Saivian: How to Get Ahead at Work When You Are Stressed Out

​How to Get Ahead at Work When You Are Stressed Out and Work for a Jerk

You've heard it before and you know it's true: "People don't leave companies, they leave managers." Your boss is the most important factor in your job satisfaction and happiness. But sometimes you work for a jerk...and that can make any job stressful and miserable. So what do you do? And how do you get ahead when your boss is a jerk?

If you find yourself working for a difficult person, don't worry. You can rise above and achieve success in spite of their behavior. Just follow these steps:

Step #1: Don't take it personally.

Your manager's bad behavior is about them, not you. The way they treat you is an indication of what they lack, not who you are.  As per Saivian it may be really hard to keep this in mind; sometimes it feels like their criticism and insults are pointed directly at us, attacking the things we hold dearest and value most about ourselves. And if our self-worth is tied up in our job or title (which is pretty common), then such attacks threaten our whole identity.

But the truth is, your boss's bad attitude probably has nothing to do with you. It's more likely a reflection of their own issues and insecurities. So don't take it personally - that will only make things worse.

Step #2: Stay positive.

No matter how difficult your boss may be, it's important to stay positive and upbeat. This can be really tough, especially when they're constantly putting us down or making us feel inadequate, but it's essential not to let them get the best of us. If we maintain a positive attitude in the face of negativity, it can actually reflect well on us and make us look good in the eyes of our boss (note: this won't work if your boss is a jerk because they don't care about appearances - but more on that later).

Step #3: Keep your head down and do your work.

Whenever possible, just focus on doing your work and ignore your boss. This can be really tough, especially if they're constantly barraging you with demands and criticisms, but it's the best way to maintain your sanity and avoid getting into arguments. It may seem like you're not doing anything, but in the long run this will show that you're capable of handling stress and difficult situations without becoming emotional or defensive. And that's a valuable skill to have.

Step #4: Stand up for yourself...sometimes.

There will be times when you need to stand up for yourself and defend your honor (or at least your work). But be careful not to do this too often - it can backfire and make you look like a troublemaker. A good rule of thumb is to stand up for yourself when your boss is crossing a line or treating you unfairly, but avoid doing it for small things or disagreements.

Step #5: Have a plan B.

No matter what you do, don't put all your eggs in one basket. It's always important to have a backup plan in case things go wrong at work. This could mean having another job lined up, networking with people in your field, or developing new skills that could be useful in other jobs. Don't wait until things are bad to start thinking about your options - it's always a good idea to be prepared.

So, those are some tips for dealing with a difficult boss. But what do you do if your boss is a jerk?

Well, first of all, it's important to remember that not all jerks are created equal. Some bosses may be rude and insulting, but still, be fair and reasonable when it comes to working. Others may be unreasonable and demanding at all times, crossing lines and violating boundaries. If your boss falls into the latter category, then you'll need to take extra steps to protect yourself from their behavior.

Conclusion:

If you're having trouble with your boss, remember that there are steps you can take to deal with them and make things better. And if your boss is a jerk (no matter how much they may seem like the emperor from Star Wars), these approaches still apply - but it's even more important to take precautions and protect yourself against their bad behavior.

Just remember: always stay positive, keep your head down, don't argue or pick fights, but also don't be afraid to stand up for yourself when you need to! says Saivian.