Does Your Job Frustrate You So Much You Could Explode?

The time I called my boss a bitch ... a cringeworthy story from a mindset & leadership coach that you may relate to!

Have you ever felt so frustrated and stuck in your job that you’ve felt like you needed to explode?

Felt like you wanted, no, needed to throw in the towel?

Constantly wondering if this job / company / industry / career was the right one?

I feel you.

And man do I have a story that’s going to help you with a little added cringe on the side.

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The text that was *meant* to go to my sister read:

“You won’t believe this! My boss has just accused me of not taking my career seriously enough, all because I booked this holiday. As soon as I get home, WE NEED TO FIND ME A NEW JOB. Ugh, she’s such a b*tch.”

Unfortunately that text never made its way to my sister but instead I accidentally SENT IT TO MY BOSS!

**Sending to Kristena Work**

I hurled my Nokia 3310 against a brick wall in Scotland and sure-as-shit it bounced away unscathed and landed face up, near smiling at me.

**Message Sent.**

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

Allow me to rewind before I tell you how this horror show ends...

I was working for a PR agency in London where I was putting in 14-hour days, sacrificing many personal and social commitments (a big deal for a 20-something living abroad), had very little support and guidance and I was earning minimum wage.

I felt totally underappreciated and to be honest, somewhat taken advantage of.

Frustrated, tired and emotional but without the skills to express this and create any type of change (least not meaningful change) I sucked it up and soldiered on.

Until I exploded whilst sitting in a tiny Scottish town. I had applied for additional leave to which my boss said “until you take your career seriously, you will never get anywhere.”

Was she for real?! The *seemingly-only-viable* option was to get a new job and quit.

Have you ever felt the same?

Like you’ve been totally overlooked and misunderstood by your leaders? That’s exactly where I was and it sucked.

OK, so where were we?

Oh yes, the text.

My boss text back *immediately* with a 9am meeting request upon my return from holiday.

Cue: holiday ruined and a deer-in-the-headlights quivering as she walks into work.

I opened with “I’m so sorry, I don’t really think you’re a b*tch” (smooth Lucy)

I was told that my text message was extremely disappointing (fair)

It was unprofessional (fair)

And that it was now my responsibility to work harder, faster and longer to prove my worth whilst she decided what to do with me (um… what?!)

There was no discussion and no attempt to understand.

Yes, I’d done the wrong thing but it had come after stretching myself so thin to provide as much value as humanly possible with little recognition or even a thanks.

It’s not like I sat it work all day day dreaming about who would be an amazing dinner party guest. Let’s face it… Kristena work would definitely not make the cut.

I furiously looked for a new PR job but one that was a better values match for me and resigned within a week.

Despite the mess, it was a wake-up call.

It wasn’t just about finding a new job; it was about understanding what truly makes a fulfilling career. I needed leadership that wasn't just about setting high expectations but also about supporting and nurturing its team.

Although that awkward turtle text message was mortifying at the time, *Kristena Work* knew how to set high expectations, but she didn’t have the leadership skills that her team needed her to have for them to thrive in the workplace.

So what makes a good leader?

Whether you’re in a leadership role or managing people, most often people leaders will be too soft or too hard… and striking the balance is the key to being a leader that people want to follow, whilst also being a leader that gets results.

What does striking the right balance as a leader look like?

Leaders and people managers need to learn to strike the balance between a soft place to land and also being able to set a standard.

A supportive leader emobdies:

• Being empathetic

• Supportive

• Open

• Caring

While also setting standards e.g. expectation around when something is delivered, and how something it’s delivered.

Sounds easy right?

Over the years as a corporate and career mindset and leadership coach, I’ve seen unsupported team frustration play out time and time a gain, and those supportive management and leadership skills that many of us need in order to thrive in our jobs, aren’t being developed in our people leaders.

Ready to change how you lead and not just where you lead?

Perhaps it’s time to discover how to lead like you mean it, making sure your role as a manager is as fulfilling as it is challenging.

How can you improve your leadership and people managerskills?

That's why I created a leadership program – Management Collective – a sanctuary for emerging managers to learn how to not just survive but thrive in leadership roles. Over 6 weeks we delve into creating supportive, engaging environments that foster both personal and professional growth.

• Build Genuine Connections: Escape the 'lonely at the top' syndrome by connecting with peers who understand exactly what you're going through.

• Develop Real Skills: Through practical, interactive learning, transform your leadership approach from being merely a 'boss' to a true leader who inspires.

• Receive Ongoing Support: The journey doesn't end after six weeks. Our alumni network ensures you have a community to lean on as you continue to grow.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if you should stick it out or move on, the Management Collective is here to help you refine your leadership style and perhaps even redefine your career path.