We all look for a real leader in our boss. The one who can have our backs, who motivates and inspires. It’s a person you can thoroughly trust, learn from, and grow together with professionally.

The truth is, in reality, exactly the opposite can happen. Our managers, bosses and supervisors can downright make our life a living hell. And having in mind that we spend 40 hours a week and 2,080 working hours a year with them, this is a huge lump of our life to spend in misery.

Below we wrapped up some blood-boiling examples that demonstrate what real leaders should not do or say. We also spoke with Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, the best-selling author and CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts who shared some key signs of a bad boss, as well as how to be a great leader to your team.

More stories about annoying bosses can be found in our previous features here and here.

#1

Very Inappropriate Joke

Very Inappropriate Joke

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Reenzy Bennington
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm glad they quit and filed a complaint. People like this shouldn't be the boss of anyone.

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    #2

    That's Just Awful

    That's Just Awful

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    indiecognition
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "She was like a sister to me." (That's a sad situation, and the lack of compassion is messed -up.)

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    #3

    Terrible Boss Regretting

    Terrible Boss Regretting

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    Joelle Jansen
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Be grateful that I allow you to see your family once a week" - WTF, that's delusional.

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    When you work in a toxic workplace, you may get used to it. In fact, it may even be impossible to pinpoint the reason why you don’t like being around your boss, or why everything they do seems to cause a negative response in you. In some cases, however, the signs that your boss should take on leadership courses, or part with leading their team altogether, are more than obvious.

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    Dr. Gleb Tsipursky told Bored Panda via email that micromanaging is one of the key signs of a bad boss. It includes things like “Constantly checking on employees, not delegating responsibilities, and not trusting their team, which can lead to employee frustration and decreased productivity.”

    #4

    I'm Still In Shock

    I'm Still In Shock

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    Groaver Andout
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Just thought you would of been professional" Just thought you as a boss might have learned "of" doesn't go there.

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    #5

    I Just Found Out I'm The Single Lowest Paid Paramedic At My Ambulance Company, Despite Having The Most Experience By Several Years

    I Just Found Out I'm The Single Lowest Paid Paramedic At My Ambulance Company, Despite Having The Most Experience By Several Years

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    #6

    Please Note The Timestamps. Any Suggestions On How To Deal With This Outrageous Unfairness?

    Please Note The Timestamps. Any Suggestions On How To Deal With This Outrageous Unfairness?

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    A bad boss, Dr. Gleb argues, can be also described as someone who lacks communication, fails to provide feedback, set clear expectations, or listen to employee concerns. This can create a negative work environment and result in misunderstandings. Playing favorites is another sign to look out for. “Favoritism can lead to resentment among employees and can create an unfair work environment,” Dr. Gleb explained.

    #7

    My Fiance Called In Sick. Her Boss Called 911 And Told The Police She Was On Drugs. Is This Legal?

    My Fiance Called In Sick. Her Boss Called 911 And Told The Police She Was On Drugs. Is This Legal?

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    Brenda
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, it's not. It's making a false report which is punishable.

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    #8

    My Store Manager Yelled At Me Because I Can Barely Afford To Eat

    My Store Manager Yelled At Me Because I Can Barely Afford To Eat

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    #9

    I Got Fired For Telling The Boss "How To Do His Job" When All I Did Was Say, "We Can't Obstruct A Fire Escape"

    I Got Fired For Telling The Boss "How To Do His Job" When All I Did Was Say, "We Can't Obstruct A Fire Escape"

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    Brenda
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Report his a$$ to the fire department and whatever safety department your city has. Include pictures. Then sue him for firing you

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    Moreover, “a bad boss may blame others for their mistakes, fail to take responsibility for their actions, or fail to hold themselves or their team accountable for their performance.”

    Similarly, a lack of empathy is another warning sign. “A boss who is insensitive to the needs of their team may not be able to effectively support them or address their concerns,” Dr. Gleb explained.

    “A boss who makes poor decisions or fails to make timely decisions can negatively impact the team's performance and morale,” he added.

