5 ways to know you have a bad boss
If you are thinking of finding work as a freelancer, you also have to be very careful in choosing not just the right project but the right boss. I heard a few horror stories, including mine when I was still connected to the outside world, that a few of my friends actually quit their jobs because of bad bosses.
The freelance world is not jerk-boss free either. However, you will never know if you actually have a boss who is made from hell or if you just found yourself a best friend until you signed that contract.
Here are 5 things that you need to watch out for:
1. Your boss lacks compassion. These are the kind of bosses that don't know how to be careful of his or her words. They would just say it as if they have the right to do so just because they pay you. You get paid, yes, but your boss doesn't have the right to offend his employees. A boss should always be diplomatic, after all, if you are working your ass off, you deserve the respect and compassion not only from your boss but everyone from the team.
2. Does not set expectations. You want a boss that you can depend especially if the instructions are not clear. This also includes team meeting, coaching and mentoring.
3. Playing favorites. There is a possibility that you might be involved in working with a team, some are new and some are tenure. Regardless, everyone deserves an equal treatment. As for you, do not work and excel just because you want to be the "chosen one" but you have to provide quality work because that is expected of you.
4. Delayed pay. No one deserves to be paid late especially if the work has been done. As an employee, you are required to finish a specific amount of work or complete your agreed time if your schedule is not flexible. And as a business owner, you are expected to pay your employees on time. No excuses. It is not their fault if you are too busy with other things --- you had an agreement, they work, you pay.
5. Doesn't touch base with their employees. A nice message, be it for the rest of the team or individually, it wouldn't hurt to say or ask your employees how their weekend was, or dedicate 3 minutes of catching up. This will make them feel that they are valued and you actually care as a boss. You do not talk to them only when they did something wrong and you want to reprimand them.
Again, the freelance world is not spared from evil bosses, and the same thing goes for freelancers who are friends with the dark side. So be very careful, although you cannot really tell outright, you will know soon after. If you find all these important points then that should be a red flag for you.
Now, do you need to quit your job? Don't not yet, play her or him, continue with what you are currently doing and never jeopardize your work, start looking for a better opportunity, if this project can be done having a flexible schedule, then do it. But do not slave yourself being the best employee if he can't be a good boss. Also, learn from the opportunity, bad bosses can be your tool for learning new things. As long as you are still getting paid, and that pay can help you, then stick to it in the meantime.
As freelancers, we put the same amount of time and effort just as same when we are still working in an office. You work within the required hours, provide quality work and be open to suggestions and willing to provide ideas if needed, but you do not deserve to be placed in a situation that will make you feel less of yourself. Nobody deserves that.
As for business owners who are hiring freelancers, we are your employees, we invest in our skills and time on your business. Take care of us, make us feel that we are important and we will take care of your business for you. That my friend is what you call RESPECT.