How to Navigate Work When Your Boss is a Jerk

You stayed up late to finish a last-minute request, and instead of getting a "thank you," you got an email an hour later from your boss pointing out a typo on slide 23. Then the following week, this same boss shot down your ideas in your department meeting – only to pitch the same concept to the executive team a few days later as their own.

It almost feels like a sitcom where you could start off with, "You know your boss is a jerk when..." statements, but it's actually your job; a job that, other than having a bad boss, you love.

Sure, everyone has an occasional bad day at work. But what should you do if every day is a bad day due to your jerk boss? 

Realize the Impact of a Bad Boss

Unfortunately, dealing with a jerk boss is more than just an annoyance — it can have a real impact on your job satisfaction, mental health, and even your career trajectory. A bad boss can also negatively affect your overall life and well-being, making it difficult to separate work stress from your personal life.

Poor management skills not only affect you, but they also make the work environment worse for all workers. This leads to increased frustration, poor morale, and retention problems – all of which impact the bottom line.

Know You Are Not Powerless

Regardless of your position within the company, you do not have to simply be acted upon. My advice: take a step back to determine if there is a real problem and navigate which components to the relationship you can control instead of feeling powerless.

Understand the Problem

When a boss micromanages, bullies, is indecisive, dishonest, or takes credit for your work, it’s not just frustrating — it can lower morale and productivity across the company. This kind of behavior often leads to higher turnover, making it harder for companies to attract and retain good employees. Workers feel drained due to negativity and the organization as a whole often suffers from a bad reputation.

On the flip side, good bosses are effective leaders who foster a positive atmosphere, encourage growth, and support employees in their career advancement. They know how to manage complaints, speak positively about employees, and expect others to respond the same way.

Understanding the difference between a bad boss and a good boss is the first step in deciding how to deal with a frustrating situation.

Whether you choose to address the problem head-on, seek support, or begin looking for a new job, knowing what you are up against helps you make informed decisions about your future.

Identify What You Can Control with a Jerk Boss

Recognizing the signs that your boss is a jerk is key to knowing if you should talk directly to your boss, seek support from HR, or create a new job search with a healthier work environment. Whichever route you choose, keep in mind there are several things that are always within your control.

1. Your self awareness, personal actions, and reactions.

Assess the situation. Are there certain times that your boss seems triggered? Maybe it's the end of the month during inventory, or maybe the jerk surfaces whenever you are a few minutes late to your shift. Does your boss go into jerk mode anytime their manager comes into town?

If you see trends, talk to your boss and offer solutions. For example:

• Could you start your shift 10 minutes later and be consistently on time? (Or perhaps more simple – could you set your alarm 10 minutes earlier to arrive on time?)

• Would they be open to you being the person that manages inventory or at least helps with a portion of a task that frustrates or upsets them?

• Is there something you can do to take some of the stress of the situation off your boss? 

If you address the situation with a possible solution, even a jerk might give your idea the time of day.

2. Your interactions with your boss – and others.

Is your boss's jerkiness actually a response to your interactions with them? Do you treat your boss differently than you treat other co-workers? If you are always laughing with others and then abruptly stop every time your boss comes by, could your boss simply believe you do not like them? 

While it's never fun to self-introspect in search of your own weaknesses, step back from the situation and try to see yourself as the jerk boss views you. You may find a reason why your boss treats you in a specific way, which could be the first step towards improving things.

3. Your choice to stay or go.

The reality of most jerk-boss situations is that you have the power of choice – you can choose to continue to work with someone who just does not fit your style, or you can choose to leave if the situation becomes overwhelmingly miserable.

If you decide to leave but need a little time to line up the next position, you will still want to consider your reactions and interactions with others to find a way to make your time with your jerk boss more bearable. Also, keep in mind that your future employer may call your former boss to do a reference check, which means you do not want to burn bridges.

No one wants to be in a work situation that requires them to walk on eggshells, become someone they are not, or watch every single thing they do. But sometimes tweaking your own actions and performances can make all the difference between dreading work versus looking forward to it.

Manage Your Emotions and Well-being

Working for a jerk boss can take a toll on your emotional well-being, so it’s important to prioritize your mental health while navigating a difficult work environment. Even when your boss’s behavior is frustrating or unfair, maintaining a professional demeanor and avoiding confrontations can help protect your reputation and keep workplace stress in check.

Simple strategies like taking a lunch break away from your desk can give you a chance to recharge and regain perspective. Practicing self-awareness (i.e. recognizing your own triggers and responses) can help you manage your emotions and communicate more effectively, even when dealing with a jerk boss.

Finding comfort in small wins and focusing on what you can control can make a big difference in how you feel day to day.

Building a support network is also crucial. Whether it’s talking things through with trusted coworkers, seeking advice from friends, or finding a mentor, having people to lean on can help you process your feelings and gain new insights.

If the situation does not improve, you may eventually decide to quit and start searching for a new job. When that time comes, approach your job search with a clear perspective and a plan for your career advancement so you can move forward with confidence and find a work environment where you can thrive.

Find Out: Is it Retaliation?

As a final tip, be sure you know the signs of a boss who is either harassing you or retaliating against you.

For example, if your boss caught wind about you complaining to human resources for the late-night pressure to finish up that report and you are now being excluded from key projects, you might have a case of retaliation. Or if you called out your boss for credit-stealing your idea and are now getting bypassed for other presentations or told to "stay in your lane," your boss may be retaliating against you.

Contact Stratus

If you question the motives of your boss, make an appointment with your Stratus HR rep to discuss the situation in private and in confidence. Just like your boss was hired because of the value they provide to the company, so were you – and everyone wants both of you to succeed at your jobs.

At the end of the day, working with a jerk boss does not make you completely powerless. Contact your certified Stratus HR expert for more information. Not a current Stratus client? Request a free consultation today.

Work with a jerk? Stacey has great, hands-on tips for managing your workplace happiness -- even when your boss is a total jerk.