Written by Michelle Kaiser | Choose your own adventures aren’t nearly as exciting as an adult as they were when you were a kid. Instead of deciding between a poisonous jungle or a death-defying cliff to seal your fate, today’s scenarios and decisions carry a little more weight, especially in the workplace.

Deciding how to handle a difficult boss can be a major turning point in your career. Turns out you aren’t alone if you feel at odds with your boss. In a recent study, 40 percent of employees admitted they wouldn’t acknowledge their boss if they ran into him on the street. The increasingly caustic work environment leads to some major setbacks. Workers in difficult office situations are more stressed at home, don’t sleep as well, and have lower self-esteem.

So what do you do if you find yourself in a “Horrible Bosses”-esque scenario? Employers can be difficult for any number of reasons — disagreements about management style, ethics, personal matters, or even how they take their coffee. So take a look at these scenarios and choose your own work adventure to seal your fate of a successful career.

1. You’ve been in your current position for nearly five years and feel like you’ve earned your dues, but your boss keeps getting after you for doing the reports wrong, even though you know they are correct.

First, start with a little self-evaluation. Is there anything you could be doing to make the problem worse? Maybe coming in late or missing deadlines? Self correct before going to your boss. As always, find a good time to meet with her. The last day of the month is probably not ideal. Clearly state your frustration without going overboard. It helps to come to your boss with organized facts and a solution to the problem, not just to air your grievances. Try to meet halfway and reach a solution you both can handle. Make it about business, not just your personal feelings and you will have more success.

2. Your boss is a company lifer and is nearing retirement, but micromanages you on every project. Do you (a) wait it out or (b) confront her about your frustration?

Make sure time is on your side. For annoying problems that are still workable, wait your boss out and see if she will retire or move on before you cause a scene. Remember to pick your battles and think of who else could get involved. Office politics aren’t fun, but they are nearly inevitable.

3. Your boss works small sexist comments into his conversation with you at least once a week. Do you (a) bring it up or (b) let it slide?

Sexual harassment has no place in the workplace. If you feel uncomfortable with anything your boss says or does on a regular basis, bring it up. Find a quiet time to talk to your boss one-on-one and explain your discomfort in a professional manner. If that doesn’t work or you don’t think talking it out is an option, it’s time to get HR involved or request a transfer to a different department.

In most cases, talking to your boss in a mature and professional manner will help the situation. Remember that bosses like to get compliments too; praise doesn’t always need to come from the top down. If all else fails, vent to your spouse or co-workers and fake it until you make it. A cheery attitude around your boss might put him/her in a better mood and make the entire situation better.

So stand tall and make a good choice. This is your new work adventure.


Michelle Kaiser is a magazine editor and PR pro turned stay-at-home mom. She loves baking and hiking and is on a quest to find the best French fries in Denver.