Boss constantly threatens to fire me? What should i do?
That must be very stressful and demoralizing. You don’t deserve to be treated that way.
There are some steps you can take to deal with this situation, depending on how serious the threat is and how you feel about your job. Here are some possible options:
• Give them feedback. Some bosses might not be aware of how toxic their behavior is, and they might appreciate your honesty and willingness to improve the situation. You could try to have a calm and respectful conversation with your boss, where you explain how their threats affect your performance and morale, and ask them to stop. You could also suggest some alternative ways of communicating and resolving conflicts. However, this option might not work if your boss is very hostile, defensive, or abusive.
• Try understanding (not excusing) their behavior. Sometimes, toxic bosses act out of insecurity, fear, or pressure. They might feel threatened by your skills, or they might have unrealistic expectations from themselves or others. They might also have personal problems that affect their mood and judgment. This doesn’t justify their actions, but it might help you to cope better and not take their threats personally. You could also try to find out what triggers their threats, and avoid or minimize those situations.
• Make other allies at work. Having a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, or managers can help you deal with a toxic boss. They can offer you emotional support, advice, or protection. They can also vouch for your work and character, and help you document any incidents of abuse or harassment. You could try to build positive relationships with other people at work, and seek their help if you need it.
• Report the behavior. If your boss’s threats are serious, frequent, or illegal, you might need to escalate the issue to a higher authority. You could report the behavior to senior management, HR, EEO, or the legal department, depending on your company’s policies and procedures. You should have a detailed record of the threats, including dates, times, witnesses, and consequences. You should also be prepared for the possible outcomes, such as an investigation, mediation, or retaliation.
• Look for another job. If your boss’s threats are unbearable, and none of the above options work, you might need to consider leaving your job. This might not be easy, especially if you like your work or depend on your income. But staying in a toxic environment can harm your mental and physical health, and affect your career prospects. You could start looking for other opportunities, and plan your exit strategy. You could also ask your boss if they would be willing to help you find another job, or let you work remotely or part-time, until you find something else.
Whatever option you choose, remember that you are not alone, and you are not powerless. You have the right to work in a respectful and safe environment, and you have the skills and abilities to succeed in your career. I hope you find a solution that works for you, and I wish you all the best.