4 reasons why people choose to stay in their jobs despite having a difficult or bad boss

Nobody desires a bad boss, yet regrettably, many of us have encountered one in our professional lives or are currently experiencing such a situation.

A bad boss is a manager or supervisor who has difficulty effectively working with and leading their employees.

They can exhibit traits such as being controlling, showing favoritism, or lacking clear communication.

They may also act unprofessionally when assigning tasks, interacting with employees, completing their own work, or leading team meetings.

Many Americans have bosses they don’t like, with studies showing that over half find their boss unpleasant, and three-quarters find them stressful.

A Gallup study found that half of employees have quit to escape their boss.

Surprisingly, despite the desire to leave, many people tend to stay longer with bad bosses compared to good ones, averaging about two years more.

Why do people stay despite having a bad boss?

Undoubtedly, the primary factor motivating individuals to remain in their jobs is the necessity of their salary to cover expenses such as mortgages, rent, and bills. But some people remain in jobs with challenging bosses for various reasons:

1. They are too tired to look for a new job

When people face high-stress situations, they often experience emotional exhaustion, which drains their energy for seeking new opportunities, according to Harvard Business Review.

It’s challenging to quit without another job lined up, and it’s equally tough to secure a new opportunity when feeling depleted.

Emotional exhaustion also diminishes the ability to imagine a better situation, leading to feelings of hopelessness.

2. They have invested too much to leave their current job

Loss aversion, a psychological tendency, makes it tough to give up what they already have.

They’re inclined to cling to what they’ve earned, including salary, status, stability, seniority, social connections, and other workplace benefits gained over time.

3. They really like their job

People might stay in toxic situations with a bad boss if they’re deeply committed to meaningful work.

Many individuals choose to remain steadfast in their current employment for reasons as straightforward as their deep appreciation for the job itself, the camaraderie shared with colleagues, or even the daily commute.

Emotional attachment and engagement with their job can outweigh the negative environment, leading them to stay.

4. They believe things may change

People often maintain hope that a mean boss will change, that the organization will step in and that the situation will get better over time.

This hope for improvement serves as a powerful motivator, encouraging individuals to persevere through adversity in anticipation of a better tomorrow within the organization.

Health risks of having a toxic boss

Sticking with a job where the boss is toxic may feel safer, but it carries big risks.

Studies show employees under toxic bosses have a 60% higher chance of severe heart conditions.

They’re also more likely to suffer from chronic stress, depression, and anxiety, which weaken the immune system and raise the risk of illnesses like colds, strokes, and heart attacks.

Recovering from the toll of a toxic boss can take nearly two years.

Despite the fear of quitting, staying in such a workplace can be scarier.

How to deal with them?

If quitting is not an option, here are some tips to help you deal with your lousy boss:

1. Are they really bad?

Before addressing concerns with your boss, ensure they are truly a “bad boss” or if there are underlying reasons for their behavior, The Muse said.

Observe them over a few days, objectively assessing their actions and considering both positive and negative aspects.

When encountering negative behavior, give them the benefit of the doubt, considering potential external factors.

This approach promotes a fair assessment before proceeding further.

2. Know your boss more

Understanding your boss’s motivations helps you achieve better results, avoid conflicts, and set realistic expectations.

Empathizing with their perspective allows you to anticipate their needs and preferences while aligning your communication with their values, enabling you to convey your ideas effectively.

3. Back them up

Supporting a bad boss in becoming more successful may seem odd, but it’s not beneficial to make them look bad or let them fail.

If they’re incompetent, they’ll likely fail eventually.

On the other hand, exposing their weaknesses could harm your reputation.

Instead, help your boss by focusing on their strengths and working around their weaknesses, as per Forbes.

For example, assist with organization or start meetings if they’re often late or document interactions for future reference.

By making yourself indispensable, you will help your boss and set the stage for your own success.

4. Keep up the good work

Maintain professionalism despite your boss’s behavior to protect your job and relationships with other leaders.

Avoid retaliating through slower work or excessive absences, as it could harm your workload and job security.

Instead of succumbing to resentment, stay composed and professional.

Remember Gandhi’s words: “Be the change you want to see in the world,” and strive to embody leadership qualities even when facing difficulties with your boss.

5. Don’t be afraid of your bad boss

If your boss intimidates or criticizes you, maintain confidence and address them calmly.

Rather than reacting with fear or anger, ask questions to defuse tension.

Practice handling such situations, and the bully may lose interest.

If you decide to address your boss’s behavior, do so calmly, prepare for potential fallout, and consider your options and allies.

Document misconduct and be ready for the worst-case scenario.

Standing up for yourself is crucial, but it’s also important to be strategic.

How to avoid a lousy boss?

To avoid dealing with a bad boss, it’s essential to assess the culture, leadership, and management practices of a potential new role or organization.

Before transitioning internally or to a new company, take time to understand the environment and those in leadership positions.

Network with colleagues to gauge the team dynamics and leadership style.

Look for signs of inspiration and support rather than fear-inducing management practices.

When considering a move to a new organization, conduct thorough research to ensure you’re not trading one toxic environment for another.

Take the time to meet with current employees to understand the workplace culture, employee morale, and management style.

Investing upfront time in gathering information can prevent years of frustration down the line.

Watch Adriana Girdler, CET, PMP, an award-winning Project Manager, talks about how to deal with a bad boss: