Stress in your work- how to deal when your boss tells you do this, do that, now!
By starsailover
@starsailover (7829)
Mexico
November 5, 2011 8:56pm CST
Hi everyone: For some of you who has a job you may know how dealing with stress in your work area might be.
I have had different type of bosses, some of them care more about their employees, some other, I would say that they just use them as tools.
One of the situations that gives me a lot of stress coming from my working area is when my boss is telling me:
- Do this, do that and after that do this. Oh and I forgot we have to do this and this and this and this. Do it faster.
Sometimes working could be very relaxing and in general to be active makes you feel happy. However, in some cases, bosses asks you to many things at the same time that you may feel full of stress. The worst part is when they seem not to notice that you are a human being with no super powers to do so many tasks for the same amount of money 
.
My aunt for example had boss for almost 15 years who asked her to do so many things but he doesn't recognize all of her hard work at all. When they fired her the company needed to hire 4 different persons to do all the things my aunt did! 
Si now it's your turn: what do you think about this situation and about this inconsiderate bosses? How do you deal with a situation like this when you have too much stress on you and too many things to do.
Thanks for sharing.
ALVARO
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My aunt for example had boss for almost 15 years who asked her to do so many things but he doesn't recognize all of her hard work at all. When they fired her the company needed to hire 4 different persons to do all the things my aunt did!
Si now it's your turn: what do you think about this situation and about this inconsiderate bosses? How do you deal with a situation like this when you have too much stress on you and too many things to do.
Thanks for sharing.
ALVARO6 people like this
24 responses
@lekhya (819)
• India
24 Dec 11
All this happens to only those who are sincere in work...If u r not then ur boss will never dare to deal with u.Bcoz he wants the work to be completed on time and hence cant risk with insincere people.Never do too much of work and be extremely sincere.Only do wat is assigned to u and not to others and also never complete them before time.Even if u have capabilities to do more u shouldn't...bcoz such people(bosses) try to make ultimate use of people and never consider their hardwork.I have severely suffered being sincere and hence decided so...They made me do all kinds of work not only pertaining to me but also to my colleagues.Never display all ur talents and get booked.So be loyal to ur work and not to ur boss..All the best.
2 people like this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
25 Dec 11
Hi lekhya: Thanks for sharing with me such a nice advice. I actually must admit that I have made these mistakes you have mentioned on your response. I bring my results even before I have to and it was difficult for me to say no, so from time to time I get more responsibilities from my job so basically I end up doing more of the things I was suppose to do at the very beginning.
ALVARO
1 person likes this
@inertia4 (27960)
• United States
6 Nov 11
I know all about the stresses of work. I have been there and done that and believe me some bosses like you said are no picnic. I have worked with all types myself. One thing I did learn is that if they are being over bearing or asking you to do more then you can handle, then you have the right to sit down with them and explain to them that it's way too much for you. They do understand after you explain yourself. Also, I have had bosses that I was friends with and that makes the job so much nicer to work. Remember one thing, work is work and thats all it is.
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
13 Nov 11
Hi inertia: I have been on both places like you. I've had amazing bosses where it's just great to work and you love them and appreciate them very much and I've had some other where the relationship with them is more complicated. But as you have mentioned before, in both cases is really important to talk honestly wuth your boss about how you are feeling. Thanks for your answer.
ALVARO
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
19 Nov 11
Hi inertia: That's right. Sometimes is difficult to learn how to deal with different characters but we have to to find stability in both in our job on whatever other aspect of our lives.
ALVARO
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
20 Nov 11
Hi Star,
Well, it is nice and so much more pleasant when you have a boss that does recognize your hard work and is compassionate and considerate to the fact that you are only human and can only do just so much in a given slot of time. The truth is that we don't go to work to get praise and ego boosters and have a pleasant time. Those are just some of the benefits of having a job that we love. Bottom line is that we work for that pay check that we need to survive. Sometimes we do jobs we absolutely hate and the reason for that is the pay. If you really don't like your boss or the job then you can keep your eyes open to take another job. Your Aunt sounds like she was miserable for 15 yrs but in that 15 yrs did she look for other work? I would not quit a job simply because my boss was difficult but that would sure motivate me to look for something else. If the boss was truly unhappy with your work, he could fire you. Likewise, if you are truly unhappy, you could quit.
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
22 Nov 11
Hi Star,
Sorry for misunderstanding the situation about your Aunt. Hopefully the company realized the error of their ways when they fired her. And for you, I wish you luck in finding a job that pays you your worth and that treats you as you deserve to be treated! Good luck, Starsailover!
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
22 Nov 11
Hi sid: I agree and that's the reason why I always keep looking at other opportunities and finally when I could do this I quit. I have made some important things and I feel happy at some point with my job but there was so much things to do an little recognition.
