Is Your Boss Taking You for Granted?

Great jobs and qualified managers don't always come in pairs, so you can easily get stuck with a toxic boss who doesn't appreciate employees. Before long, the job becomes a daily torment as the manager puts unnecessary roadblocks in your way. Instead of accepting a bad situation, remember what you have to offer and find an employer who deserves you. Look for these common signs of a toxic boss who takes you for granted.

Your Boss Sets High Expectations With No Payoff

Thankless managers assign harder and harder projects but never praise your work when you do well. Does your manager constantly ask for your advice or heavily depend on you to manage his responsibilities? Don't be surprised if you end up doing your boss's work and handling high-stakes projects without getting feedback or credit. Although toxic bosses may see you as a skilled worker who can deliver, they don't think you deserve recognition beyond a paycheck because you're just doing your job.

Your Boss Blocks Access to Higher-Ups

Fear and insecurity are inevitable consequences of being too reliant on an employee, which is why a toxic boss works hard to cut you off from senior management. Your manager doesn't want other company leaders to know how competent you are, especially when he takes credit for all your work.

Your Boss Demands Your Personal Time

Do you find it impossible to be off the clock? Does your manager demand an immediate response when he calls, emails or texts you outside of business hours? A toxic boss may commit you to working long hours without asking for your availability or expect you to drop everything to solve problems. Simply put, the manager doesn't care about your personal life, as his time is more important than yours.

Your Boss Creates Difficult Conditions

Thoughtless bosses plague you with challenges that are easily avoidable. When you request extra help on a big assignment or ask for direction on issues delaying your project, the manager drags his feet or dismisses your concerns altogether. Chances are, you push through the tidal wave of forces working against you to squeeze out a win, but you're left feeling undervalued at work. Your boss has the mentality that he's not your babysitter and that it's up to you to come up with the right answers, even if he doesn't give you any information.

Dealing With an Unappreciative Boss

When you tolerate toxic bosses, you give them permission to keep mistreating you. Being trusted with complex projects is flattering at first, but the extra work you're doing isn't likely to lead to a raise or promotion. Whether you choose to stay or go, learning to stand up to your boss is the only way to avoid this demoralizing situation in the future. Set boundaries with your time and workload, and make it clear you can only continue in the job if your manager meets your conditions. In many cases, toxic bosses know they need you and back down when you show assertiveness.

Being undervalued at work drains the joy from your life, so it's rarely worthwhile to put up with a toxic boss. Although it's scary to challenge a superior, taking a stand changes the tone of your relationship and reminds your manager that you can leave whenever you want.

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