    #10

    My Boss Thinks I Should Skip Seeing My Probation Officer And Go To Jail So He Can Have A Day Off. He Thinks My Labor Should Be More Important Than My Freedom

    My Boss Thinks I Should Skip Seeing My Probation Officer And Go To Jail So He Can Have A Day Off. He Thinks My Labor Should Be More Important Than My Freedom

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    Alexandra Davis
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    TBF that's pretty s****y of probation as they want people on probation to be back giving to society and working etc but then risk their jobs when they make them call off because they can't give them a time of when they're coming

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    #11

    I Left My Job Shortly After Receiving This "Prize" For My Good Work

    I Left My Job Shortly After Receiving This "Prize" For My Good Work

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    #12

    I Felt Sick, So I Did A Test For Covid. My Boss Responded With This

    I Felt Sick, So I Did A Test For Covid. My Boss Responded With This

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    KJ
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah yes, the perfect way to avoid covid, don't test for it and you can't catch it, honest!

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    Dr. Gleb’s advice for employees who work for a toxic boss would be to first document instances of toxic behavior. “This can be useful if you need to bring your concerns to HR or if you decide to leave the company.”

    Trying to address the behavior directly may be also a way to go. “You can try to have a conversation with your boss to express your concerns and find a solution. However, this may not always be possible or effective,” Dr. Gleb said.

    In some situations, seeking support is crucial. “Talk to a trusted colleague, mentor, or friend about your situation. They can offer advice, support, and a different perspective.” In more extreme cases, Dr. Gleb argues, employees should consider leaving. “If the situation is truly toxic and your boss is not willing or able to change, it may be best for your well-being to find a new job.”

    #13

    The Audacity Of The Boss

    The Audacity Of The Boss

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    Reenzy Bennington
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, grandpa, your timing isn't the best... I hope karma slaps this b***h hard.

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    #14

    The Fire Exit At My Job Has Been Blocked Like This For Months, And My Boss Threatened To Fire Me After He Saw Me Taking This Photo

    The Fire Exit At My Job Has Been Blocked Like This For Months, And My Boss Threatened To Fire Me After He Saw Me Taking This Photo

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    #15

    After Helping Them On Short Notice Many Times, I Finally Learned That My Day Off Is My Day Off

    After Helping Them On Short Notice Many Times, I Finally Learned That My Day Off Is My Day Off

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    indiecognition
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's lousy behavior, but Ken and Brian seem like they come from a good family.

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    The good news is that there is always a way to learn to be a good leader for your team, Dr. Gleb assured us. Seeking feedback is one of the first steps to take. “Ask your team for feedback on your leadership style, communication, and performance. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement.”

    Learning leadership means you also have to develop self-awareness. “Reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses as a leader. This can involve taking personality assessments, soliciting feedback from colleagues, or seeking the advice of a coach or mentor,” Dr. Gleb explained.

    #16

    A 15-Year-Old Kid Was So Tired From The Workload That He Just Fell Asleep On His 10-Minute Break. After Boss Saw That, He Said: "Make Sure He Doesn't Get Paid For That"

    A 15-Year-Old Kid Was So Tired From The Workload That He Just Fell Asleep On His 10-Minute Break. After Boss Saw That, He Said: "Make Sure He Doesn't Get Paid For That"

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    #17

    Boss Told Me I Have To Come Into Work Because They Need Me

    Boss Told Me I Have To Come Into Work Because They Need Me

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    YourSecretSanta
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This does suck and I am not on the bosses side, I am asking out of curiosity. In places where this is a common thing depending on the season, are there not standard protocols or contingencies in place?

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    #18

    Boss Changed Her Mind Very Fast

    Boss Changed Her Mind Very Fast

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    Dr. Gleb argues that trust is critical to effective leadership. So anyone who wants to become a better leader has “to work to build trust with their team by being transparent, following through on commitments, and acknowledging your mistakes.”

    A good leader needs to provide their team a clear direction. Dr. Gleb’s advice is to set clear goals and expectations for your team and communicate them effectively. “This can help your team understand their role and how their work fits into the bigger picture,” he said.

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    #19

    No Compassion At All

    No Compassion At All

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    James016
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of my colleague's mum died. He took at least 2 months off and then came back part time for a bit. This is in the UK though and we work for a company that gives a s**t about staff welfare.

