Is my boss toxic?

[Anonymous]

I am working in Accounting (most a home-based role) and I do enjoy my job and the responsibilities that come with it. However, I have recently been feeling sad and I could not pinpoint the reasoning. Today was my day-off and I had time to think about my emotions - Why was I feeling sad? I realised it’s most likely caused by my boss at work.

Every time I make an error or mistake she would demand an explanation as to why it happened. The boss would be like, “I cannot understand why this has happened. Can you explain to me why this has happened.” I proceed to explain how I think I made that error. After, she counters what I say and then repeats, “Can you explain how you made that mistake?” And I am like in my head, “I just explained to you what I think happened and she is demanding an explanation. That sort of scenario has happened on so occasions and I am getting stressed out because of it. Everytime I see my boss messaging me I’m like, “Oh God, not again!” It has come to that point.

She is Spanish in the UK and English is not her first language. That said, I don’t know if that is the issue, but I don’t like the way she talks to me. That confrontational and in your face attitude. She has accused me of lying at times and that she is starting to lose trust in me. Next day, she calls through Slack and acts like nothing ever happened. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I have worked so hard there, even working more than the amount stated in my contract. Yes, there is a lot of information to take in and I am only 4 months into my job, but I don’t know if I am overreacting or if she is the cause of my misery recently.

[Fuentes]

When I deal with people like this there is only one way to get at them & that is mentally. Watching what they do so you can silently being defiant, know your policies so you know what she can and cannot write you up for and just become her all out nightmare. That way you can finally get moved to another manager and then she's a thing of your past. But if she's your only manager I would just make her life a silent living hell. She can go to HR but if she can't prove you broke any policies your fine.

Also always come in on time and never miss a day. It will make you untouchable I hope in the UK they have good employee laws so you can't just be fired.