About, my aunt you are actually wrong. She actually loves her profession and that's probably the reason why she got involved with so many things. She was very responsible with the things that were needed in her office but the company forget how valuable she was until they fire her and they had to hire 4 people to do the job she was doing.
ALVARO
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
28 Nov 11
Hi sid: No worries 
Unfortunetly things happen this way and people (or companies) don't realize about how important people and the work they do are until they just go for any reason. Thanks for your good wishes
ALVARO
Unfortunetly things happen this way and people (or companies) don't realize about how important people and the work they do are until they just go for any reason. Thanks for your good wishes
ALVARO
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
9 Dec 11
hi starsailover I would calmly gently tell that boss that you are only one person and can only do so much at a time, so you will do this, then that, then the other as you are not a machine but a
real person.now if there is any way you can multi task pick out two of the easiest tasks and do them at once. we women have had to multitask from the time we gave birth til the kids grow u p and fly out of the nest. but guys have a harder time. I do not know ifyou are a he or she but if you are a she you do know what I am talking about. lol.I told the branch manager of the library that I cou ld only do so many things at a timne, so I would do what I could multitask and the others one after the other. she went along with that.
1 person likes this
@ajithlal (14716)
• India
20 Jul 12
I also think that communication is a better thing in life and most probably you should tell your boss what you feels. I think most bosses do not understand what their employees feel and most probably if you talk to your boss most probably he will understand how you feels and will probably change.
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
13 Dec 11
Hi Hatley: Thanks for your message. I really think this is a nice answer. It's all about communication. In my case I'd also add that it's important to remark to your boss that being a human, if you have so many tasks to do, you won't be able to have all of them finished at the same time.
ALVARO
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
21 Jul 12
Hi ajithlal: Yes, there's a moment you have to make your boss understand that this is all you can do in your job and just in case he/she needs more that's too much work for a single person. But we have to express what we feel to feel good in our working area.
ALVARO
@maharlikah (1045)
• Philippines
13 Nov 11
I also experience that, I remember, I focus on the work assignment and forget about my boss. Doing the job well gives satisfaction and ignoring him or her helps make work easier.
1 person likes this
@maharlikah (1045)
• Philippines
13 Nov 11
Yes, as much as possible I have to win over emotions. And I maybe because I also have the "I don't care attitude." If the task is not done, I will tell the truth in a nice way that I couldn't make it though I tried my best. If he will be angry, I don't care as long as I know I am in the right track but I don't argue, I respect and I follow but I just speak what is needed to be spoken.
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
5 Dec 11
Hi maharlikah: I know what you mean. I know sometimes I should also have this "I don't care attitude" because I have felt guilty for things that are not even my fault, when I just couldn't do all the assigned tasks because I did not have enough time for them.
ALVARO
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
13 Nov 11
Hi maharlikah: Really? Did it work for you? Maybe I am too perfectionist and emotional. That's probably the reason why this really affects the way I was working and makes me feel a little bit sad.
ALVARO
@Mashnn (4501)
•
6 Nov 11
If I have such boss, I would only do as much as I could making sure that she or he understand that Iam a human being and have limit. Incase of your aunt, it is really sad to see how bosses takes other people for granted without appreciating their work but in the end, they end up reglecting why they did what they did when it is already too late.
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
18 Nov 11
Hi Mashnn: I think that's so right. If you are doing your job, you should be happy with that. That's your responsibility. In some cases, people who has power in the companies, thinks they can bully their work asking them to do some tasks that are just not reasonable and people should not allow this.
ALVARO
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
12 Nov 11
Hi Mashn: I think that's the way relationships in your work should be. Some people still thinks that, because they are the boos and they pay you they can treat you like trash and ask you more and more. I like when bosses do their work and ask for results because that's their job. The problem is when they stop thinking about you as a human and you are more like a tool to them that is not acceptable.
ALVARO
@indahfth (11161)
• Indonesia
7 Nov 11
Before I married, I had worked. And lucky, my boss is very good, and always appreciate my work. If I had a boss, who does not appreciate me, I'll be honest to my boss, why boss act like I got a bad job. I would tell my boss, if indeed, my job badly, I'll ask my boss to reprimand me, and gave advice to me, so I can work better.
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
13 Nov 11
Hi indahft: Well I'm glad for you, things were like this. In my case, I have worked for a while so I have bosses that are really cool and value my job and some other are not that nice.
@really sunny: I like your attitude
ALVARO
ALVARO
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
7 Nov 11
Hi the zone: Wow, it might be difficult to adapt yourself with so many bosses going in and out. But I agree with you, the first thing you have to think is if you are feeling comfortable with what you are doing and do your own thing.