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    #20

    Boss Fired Me For Taking Approved Vacation Time. After That, He Denied My Unemployment. Three Weeks Later, I Got Asked To Sign A Non-Disclosure Agreement

    Boss Fired Me For Taking Approved Vacation Time. After That, He Denied My Unemployment. Three Weeks Later, I Got Asked To Sign A Non-Disclosure Agreement

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    #21

    My Boss Screwed The Only Window At Our Office Shut, So It's Impossible To Get Fresh Air

    My Boss Screwed The Only Window At Our Office Shut, So It's Impossible To Get Fresh Air

    He wanted to save money by not using the heater, which we never use cause it's so hot in here anyways, so he decided to screw it shut. This can't be legal. Right?

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    Last but not least, a leader should never take their team for granted and should put effort into developing it. “Invest in the development of your team by providing training, mentoring, and coaching. This can help them grow their skills and improve their performance,” Dr. Gleb concluded.

    #22

    My Boss Asked Me If I Could Change The Day I Put My Dog To Sleep

    My Boss Asked Me If I Could Change The Day I Put My Dog To Sleep

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    Reenzy Bennington
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again, why is it the employee's job to find coverage? Your employee asks for a day off, you find someone else to work their shift. That simple.

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    #23

    My Boss Actually Wrote This On My Last Check

    My Boss Actually Wrote This On My Last Check

    He didn't give a 2-week notice, was very inconsiderate, and quit for no reason. Vegan who likes cancer, not meat, coward. He got free rides to work for five months. Self-centered and never amount to anything!

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    Brenda
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd copy this to everyone I could think of, including the press

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    #24

    I Lost My Job Of 3 Years Because Of This

    I Lost My Job Of 3 Years Because Of This

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    Reenzy Bennington
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's literally your boss's job to find someone to cover your shift when you're sick, wtf.

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    #25

    Boss Gave Me Cash And Called It A Bonus. Months Later, He Took It Out Of My Paycheck

    Boss Gave Me Cash And Called It A Bonus. Months Later, He Took It Out Of My Paycheck

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    #26

    I Walked To Work In A Thunderstorm, But My Boss Forgot To Tell Me We All Have Today Off

    I Walked To Work In A Thunderstorm, But My Boss Forgot To Tell Me We All Have Today Off

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    ToGo
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That happened to me once. My manager messaged everyone on Facebook that the building was closed, I didn't and still don't have social media.

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    #27

    My Boss Told Me To At Least Try Shoveling Out And Come In Today. Red Car Is Mine. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

    My Boss Told Me To At Least Try Shoveling Out And Come In Today. Red Car Is Mine. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

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    #28

    My Boss Posted This Job Description On Facebook And Then Commented On This A Week Later. I Wonder Why No One Applied

    My Boss Posted This Job Description On Facebook And Then Commented On This A Week Later. I Wonder Why No One Applied

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    SheamusFanFrom1987
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    News flash Jackhammer: The government doesn't need to do that, your sh*tty demands did that all on their own!!! Smh!!!

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    #29

    Stop Stealing My Electricity

    Stop Stealing My Electricity

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    #30

    My Boss Shared This Without A Hint Of Irony In Our WhatsApp Group

    My Boss Shared This Without A Hint Of Irony In Our WhatsApp Group

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    #31

    I Told My Boss I Quit, And He's Not Going To Pay Me

    I Told My Boss I Quit, And He's Not Going To Pay Me

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    YourSecretSanta
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At this point, you stop engaging with your boss and start engaging with your lawyer

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    #32

    My Partner Asked If They Would Be Getting Paid For A Mandatory Work Meeting On Their Day Off

    My Partner Asked If They Would Be Getting Paid For A Mandatory Work Meeting On Their Day Off

    What makes it worse is this place doesn't do holiday pay despite it being a legal requirement in the UK.

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    LK
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The place 'doesn't do holiday pay despite it being a legal requirement' that is until someone reports them for the lack of holiday pay, and for not paying their employees for attending a work meeting on their day off.

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    #33

    Recently Posted At Work

    Recently Posted At Work

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    Reenzy Bennington
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait, BM? Bow Movement? BOWEL movement? Are you joking? Had to read this three times to understand what was happening. How is this even legal?

