# 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. - Title: Boss Too Laidback? My Job's Making Me Miserable | Shortify - Summary: 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… - Keywords: sam darnold, seahawks, seattle, nfl, adhd, workplace, motivation, check-in, contractor, labor department, mental health, workplace trauma - Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/advice/2026/09/work-advice-boss-too-laidback.html?via=rss - Author: Doree Shafrir - Published: 2026-09-22T17:00:00+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: sam darnold, seahawks, seattle, nfl, adhd, workplace, motivation, check-in, contractor, labor department, mental health, workplace trauma ## 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? ## Key takeaway Proactive check-ins and understanding ADHD could help manage work stress without leaving the current role.