Boss orders employee to commute 3 extra hours to daily shift, ends up regretting it

Treating employees with respect and dignity can create a healthy work environment, eventually leading to better work outputs. However, some bosses do not realize this and they do not even admit when they are wrong. u/BeeeRick shared one such story on Reddit where they quit their job when feeling unappreciated. After working with "abusive and angry clients for 5 years," the OP decided to quit their job when their boss asked them to take more work that involved a longer commute. The boss also asked them to get some perspective and OP did this by finding employment elsewhere.

They shared, "I worked as a systems administrator for an IT Firm. I got tired of dealing with abusive and angry clients for 5 years. I got tired of being micromanaged and being exploited. I got tired of being talked down to like I was a child anytime the slightest little mistake was made. When my boss learned I was no longer going to work in another market 3 days a week like I originally planned and he had no one else (because no one wanted to deal with the jerks in that market), he spent an hour lecturing me on 'taking a long hard look at myself.'"

They added, "He said that he was concerned about my reliability after refusing to spend 3 hours a day commuting to the other market on top of my work day. 'If I can't rely on you to work in the other market then I just don't know if you have much of a future with this company. I think you need to take a long hard look at yourself and gain some perspective.' You know what, you are absolutely right. 2 weeks later, I found a new job and gave my notice."

At this time, the boss realized the importance of their work and even "begged" them to stay and offered them more money. This request continued for some time, but OP had already made up their mind, as they said, "No thanks, I finally found that perspective you wanted me to find. Boy, am I glad I did! A new job with a raise and benefits, and no stress. The only advice you've ever given me of value! Good luck to you!" He let me go a week into my notice." In their new job, they felt respected and valued. Moreover, they realized they made a much-needed change. They said that they "love my new boss and my coworkers."

Their former boss could not find a replacement for them as many people joined and left the job due to the unhealthy work culture. OP concluded, "It's been over a year since the former boss hired 6 different people to fill my spot, each lasted 1-2 months before they left. Hmmm, wonder why that is. Maybe he needs to gain some perspective on how to run a company and treat people?" Employees need more than a pay cheque from their workplace to thrive. They need support, encouragement, healthy feedback and appreciation. And OP finally found a healthy workspace and as for his boss, he might have found some "perspective."

Editor's note: This article was originally published on June 20, 2023. It has since been updated.