I’ve had the privilege of working under many great leaders throughout my career, but I’ve also encountered a couple of bad bosses. In fact, I’m not alone—71% of US workers have experienced at least one toxic boss during their careers. And those experiences can leave deep scars.
When you’re stuck under a bad boss, it’s way too easy to start thinking maybe it’s you. A competent boss nurtures your strengths, helps you address your weaknesses, and respects your autonomy.
However, a terrible boss can make you feel inadequate and fuel impostor syndrome, even if you’re an experienced professional.
Take, for example, a late-career incident I had. I was brought on board to whip a marketing department into shape. Unfortunately, I found myself reporting to a CEO who epitomized micromanagement. Not only was I barred from making essential updates to our website—a basic task within my scope—but I was also reprimanded for scheduling necessary personal appointments, despite the promise of flexible working hours and unlimited PTO.
The situation reached a breaking point with a confrontational email from my CEO following a last-minute meeting he had added to my calendar. He criticized my preparation and accused me of laziness in adjusting project scopes—changes we had agreed upon during our 1:1 meeting to optimize our resources. This level of gaslighting and amnesia from a leader was both shocking and demoralizing.
I wish I could tell you there’s an easy fix for this kind of mess—a simple heart-to-heart with your boss to set things straight. But if we’re being honest, when you’re dealing with this level of toxic, it’s like hitting a dead end on a scenic route. You can try all sorts of detours, but ultimately, that roadblock is still there.
Sometimes, you just gotta hit reverse, turn the car around, and find a new path.
Sticking it out with a boss who makes you second-guess your worth, who doesn’t champion your growth, or show any semblance of leadership skills? Nope, that’s a hard pass. It’s better to cut your losses, jump ship, and find a place that values you and your skills.
To salvage your self-esteem from such wreckage, it’s crucial to engage in self-affirmation. Take time to list your achievements and the skills you’ve honed, even under such dire leadership. Each positive point you write down is a testament to your resilience and capability.
Everyone experiences this in their career, so don’t feel like it’s just you.
Your worth is not defined by one job or one boss. You have the power to redefine your narrative and thrive elsewhere, and you deserve it.

Thania (TA Content Mgr)