ALVARO
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
14 Nov 11
Hi the zone: Thanks for this advice. I sometimes forget this and maybe that's the reason why I feel too much worried when my boss is not being very tolerant but I think you are totally right on this point. Have a nice day.
ALVARO
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
9 Nov 11
Honestly, when I had a job where they were expecting more out of me than one person can do, I would cry and I would cry at work. You see, the job that I'm talking about there is when I was working at the hospital and when I was doing that I would end up crying because I thought that I was not able to be fair to the patients.
With that said, ultimately, I ended up leaving the job because I didn't like the fact that they weren't fair on their employees or their customers (in this case the patients).
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
13 Nov 11
Hi doranmwin: That's a really sad story. I guess it was better for you to stop being on this job, specially because it was affecting your health and it was making you feel terrible. The way you feel while you are working is more important than for example the salary you earn.
ALVARO
@enelym001 (8322)
• Philippines
6 Nov 11
Hahaha I find the title funny!
I remember my boss who never fails to give me a LOT of work in the office. Not only that I worked for his two companies but paid for the same salary. He just thought one day that he might need me to work for his other company. I expressed my second thoughts about it - because there are already a lot of job in my 'original' company so putting another load might be hard especially if I need to rush something. But "boss will be boss" Can't say No coz even if I say No, he will give you loads of work!
I remember my boss who never fails to give me a LOT of work in the office. Not only that I worked for his two companies but paid for the same salary. He just thought one day that he might need me to work for his other company. I expressed my second thoughts about it - because there are already a lot of job in my 'original' company so putting another load might be hard especially if I need to rush something. But "boss will be boss" Can't say No coz even if I say No, he will give you loads of work!1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
13 Nov 11
Hi enelym: Now that I look back to my past job I can smile but I can tell you it was a really headache for me to deal with this situation and it gives me lots of stress. Looks that your boss was actually worst than mine .
ALVARO
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ALVARO@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
5 Dec 11
Hi enelym: At least there's a positive part about your boss and he has shown a more human part to you. It's not all about your results but he also recognize your hard work. That's good. And working hard could help us become more competent in our jobs.
ALVARO
@enelym001 (8322)
• Philippines
13 Nov 11
My boss is good but he tends to give a lot of work and expects more from his workers. But sometimes if you ask for a raise he will give it, it just takes time
I also just smile when I reminisce about the pressure that work gave me in the past. I learned a lot there and I enjoyed it also despite the pressure I've gone through.
I also just smile when I reminisce about the pressure that work gave me in the past. I learned a lot there and I enjoyed it also despite the pressure I've gone through.1 person likes this
@riempie9 (1021)
• South Africa
21 Jul 12
You can read an article I just posted on iWriter about rude bosses and how to handle them. A boss is not God. Both of you should treat each other with respect. If he remains cheeky, bossy or rude, speak to him privately. He will actually respect you for coming to him. He will also get a shock to see that you have courage. Sometimes bosses need to hear what their secretaries and workers think about them.
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
1 Aug 12
Hi riempie: Sounds great. I would really like to read your article. It seems like a really good advice both for me as for our friends who have some stress problems in their working area. Thanks for sharing.
ALVARO
@riempie9 (1021)
• South Africa
20 Jul 12
I can be a very hard person when it comes to rude bosses. There should be etiquette in the office and people should behave and not be condescending and order people around as if they own the world. I would ask the cheeky boss if I could talk to him privately in his office and then ask him what you have done that he should treat you this way. Tell him you are not treated like this in your own home and are not going to take it. I know that this is hard to do especially if you have no job waiting for you, but unless you do it you will forever be talked to in this way.
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
20 Jul 12
Hi riempie: Well in this particular case, my boss wasn't rude but he gave me a lot of instructions at the same time. He put me more tasks than the ones I could do on a single day and it was too hard for me to deal with this stress level.
ALVARO
@Daisy_22 (1229)
• Philippines
29 Jul 12
Stress is always present at the working place but it all depends on how you deal with it.We can't choose our boss so there are really times that we can have a stressful boss.The best thing for us to do if it is going to happen is to be patient.Always remember that patient is a virtue.Next is ignore him.By ignoring it doesn't mean you are not going to do what he asks, I mean just try to do the things your boss asks but don't hesitate to be bothered of those sayings or narration and worse if it is already shoutings.
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
6 Aug 12
Hi Daisy: I agree with you and this is actually a personal problem I have to work on. Sometimes I care too much about what my boss tells me. Of course, as you said, we have to be responsible but if we feel worried for all the things that we have to do in our day, this will make us feel stressed and this won't help at all to have the right attitude to work.
ALVARO
@ashya_32 (32)
• Philippines
9 Aug 12
ill been in the situation like that, do this, do that, blah, blah, blah...and its super stressing for having a boss like that...but still they are the boss, look for their weakness like food or beverage, know the things they like to do, you know a little reverse psychology. Just do your thing, and dont let your boss ask for it..
