It started off as a "growth opportunity." My boss wanted to give me weekly feedback. I thought, okay, cool — I like improvement. Week one: she said I seemed "agitated" when I asked for clarification. Week two: I was "too quiet" in meetings. Week three? I was "too vocal" and "intimidating to others."
I finally asked, "What exactly do you want from me?" She smiled and said, "Just be yourself — but, like, a version that fits better here." That's when it clicked. This wasn't feedback. This was control. And the only thing growing was her list of reasons to undermine me.
Have your own story?
Every story here was anonymously submitted. If yours deserves to be heard, we want to tell it.
Submit your story
