Do you dislike your boss? A survey by YouGov found that three in 10 workers say they don’t get along with their manager. There are many reasons people might feel this way — from bosses taking credit for work you’ve done, to unrealistic workloads or poor communication.
Given we spend so much of our lives at work, a difficult relationship with your boss can quickly become stressful and draining. While you may not be able to change their behaviour, there are ways to manage the situation more effectively and protect your wellbeing and career.
So, how do you deal with a bad boss?
Figure out what makes them tick
If you aren’t getting on with your boss, try to understand what drives them and what pressures they may be under. This can help you manage the relationship more effectively.
For example, they may be stressed due to an excessive workload. In that case, offering to take on some additional tasks could ease tension.
It’s also worth paying attention to their communication style. Some managers prefer regular email updates, while others respond better to face-to-face conversations.
Appease them where possible
If your boss’s requests aren’t too onerous, it can be helpful to accommodate them. For example, if they want more visibility over your work, providing regular updates may help build trust and reduce friction.
This doesn’t mean you can’t challenge your boss when it’s appropriate. If they are consistently favouring other employees — such as inviting them to meetings you’re excluded from — it’s reasonable to ask to be included next time.
Set boundaries
If your boss doesn’t have clear boundaries, it’s easy for them to blur yours. Without setting limits, work can quickly spill into your personal time.
Be polite and clear when expressing your boundaries — whether that means finishing at a certain time each day or not responding to emails late at night or on weekends. When you do raise these issues, explain your reasoning so expectations are clear on both sides.
Don’t fight fire with fire
It’s important not to mirror the behaviour of a difficult boss. If your manager is consistently negative, try to remain professional and measured in your own responses.
While you can’t control how others behave, you can control how you react. Staying calm and focused can help you avoid being pulled into the kind of toxic environment a bad boss can create.
Seek help
Talk to trusted family members or friends about what you’re experiencing. Someone outside your organisation can often offer a fresh perspective and help you see the situation more clearly.
In some cases, it may also be appropriate to speak with your workplace’s Human resources department — particularly if issues are ongoing or affecting your ability to do your job. They can help clarify policies, outline your options and, where possible, support a resolution.
Of course, not every tricky boss situation is fixable. If you’ve tried a few of these strategies and things still aren’t improving, it might be a sign it’s time to look at other options — whether that’s a move to another team, or a fresh start elsewhere. Making a change can feel daunting, especially if you haven’t updated your resume or written a job application in a while.
Taking the time to prepare strong, well-targeted documents can give you confidence and help you approach the job search with a clear plan.
Are you looking for a new career? Melbourne Resume Writers can help. We are pleased to offer various services, including our resume writing service and selection criteria writing service.
Article References
Duggan, T (6 March 2025) ‘‘Document everything’: Five steps for dealing with a bad boss‘’, Sydney Morning Herald, accessed 23 January 2026
Tattersall, H (1 May 2025) ‘How to deal with a difficult manager’, Financial Review, accessed 23 January 2026