My Crazy Boss... part deux!

by Sharon
(New York, NY)

It's hard to believe that I wound up working for a woman who's twice as bad as the boss before her, but it's true. So, that will make a total of 9 years working for two of the worst bosses in the world. Gee, I really know how to pick them.

My latest boss is best described as a large shot of Anna Wintour, 3 parts ADD, and a splash of alcoholism -shaken violently, not stirred.

Since it was slightly inappropriate to ask "Anna" if she had any crazed, self-absorbed, booze-hound tendencies during the interview, I accepted the position and started working as her personal assistant a little over 5 years ago. I soon found she was all that and then some. Examples:

1. Listening: Anna is completely devoid of ausculation, and blatantly interrupts everyone in mid sentence.

2. The Meeting: This will involve her Blackberry and the many texts she types, or calls she takes from her husband, children, nanny, etc., as you go over the week's agenda and to-do lists. Also, answering emails on her PC and a story about her crazy neighbor. Before you make it to item #2 on your list, she's off for the drunken luncheon meeting.

3. Planning: not a priority for Anna. It's more of an OMG, we have to get this done by 4:00pm today approach. Of course, it was on the to-do list and added to her calendar with many pop-up reminders. I'm pretty sure she enjoys the drama of the deadline.

4. The Event: Accompanying Anna to events that involve some travel is just fun fun fun. She insists on driving and must stop at the hotel bar for cocktails before heading back home. This is just too scary to talk about and I've made every excuse not to go with her since the last horror ride.

5. The Wizard of Oz: For me, the worst offense of them all... the screaming. Anna has zero patience - if something isn't working for her, she will unleash the Wicked Witch of the West voice on me. Usually during my day off, or at 11:00pm at night - combined with one of her happy hours. I also get those calls when she's had a fight with a family member as well.

So, why have a lasted 5 years? I'm not sure. I do like the job itself - it's really diverse, flexible schedule, good pay, ok benefits. But as she mentioned to me in a recent screaming match, "I AM THE JOB!" My reply was, "And therein lies the problem!" That conversation ended as soon as I mentioned that I will leave her if she does not stop abusing me. She's been fairly good for two weeks, but I feel she's about to blow!

That's my story - sad but true. I will eventually leave and hopefully on good terms... I will need that dang reference.

In the meantime, my doctor prescribes me anti-anxiety medication and I try to meditate when I can, but the racing thoughts are too powerful to stop and relax these days.