What to do?

wizards_sleeve

I am currently employed in the public sector and have recently taken on a new role. I am increasingly stressed out by the demands of my new role and have recently made a substantial mistake. Im not sure what to do. My manager knows about the mistake and will likely pursue 'something' over it, however the manager in question is absolutely terrible. They cause at least 75% of the extra work I have due to their own whims and ultimately have created a horrific work environment for me and my team. The team are terrified of them, due to what is perceived as an extremely unstable personality and quite vindictive (do I dare say sadistic) behaviour. Its been clear to me from day 1 that this person is dangerous and they have had a terrible impact on my mental health. I've considered quitting but ultimately I like my job and know I could do it well, if only I didnt have this person in charge. I've considered asking the union for advice but as yet have just tried to get on with things. Turnover in the team is high and HR duties have taken up about 50% of my time. I have a demanding enough role profile as is, but it seems ultimately impossible to work in these conditions. Has anyone been in a similar position before and if so, what did you do about it?

Princess Calla

Honestly no job is worth it.

If there's a big staff turnover, hr already know the issue and haven't addressed it.

I know it's a cop out reply but just move on, especially if the manager is there years and no intention of leaving.

_Brian

something my current boss said to me when I was stressing over and upcoming audit

“This isn’t 1930’s Germany, nobody will be shot”

you made a mistake, big hoo haa, nobody out there never made a mistake.

Get to know the disciplinary process yourself before anything starts. Contact the union if need be. Hold your manager to the process.

then learn to say no, I can’t take that on along with my current tasks. Push back.

Look for a transfer.

csirl

+1 on looking for a move.

As much as you like the job, things arent going to work out if there is a poor workplace environment.

Try looking for similar roles elsewhere. Do it quietly and only tell your team when you've secured a new position.

backwards_man

Its not the mistake, its how you handle the mistake that should be all your manager should be concerned with. If you flagged it to them, or took responsibility when it was raised to you, then you did well. If you covered it up that is entirely different (and no indication that you did this). Humans make mistakes. It happens to (nearly) all of us at some point in our working life. Your manager cannot "do something" due to this mistake other than ensure processes are in place to prevent it happening again. He cannot do something to you. If there is any indication that your manager will persue this with HR, then make sure you have a note of everything you did and what the mitigating circumstances were eg were you overloaded and trying to juggle too many things? Was your manager giving you work you dont know how to do? were you doing someone else's work? etc….

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058418862/what-to-do

sounds like your manager is highly narcissistic, this is common enough in positions of power in both the public and private sectors, look for a transfer asap, lifes too short, best of look