Career expert reveals why people should never tell their boss they're unhappy and it's eye-opening

Even those who love their job might feel that a few things could be better at work. Things like an amicable work environment, a considerate manager and an interesting job. So, when one or more of these factors are compromised, employees become unhappy, which ultimately reflects in their performance. Marketer and workforce expert Dilara Casey–who goes by @totally_employable on TikTok–shared the eye-opening reason why when employees are unhappy with their boss or their work they shouldn't reveal their unhappiness.

Casey explained in the video that bosses often tend to assess if the employees are happy at their job and one should not fall for it. Especially if the employee felt that the boss was a poor manager, they should never disclose it. "Too many times, I've seen this backfire with clients of mine," said the career coach. So, when employees reveal to their boss that they are unhappy because of a particular reason that might imply that the boss could do better in his role, it doesn't usually sit well with the bosses. "A lot of people get promoted to manager positions because they're good individual contributors, not because they're good leaders," Casey emphasized.

How the bosses perceive an employee's feedback might impact the employee negatively. According to Casey, employees expressing their unhappiness and offering feedback might make the bosses feel personally attacked. "They're not going to change their style. They're not going to change their way. They're going to change the problem, which in their perspective is you," Casey said. Instead, the career expert suggested that employees share their discontentment with HR first and document that information. It is because when managers get feedback, instead of "growing, being better and learning," they tend to get rid of the person who criticized them.

With over 422K views, this video caused a debate in the comments section. While some agreed with the career coach, others argued that even the HR team cannot be trusted. "Yeah, this backfired on me terribly. I went to HR (we don't have HR, so it was a 3rd party labor attorney). Went to mediation. Everything I reported was essentially gaslit," commented @aubrelish. "The CEO realized I was unhappy and I admitted it. They partially fixed the problem, but felt like I had a target on my back. Tried to get another job but couldn't. Got laid off. Never ever be honest," wrote @megb.123. 

"HR will set you up to be fired. HR's job is to protect the company's choices and to stand by the manager. Instead, document the incorrect directions to protect yourself," commented @dreatx6. "Anything brought to the attention of HR gets blown up, making far more of a problem than it ever was. Avoid. I try and deal," wrote @user12696415799760.

Clarifying her point, Casey posted a follow-up video for all those who pointed out that going to HR with our feedback also gets us in trouble. She emphasized that depending on the nature of HR in an organization, their responses to how employees feel about their bosses alter. In the case of workplaces where the HR is incompetent, inexperienced, lacks a moral compass or prone to side with the boss, the career expert suggests employees would rather not go to HR. So, revealing if one is unhappy at their job involves a lot of nuances to watch out for. Casey recommends employees simply start looking for new jobs. 

You can follow Dilara Casey (@totally_employable) on TikTok for resume and career insights.