From Slate Magazine · Doree Shafrir · · 1m 50s
Boss Too Laidback? My Job's Making Me Miserable
A manager's struggle with low motivation and the cost of staying in a job that doesn't fit.
In brief
A manager's struggle with low motivation and the cost of staying in a job that doesn't fit. Proactive check-ins and understanding ADHD could help manage work stress without leaving the current role. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Motivation Crisis
A property manager feels unmotivated after five years in the field due to lack of oversight and a new assistant who's still learning.
“I'm feeling painfully unmotivated at my job these days, and I'm trying to figure out what the right solution would be.”
Pay Cut Dilemma
An administrative assistant role offers 5-20 percent less pay than current position, potentially a 30 percent pay cut for a house purchase.
“The pay range is anywhere from 5 to 20 percent less than what I make hourly, and presumably wouldn't have bonuses either.”
Weekly Check-Ins
Requesting weekly check-ins with regional boss to discuss urgent tasks and progress could improve accountability without feeling micromanaged.
“I suggest that you proactively ask your regional boss for weekly check-ins where you go over the agenda for the week and discuss which tasks are urgent.”
ADHD Connection
The writer's experience with ADHD may explain their struggle with time management and task completion in a low-oversee environment.
“A lot of what you wrote rang some bells for possible ADHD.”
Workplace Trauma
A former teacher and nonprofit worker faces exploitation and safety concerns in current part-time role with sub-minimum wage.
“I have a lot of workplace trauma. I was a classroom teacher (physical violence, plus the guilt of feeling complicit in systems that oppressed my students).”
Contractor Misclassification
The writer may be illegally classified as a contractor, leading to sub-minimum wage and lack of benefits in their current role.
“I strongly suspect that you are being misclassified as a contractor, and that your sub-minimum-wage salary is illegal.”
Mental Health Impact
Workplace stress exacerbates mental health issues, making it harder to manage tasks and maintain relationships with colleagues.
“My current gig has some crappy tendencies and is also really chaotic and messy, and I can feel myself getting overwhelmed at tasks my colleagues think are easy.”
Boundary Setting
Setting clear boundaries with work colleagues and limiting work-related venting can reduce stress and improve mental health.
“I would probably do whatever I could to calm my nervous system at work, which would probably include setting clear boundaries in terms of what you will and won't do.”
Job Stability
The writer's financial situation requires job stability for a house purchase, but the current role's instability poses a risk.
“I want to buy a house next year, and I know job stability matters for that.”
Legal Action
Contacting the state labor department or an employment lawyer could address illegal contractor classification and wage issues.
“I would call your state labor department and/or schedule a consultation with an employment lawyer (these are usually free).”
Workplace Safety
The writer feels unsafe at work due to unresolved trauma, leading to avoidance of addressing safety concerns.
“I've just stopped doing it, and tried to accept that I'm always going to feel a little unsafe at work.”
Therapist Support
The writer's therapist is a key resource for managing trauma and mental health, but work stress complicates their ability to seek help.
“My therapist says I'm already doing the hard work trying to heal, but then why (on top of capitalism) does working feel like it's trying to make my head explode?”
What matters most
Proactive check-ins and understanding ADHD could help manage work stress without leaving the current role.
