Dear Judge,
My job is crap, my boss dislikes me and wants me out. What to do?
Bill
Dirty Rotten Law Judge replies:
Dear Bill,
I could address your concerns by referring to the somewhat complicated law of employment and industrial relations, but I won’t, not least that the queue for Employment Tribunals is very long and you’ll be in it for so many years you’d have lost your job anyway by the time you get through the front door. And even when you do get through the door the computers will have broken down and the receptionist will have rigor mortis and nobody will have noticed for several days. And the courtroom will be empty because the judge lost the will to live years ago, and walked out. And because judicial appointments take over a year there won’t be another arriving anytime soon.
Instead, I would suggest you take a more reflective and holistic view of your life. Most people need a job of course, so I’m not suggesting you are able to simply run away from the problem (good if you can of course), but the real cost to you of working in this place may significantly outweigh the financial return. Frankly, there is usually another job elsewhere with nicer people. You might even find that this period of unhappiness and uncertainty produces a renewed sense of self and catapults you into creative activities, such as painting that picture, writing that novel, putting together that band, or starting that new venture. I have read many stories of people made redundant who take the opportunity to reinvent themselves, and many times with considerable success.
And they, just like you, will never look back. In the meantime, when times are hard, remember Bobby McFerrin’s wise words from 1988: “In every life we have some trouble; But when you worry you make it double; Don't worry, Be happy.” So move on, be happy, avoid the queue and make it happen.
