Careers Advice Blog

How to handle your boss

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Today, more and more students are getting part-time jobs – which is great. Nothing makes you aware of just how terrible life is going to be.

I hate to break it to you all, but the general public are idiots. Probably because most of them have never had part-time jobs. If nothing else, it’ll make you a better customer, and you’ll finally start to feel independent!

One thing you’ll always get with a job is a boss. I’ve been working since I was 16 (I’m 21 and old). I’ve had great bosses, and bosses who I hope I never see again, as well as everything in between. And the thing is, there’s no single way to handle a boss – they’re people, and people are weird and nonsensical. It just so happens that they wield power.

Employer laws

First off, it’s worth noting that employment laws are generally pretty worker-oriented: once you’re in, it’s hard to force you out. That being said… Don’t steal. Don’t steal a lot, don’t steal a little. I know someone who was fired for drinking a 45p can of drink. If you do, you’re an idiot. But bosses can make your life hell – scheduling you for too many shifts, putting you down to work when you can’t come in, and so on – you can refuse them, but the stress isn’t great.

Don’t be difficult

With this in mind, try and get along with them! Managers should have people skills, and I can honestly say that I really got along with the majority of mine. Just remember that you aren’t friends, and if they take offence, everything could just nosedive! Also, try not to get so drunk at the Christmas party that you vomit in the dining room of the Hilton (true story, although I turned that around and became the fun one, so maybe I shouldn’t complain…)

Tell it as it is

When you’re in the interview, make it clear: you’re a student, this is part time and school is more important. If they still don’t want to hire you, it wouldn’t have worked out! Don’t shy away from extra work you think you can manage, but prioritise studying and make sure they know that. If they can’t seem to understand this, you might have to quit (after you find another job!).

A final word of advice. Not all managers have people skills. It’s a harsh truth but they don’t. So if you find yourself dealing with a boss who just seems to hate you, accept it or quit. My first boss was a nightmare. Generally hated by her staff but beloved by the regionals, she somehow managed to stay where she was until she retired. To this day, I don’t know how. But I do know that quitting was the best thing I could have done!

Do you have any tips on how to handle your boss? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo: Kumar Appaiah / Flickr

Nicholas BuxeyHow to handle your boss

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