Dealing with a difficult boss.

Well, since you mentioned that you can't afford to lose this job, you might as well just bare with it. Your boos must be undergoing personal problems which could be the reason that's affecting his temper. You could try approaching him and asking him about it, if you feel like you are at that level where you could actually talk about personal things, or maybe invite him to drink somewhere and let him pour out what's been bothering him. You'll have to stay with him, he needs you more than ever.

On the same boat. But I may have done something crazy today--bit the bullet--and just quit my job. In retrospect, it may not have been the most prudent of decisions. So think about it first.

It sounds like he's on a short stress fuse, due to possible personal problems that he can't help but bring his feelings about into the workplace? I realise it must be very hard to cope with as if you were to stand up to him, you might risk losing your job. Are you able to find a place inside of your head that you can climb into when be becomes difficult that allows you to just brush his attitude off? Hard, I know, but a few years ago I had to do a similar thing with a boss I had. It eventually worked and the boss became much nicer, but it did take quite a while for it to reach that stage. Good luck!

Whatever the situation is, you have to adjust to it in order for you keep your job. I also have a difficult boss but I just cope with it. I just let her petty statements go because if I start something unnecessary, I'll just be wasting time.