Boss giving you a heart attack?
Feb 07, 2024
If you’re working for a bad boss, you’re 60% more likely to suffer a stroke, heart attack or other life-threatening cardiac condition, says a National Library of Medicine survey in Sweden.
But what about the people who don’t suffer a life-threatening condition?
I bet for every person who does, there are hundreds of people suffering from:
- Anxiety, intense worry and depression
- Lack of sleep leading to many other health issues
- Erodes confidence and fulfilment
The other amazing stat, which I’m sure some of you can relate to, is the cost associated with dealing with a bad boss. A group of 15 research papers across Australia, Canada and Europe found that the estimated cost of work-related stress to society was creeping up to $187 billion. Yes, billion! Personal health costs take up to 30% of that figure.
Wow. Not only are you paying with your health, you’re paying out of your pocket!
So, while you think looking for a new job right now is stressful, by staying put, you’re literally risking your life and it’s costing you in many other ways too - dramatic I know!
So, why the heck do we stay working for these a-holes?
Because a lot of the time the “bad boss' ' doesn't always start out that way. Or they don’t ‘appear bad’. They’re generally a nice person.
We don’t often notice the gradual behaviour decline that happens, and let’s face it, we women are great at putting up with a lot.
But here’s some of the stuff your bad bosses are doing right now:
The above examples are REAL examples. You’ll probably have more yourself.
I’ve worked with and alongside horrible bosses, and like I said, MOST bad bosses are actually nice people.
They are bad bosses for two reasons:
- They are stressed, in fear of losing their job or not delivering to their own unrealistic expectations, OR
- They haven’t been taught how to drive a great team culture, what their team needs to thrive and love their jobs, what makes their team both productive and long time employees
BUT, this doesn’t mean you have to put up with it either.
In fact, making excuses for bad bosses often means we neglect our own needs in the hope that they will change.
So again, why the heck do we stay working for these a-holes…
Have you heard the saying “from the frying pan to the fire”?
We’re totally scared we’re going to use a lot of energy finding a new job only to land a job for another bad boss or toxic company. - Better the devil we know…so you think.
But is that fear always true? NO!
The trick is in how to find a job that is the opposite - finding a great boss can totally change your life where you feel heard, important, valued and supported.
And, how do you sell yourself even if you don’t feel like you have all the skills and experience.
Again, step one is believing you have options - and you do!