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
10 Aug 12
Hi ashya: I think that's a really wise way to make some progress with your relationship with your boss and at the same time improve the atmosphere on your working area. Thanks for this advice. I must use more of this reverse psychology with my bosses to avoid unnecessary stress.
ALVARO
@JHEZ924 (119)
• Philippines
6 Nov 11
Based on my personal experience, the best way to deal with it is to open it with your boss. If there are a lot of things to do, ask him/her what to prioritize on those tasks. Then if it is really impossible to deliver on the deadlines, advise him/her so an ample to time to finish those things will be given. Make sure that on that extended time you will deliver everything.
Also, as I observed, good boss's knows to whom will assign a specific task. This means that if your boss gives you many assignment, he/she knows that you're the best person for that. Remember that you are the staffand whatever you deliver will reflect on him as your boss. :D
Just enjoy working... and be benefited.. :D
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
7 Nov 11
Hi jhez: Thanks for sharing with me your experience on how to deal with stress in our working area. As you mentioned, good communication is fundamental for you to work and to have a good relationship with your boos.
I wish I would ask this question to my ex boss when I had this problem. Maybe if we would define our priorities together our relationship would be better.
ALVARO
@wongchoiyee (7413)
• Malaysia
6 Nov 11
As usual I will begin looking for another job maybe this time not an office girl job but rather part time telesales or survey interviewer. Changing jobs is the best option to reduce stress. If you are determined to have the job then you should do your best and if still cannot then you should talk to your boss. Hopefully all goes well for you!
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
7 Nov 11
Hi won choiyee: Well I can tell you that I look for a job even if I feel comfortable with my current job because there's nothing wrong on looking for different options. With this job I am talking about I tried my best to stay and I did it for more than a year but I finally quit.
ALVARO
@GemmaR (8517)
•
6 Nov 11
I think that you have to remember that your boss has a lot of pressure on his shoulders because he is at the head of the company and is therefore hugely responsible for whether it hits its targets or whether it doesn't. Because of this, they often set their staff unrealistic targets to hit without really realising just how unfair they are. You should arrange an appointment with him and sit down and talk about what you feel as though you could do, and how he could improve the stress that you're feeling in your job right now. The right conversation can go a very long way in life.
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
7 Nov 11
Hi Gemma: I completely understand the hard work of almost all my bosses. In this case I just mention that this person in particular used to assign me too much work, more than I could handle it. Which means that he appreciated me as a good worker but at the same time it can be a big source of stress and you end up feeling used and that your boss really don't care about you as a person.
ALVARO
@jasmeena (846)
• Indonesia
6 Nov 11
Just ask more in detail..explain that you have to finish your first task before moving to another task.Before doing a new task,give your brain a break for 2-4 minutes. May I know what field you are working in?I used to work for a magazine, a monthly magazine as translator.However,sometimes I am assigned as reporter as it is very unlikely to rely on only one reporter. My bosses are nice,even they are the best bosses I have ever had in my life. However,I decided to quit due to management problem. the boss are great,so are my teammates,however the board of directors...well,can`t tell you, but there was a conflict between the editorial department and the directors and it made me uncomfortable.
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
13 Nov 11
Hi jasmeena: That's sad, specially because you mention that you actually were enjoying your work there. In my case I worked as a translator but I also have to do some things related to software things even if that's not my profession because I wanted to help the company but then it became a part of my obligations and I also work at writing and some administrative functions. Now you know why this work was really hard.
ALVARO
@mandylee (267)
• China
6 Nov 11
i think that the boss may regret for firing your aunt.it's a huge lost to him and he would pay more for it! i happen to this situation sometimes,the boss always expect that his employee is a super man and does everything for him but just pay little money.i will not be angry,i will do things step by step in spite of boss's look
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
13 Nov 11
Hi mandy lee: I agree with you. Although he probably won't admit it, I'm sure he has realized that my aunt was actually a really good worker and that the company didn't value her hard work. Thanks for your comment.
ALVARO
@clearwater18 (695)
• Philippines
6 Nov 11
Well, I think that that was really unfair for the boss of your aunt to fire her. I think she got fired because your aunt was already working there for 15 years and so, they removed all those who have worked longer so they won't have to pay them a huge salary anymore. But I think that is still wrong. That shouldn't be the case. If the person is working hard and is good at work, then he/she shouldn't be fired at all. But the fact is, that's what is happening these days.
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
13 Nov 11
Hi clear water: I think that's probably the main reason why they do this. And it's just unfair because time shows that she was doing a great job and that she was actually doing the job of more than one person for the same salary. However companies don't have feelings
ALVARO
ALVARO