It’s something almost everyone complains about at some point during their career. That boss they just can’t stand. Whether you got off on the wrong foot, don’t feel valued, or don’t agree with the decisions being made, there comes a point when you’ve had just about all you can take. You go to work in a bad mood and come home discouraged. Eventually, enough is enough.

If you find yourself frustrated with your boss, look for the traits we talk about below. If any of them stand out, it’s a clear sign something needs to change.

Takes All the Credit

You know the type of person we’re talking about. The one that takes all the credit for everyone else’s work. It’s like they’re more concerned with making themselves look good than they are with recognizing the talented people they manage. If this type of behavior seems to be an ongoing theme, it’s a red flag.

Narcissistic

A boss that’s narcissistic won’t be hard to spot. They will single out what they perceive as weaker individuals, and exert their power over them. They’re quick to take credit and spread blame to anyone but themselves. If doesn’t take long for this type of behavior to ruin morale and toxify culture.

Throws People Under the Bus

A good leader always has your back. They might be tough on you but they will have your back when your neck is on the line. Unfortunately, there are too many bosses out there that throw their employees under the bus. They might gossip about certain people and are always pointing their finger.

Management might even love these people as they’re adept at playing both sides of the fence. They’re often solely motivated by their own success and will do whatever it takes to ensure their future.

Ignores You

On an effective team, everyone’s ideas should be welcomed and considered. If you find your input continually suppressed, rejected or flat out ignored, it’s a sure sign your boss doesn’t see your value. They’re either insecure and see you as a potential threat or, think they have all the answers.
You should feel valued in your job. If that’s not the case, it needs to be addressed.

Can’t Handle Problems

Problems are going to arise in any organization. This is when a leader’s true colors show. If your boss loses their cool when issues come up, it spreads fear throughout the whole team. Once everyone has seen enough angry episodes, they become afraid to do any little thing that might trigger abhorrent outbursts. Constantly feeling like you’re walking on eggshells isn’t how you should feel at work.

If your boss consistently exudes any of these behaviors and, nothing has been done to address them, it might be time to consider making a change. Before you pack your things and give your two weeks notice however, there are some things to consider.

Get to Work

Not with the daily tasks of your current job. Rather, get to work making yourself visible in the market. Tell your friends and family that you’re looking for a new opportunity. Engage on LinkedIn. Catch up with former colleagues over lunch. Attend a professional conference. Get back in touch with recruiters you’ve worked with. Even though the tendency for most people is to hide in a corner when things aren’t going well at work, being proactive is a much better way to go.

Come Up with Your Own Job Description

Have you ever wondered what your dream job would look like? There’s no better time than now to try and make it a reality. Go into detail. This exercise might be difficult, because most people know what they don’t want. However, it’s an important step to take. When you write these ideas down and share them, you narrow down the focus on what you truly desire in your next opportunity and communicate to everyone around you.

Hit the Ground Running

Even if you’re still at your current job, set aside time to start looking for new opportunities that you’re excited about. Polish up your resume and send it out. Contact a recruiter. Now that you’ve armed yourself with a detailed picture of what you’re looking for, you won’t waste time applying for jobs that aren’t fulfilling.

The reality is that you need a job. But, a job doesn’t have to merely be a means to an end. There’s no reason you should feel chained to a situation that’s toxic or where you don’t feel valued. If you find yourself in this position, take note of types of behavior from your superiors that might be the root of the problem. If there’s no apparent way to make things better, be proactive and make the necessary choices for your career and your life.