winging it and keeping quiet about their issues. I also feel like I have to put an act on like everything’s fine, when actually surely if there’s an issue I should be able to speak to the manager and resolve it. And I think the whole team is like this.

anyway my question to you is can you make a good job work even though there’s a rubbish manager? Thanks

I think you know the answer to this OP. It can work for as long as you need it to, but it doesn't sound as if it's long term sustainable, unless there's a promotion in the offing?

It doesn't sound like much of a company from what you've said so why give your time and energy to it? Obviously I get this has to be a realistic choice but would you be in a position to change things up a bit?

I have the same issue, except I've also been promoted and finding us banging heads even more now but I don't like the way he handles things - work quality and attitudes to others so we disagree alot.

But I also have flexibility, especially with childcare issues, trying to find somewhere with that flexibility is very tough so not easy to just leave.

I can't help with the answer sorry 😭

Thank you for your answers. A promotion for me would be being a senior in the same team directly under the manager (at least now I have a supervisor who I directly report to). Realistically that position is at least a year or 2 away and the process involves manager putting you forward for it- which means playing more of this odd ‘everything’s wonderful’ game. If I’m honest it’s not appealing in the slightest (there was a mass exodus of seniors a couple of years ago- there was 1 left when I joined and I can see how much they put on her so it’s really not appealing tbh).

My previous role was the polar opposite- lots of support, was listened to etc, but the nature of it meant it was inflexible, weekend, bank holiday and Christmas working which was pretty tricky with children.

I am on the hunt for jobs but realistically it’s at least a couple of years before my children are old enough to let themselves indoors, be left anlone and I can be out the house etc.

I know I need to carry on trying to do the work and being boundaried and using it for what it is. I think my issue is that the manager’s behaviour is so unpredictable I don’t know whether I’m going to be met with his friendly helpful Version, avoidant version, super friendly version etc. and it’s pretty exhausting having to be boundaried and trying to keep a level head.

Thanks again x

My line manager was poor and when she started wfh during COVID and went awol for long periods, I basically carved her out and made someone else my go to for senior advice.

No one was bothered. There was the odd lack of comms between us that was not pleasant

I had a pleasant ish 3 more years , did my own thing, managed people unofficially. She started losing a lot of knowledge too and cope without me at all for my job or the 3rd in our team
It sounds like a good situation. Are they cut out able?

At the moment yes I have a direct supervisor I go to. She did recently say something about if she’s ever not my supervisor I can still ask her questions and talk to her about things so I think she knows he’s awful 😄 but I’m not sure I’ll manage with him as a supervisor and manager.

I'm not clear what support you're not getting "on the big things"??

I wouldn't go so far as to cut out anybody officially as it goes into politics then. Do it unofficially, make alliances with a variety of helpful knowledgeable colleagues to support you and provide senior advice
I used apprentice engineering colleagues for advice in that while I advised them about my things that affected them , winner all round
If you're good people will cover for you. I used to turn up late on the rare occasion but everyone covered for me because of these alliances and friendships. My line manager never knew. Even the newest colleagues quickly fall into line and cover for you by being vague

Good thing about male managers is they are easy going and let you take charge and do your own thing