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    #34

    My Boss Wouldn't Let Me Go To Turn Off My Headlights, Even Though You Could See It Through The Window That They Were On

    My Boss Wouldn't Let Me Go To Turn Off My Headlights, Even Though You Could See It Through The Window That They Were On

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    #35

    My Coworker Had A Dispute With The Owner. This Is How The Owner Replied On The Group Chat

    My Coworker Had A Dispute With The Owner. This Is How The Owner Replied On The Group Chat

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    #36

    I Didn't Bring Lunch To Work Since My Employer Was Providing Pizzas. Two Slice Limit On Pizzas They Cut Into 16 Slices

    I Didn't Bring Lunch To Work Since My Employer Was Providing Pizzas. Two Slice Limit On Pizzas They Cut Into 16 Slices

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    #37

    I Make $15 An Hour

    I Make $15 An Hour

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    #38

    Employees Were Treated Like Middle Schoolers

    Employees Were Treated Like Middle Schoolers

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    #39

    The Employer Doesn't Let Workers Use The Air Conditioner As A Heat Wave Comes Rushing In

    The Employer Doesn't Let Workers Use The Air Conditioner As A Heat Wave Comes Rushing In

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    Living Example
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you have to resort to this kind of thing to save money you can't afford to be running a business. I'd bet the idiot has A/C in his office.

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    #40

    I Am So Done With This

    I Am So Done With This

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    9 animals and counting
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My requirement for management is knowing how to spell and use proper grammar.

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    #41

    My Boss Posted This Right After They Mandated Mandatory 6 Days And 11 Hours Work Days

    My Boss Posted This Right After They Mandated Mandatory 6 Days And 11 Hours Work Days

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    Brenda
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can he do that? Federal law says 8 hours a day. Anything more is overtime and you get paid more.

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    #42

    My Boss Told Me To Go And Rewire An Old Electrical Cabinet At This Factory. He Didn't Tell Me That Everything Was Covered In Sewage Liquids

    My Boss Told Me To Go And Rewire An Old Electrical Cabinet At This Factory. He Didn't Tell Me That Everything Was Covered In Sewage Liquids

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    #43

    My Boss Texted Me In The Middle Of The Night

    My Boss Texted Me In The Middle Of The Night

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    #44

    My Boss Called Me In Early, And Said The Line Needs To Be Cleaned Up. He Set Up The Line This Morning And Made All This Mess

    My Boss Called Me In Early, And Said The Line Needs To Be Cleaned Up. He Set Up The Line This Morning And Made All This Mess

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    #45

    My Job Involves Walking For Hours At A Time. We Also Don't Get Breaks At All. Even For 12+ Hour Shifts

    My Job Involves Walking For Hours At A Time. We Also Don't Get Breaks At All. Even For 12+ Hour Shifts

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    YourSecretSanta
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No breaks? That's a labour law violation in my country. Any anonymous tip off to the proper labour board seems in order

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    #46

    These Meals We Got At My Job For Shifts Up To 12 Hours

    These Meals We Got At My Job For Shifts Up To 12 Hours

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    #47

    The Same Thing Happened To My Friend Michael Scott When He Had Bruce Springsteen's Tickets

    The Same Thing Happened To My Friend Michael Scott When He Had Bruce Springsteen's Tickets

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    #48

    This Is How My Mom's Employer Shipped Her $2000 Work Laptop

    This Is How My Mom's Employer Shipped Her $2000 Work Laptop

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    #49

    I Messaged My Boss That There Was A Small Leak, And He Told Me To Put A Bucket Under It. A Few Hours Later, The Ceiling Tiles Collapsed During A Rush

    I Messaged My Boss That There Was A Small Leak, And He Told Me To Put A Bucket Under It. A Few Hours Later, The Ceiling Tiles Collapsed During A Rush

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    #50

    Boss Called My Dr. Because I Tested Positive For Covid

    Boss Called My Dr. Because I Tested Positive For Covid

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    Alexandra Davis
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If my doctor discussed any of my medical info with my boss like that without my permission I would be suing him for patient confidentiality! But once again I call fake text!

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    Note: this post originally had 91 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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