My new boss is making my life hell

I have worked in finance for my present company for about five years. I have always enjoyed it and been respected, but I now have a new boss who is very difficult to work for. He has a tendency to give me work shortly before it’s time to go home and expects me to do it before I leave. He also has a short temper and gets irritated very easily if I question anything or want to discuss the work we are doing. He is like this with other people but he seems worse with me. How do I handle this situation? It sounds as though your new boss is incompetent and perhaps feels threatened by you. It won’t be easy but a direct approach is probably best. Start by talking to him about how much you like the company and the work you are doing, but that you are concerned as he seems to be annoyed with you a lot of the time. Say it would really help if he could explain why, as you would really appreciate a good working relationship with

him. You could also try speaking to the HR department if your company has one. If nothing changes it might be worth searching for a new job – but only take one that you would really like to do, not just to escape from this situation. Meanwhile, also write notes of every unreasonable request that he makes, just in case you need legal advice in future. Does he have a boss who you know well enough to tell, in a calm and not too critical way, how difficult you are finding him?

treatment and accused of loving them more than her. My wife is not in perfect health either. I am torn by not knowing what to do. Should I settle for a peaceful life or just go anyway? My sister and I have always been good friends. Am I wrong to feel there is control going on here? Accusing you of loving your sister more than her sounds like emotional blackmail but making it difficult for you to visit your sister will affect your relationship. As you are close to your sister it would be sad not to see her and her husband, especially as their

health is uncertain. Perhaps your sister could help by writing a letter to your wife to say how they would love to see her as well as you. However, it does sound as though you need to stand up to your wife. Tell her, very gently, that you love her very much but that you also love your sister. Say that it is not a competition and that although you would prefer her to come with you, if she won’t, then you will go on your own. Weather any storms calmly and cheerfully. Hopefully she will decide to accept the situation and join you.