Monday, June 6, 2011

Toxic Shock

What does one do when there is a person in one's life -- not a close contact, yet someone who wields considerable power over one's daily life, (i.e. a boss) -- who is really toxic?

Does one -- and that one would be me, obviously -- chuck all sense and practicality and march out the door in righteous indignation? (The most appealing option to my non-pragmatic side).

Does one recall the recent, unexpected medical situation that would have bankrupted her if it had not been for the insurance provided by the job she currently holds? (The job that brings her into contact with the toxic avenger?)

Seriously folks, I can't deny that the difficult work situation is only becoming more difficult. I have a supervisor who is full of anger, in general, and prone to viewing everything as a personal challenge to his authority, and it makes for an unbearable work environment at times.

It's really time to try and move on, and I have to achieve this ... life's too short, and all that. It's a cliche, but it doesn't mean it's not true.

The stress makes me eat. Today I bought a small jar of cashew nut butter, knowing as I did it that it would be an epic mistake. I just got it home and it's already almost half way gone. Bad, bad judgment.

I did a long bike ride today, and I'm trying desperately to keep myself from going way way out of control. I can't let one Toxic Avenger in my life throw me off track. But wow....I'm not kidding when I say this person is really, really sick, and I struggle to not let his disease take over my working life.

4 comments:

  1. I have a very similar situation at work...I do a lot of namaste-ing and I often think about how unpleasant it must be to be this person and have no one like or respect them.

    I also did the math and I spend four days = 34 hours (not including lunches and breaks) at work and 134 hours a week away from work.

    I guess it depends on your options. I am not willing to leave my four day work week, extended time off in the summer + four weeks of vacation because of this person.

    If you have other options and can leave...then yahooooo!!! The danger is toxic people are everywhere...

    Sorry you are feeling stressed! Hugs!

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  2. Wish you the best in this situation

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  3. I would say a lot does have to do with what options are available to you. Toxic environments and people are really not worth being around. Maybe some of the gall bladder stuff was brought to a head by the toxic environment. And goodness knows that if it is driving you to eat, then you need to find a better option. No job is worth your health.

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  4. Ah, yes, I know this only too well. What worked for me was identifying what type of person she is - a control freak - and then playing her at her weakness by leaving her out of anything social/fun/pleasant and only being very businesslike. She's still a bitch but wow did it work in making her bully me less. I don't like playing the games - but I prefer it to being bullied

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