When the boss becomes toxic . . .

[IRQVET]

I'll start off by saying I'm truly one of the lucky ones, in that- my entire federal career I've always had outstanding bosses. Sure we may disagree on a thing or two, no biggie, but great leaders overall.

Fast-forward to today and I find myself working for a toxic boss, who is ACTIVELY gunning for people he doesn't like, and doing things like moving people out of their positions (without a SF-52) into made up "Special Project" positions just so he can ratchet up pressure to try to force them to leave on their own. I can honestly say I've never seen anything like this, and many people within my agency have either already left or are actively trying to leave.

So in my situation (which I'm looking for advice with) as I have zero experience in this space. I'm a BUE covered by a Union. A Union if I'm being honest I don't have alot of faith in from the local level. I've never had a write up or any adverse action against me, but I've caught wind recently that said boss is "gunning for me".

I recently accepted a promotional detail that starts in the coming weeks. So I'll be removed from said environment at least temporarily (120 days). But this has me considering one of two potential future options:

1. Finishing the detail and immediately resigning to avoid going back into a toxic environment where I'm just dreading life.

2. Giving the Union a shot and filing some sort of grievance upon my return from the detail. I think I have several cases where I tried to do something for the agency, that was a legal requirement- but the boss disused and or blocked me from doing in my position, violating not only legal requirements (but that also go against policy).

My problem is as my current position stands (not the detail I'm about to start), I report directly to the top within our local organization; there are no layers to work through. And he is the problem!

Our current boss at the top has a reputation of being nasty and doing questionable things, like bending the truth in his favor when it suits him. Which has me incredibly nervous as I've never navigated this kind of situation before. Never had a bad boss, and I've never been in any HR trouble before.

What are some of the things I should consider given either scenario? What am I giving up by resigning and having a break in service?

I guess where my head is at, is that I'm miserable, and I'd rather walk out on a high note with nothing in my file- and just seek other agencies and/or opportunities. Financially speaking I can walk away for an extended period of time and still support the family. My other option is to return and hope this guy doesn't find a new and innovative way to tear down my career. Which he has a reputation of doing to other people he doesn't like.

I've got some time to make a decision, but I'd be curious to hear other peoples thoughts. Maybe from someone who has been in a similar situation before. . .

[imktwo]

FWIW: I spent the last 8 years of an otherwise 32-year career in what sounds to be a similar scenario. I am a disabled vet with an ADA recognized mental health condition. My nightmare started when a senior SES decided they wanted someone else in my job. I was involuntary reassigned to a position that I was unqualified for and that represented a significant demotion in terms of management stature. The new boss was forced to take me and it wasn't a situation that ever got better. He was a master at finding those "new and innovative" ways to adversely impact my career. I did not have the benefit of being a BUE - so I was all alone in my misery. I spent the last 7 years of my career involved in formal discrimination/grievance actions that involved lawyers and multiple EEOC settlements. Wagons were circled and at no time did my Agency back off, despite legal agreements (that were violated multiple times) and, IMO rather in spite of my complaints. I essentially hung in there until my son completed university. My retirement was many years earlier than I had planned, but the toll on my health and my family made leaving a necessity. It's been a big financial hit for us. My caution to you is to not expect it to improve. It may, and I never stopped hoping my experience would, but had I had any inclination that it would draw out over 8 years...too big a price. The toxic boss is still there on the throne. I'm adding you to my prayer list.

[evilanne]

Good luck IRWVET!
Is there any chance that the promotion detail could become permanent? What's the likelihood of finding another position outside of your current organization? It is easier to find a job when you currently have one and I'm not sure if there are many federal job opportunities in the current environment.

I'm not sure in my government career that I worked for an organization that wasn't toxic as some level. I found that doing my job and focusing on the work was the best course of action in most situations. Other than someone saying that he is "gunning for you" is there any indication that this is true? Don't let what other people say color your attitude. Be the best employee that your can and as long as you are doing your job, it is really hard for them to to take any adverse action.

Recommend you document everything...CYA. In dealing with boss, if there is an issue put it in writing and keep copies of such communications, especially if there are legal/policy implications. If he is not following the rules, he should be called out on it but as imktwo posted, going against management can be overwhelming.

I've never been impressed with government unions. Filed grievance on appraisal years ago and even though I wasn't a member, but had to go through them. I prepared everything and I believe I was the only one who was successful. On another issue, started to file grievance/EEO complaint but local lawyer stepped in and issue was resolved with me moving to another department within organization.

[PhilJohn]

I have had many bad supervisors including my current one. We did not keep our union and I must admit, I did not appreciate it enough when we had one. Document everything and make a copy. Do not be late on any project. Keep things short and try your best to stay with yes/no answers when you can. Do not vent to coworkers or post on social media. It has a way of getting back to them.

Play the game. Win the game and get your retirement. Its a paycheck and a means to an end. Nothing more.

Good luck.