Any advice on working with a controlling manager? ?

Question

I’ve been at my current employer for six months now and working with my direct manager is draining. We had a working relationship through my previous employer, and she actually told me about this role and pushed my resume forward. I had reservations about accepting the job; I was concerned about how well we would work together and I didn’t receive my desired salary, financially I am in the same place I was at my previous employer. She has a very strong personality, and it’s past the point of her being type A...she’s anal! I can take constructive criticism, but she nitpicks my work. I hate to admit it, but I’m a little afraid of her. When she’s not in the office, I feel like I can breathe. She’s also very controlling when it comes to systems, events, projects etc.

My lease is up at the end of March and I am considering moving to D.C. I’ve been extremely unhappy in Richmond since moving here 3 years ago. There is much more opportunity and hopefully I can receive better pay with a MBA and experience. I’m thankful for everything that she’s done for me, but I just don’t believe that this is the right fit for me. I’m also thankful to have a job in the midst of a pandemic. I know that I will encounter more managers like this in the future (hopefully not). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Mamawidsom · Answer

Step one is to decide what your real issue is and put aside all the other "justifications" you're throwing into the mix here. You post doesn't really sound like you want advice on how to deal with your manager.  It seems that you are just looking for someone to affirm the choice you've already made to leave.

If you feel you've given Richmond a fair chance and you don't like it, then feel free to move if you are unhappy there.  You don't need another reason to make the choice.

If you are resentful that you aren't getting paid the amount you think you are worth you can either ask for a raise or look for another job.  That's what everyone does. You can look where you are or look in other locations, like the DC area. Again, you don't need any more reason than that to start looking at other opportunities.

If your boss is a pain, you either talk with the boss about finding ways to improving the working relationship or you decide to move on and start looking for work elsewhere.  Again, if you can't find a resolution and you are unhappy, stressed out, or unfilled in your current job/employer, move on.

Anonymous · Answer

The grass is not always greener.  Maybe you should mention what bothers you?

Anonymous · Answer

You're dealing with it fine.   There is no magic wand that makes unpleasant bosses pleasant.

If it's not a good fit, as you said, you're free to make a change.

Any advice on working with a controlling manager? ?

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