worried about my job

[Myriad2112]

I have been working for a small company for a couple of years now and my boss has changed the way he speaks to me over the last few months. I don't make too many mistakes but it's as though his focus is on absolutely everything I do while I'm there. He complains about almost everything, I find him confusing as he hates me making my own decisions and then looks at me as if I'm stupid if I ask him anything. Do you think he's just a control freak or is he just looking for a way to get rid of me? I'm not a confrontational person so I find it difficult to tell him how I feel.

[dotty.]

Is he your boss or the owner of the company? It will have a bearing on his stress levels!

[Myriad2112]

yes he owns the company, sorry I should have said

[dotty.]

I would imagine that he is under tremendous pressure to keep his business going, that's only based on your OP.
Small businesses do not have to adhere to employment legislation as far as I understand it, which means possibly if he wanted you to go he would just get rid, you should perhaps investigate your position should things deterioriate, but in the meantime, keep your head down and work to his expectations,

[Infomaniac]

A lot of small businesses are under a lot of pressure in the current economic climate. It could be that your boss is just very worried about his company and this is being expressed through impatience and anger towards others. Just keep your head down and carry on as usual. If he wanted to get rid of you he probably would have.

[Myriad2112]

Thankyou Dotty, I think you might be right, as the staff numbers go down I get more and more to do, yes he seems stressed out and I am an easy target as I don't say much. I think I will look out for something else while I have the chance.

[Myriad2112]

and thankyou too imfomaniac although it's difficult to keep my head down when there are so few.

[joko]

happened to me. sorry, but he may be trying to make you quit...or react so he can sack you...

i may be wrong of course...but bear it in mind

[Myriad2112]

It's gone through my mind joko, can I ask what you did after that.. was it something different?

[thugulike]

Small businesses DO have to adhere to employment legislation. Check the ACAS website.

[Myriad2112]

to be honest 'thug you like' If he doesn't want me there I'd rather walk out... sham I don't have the guts!!!!

[albaqwerty]

similar situation happened with my OH who also doesn't like confrontational situations. He asked his boss "can't you make me redundant?" He did......

[joko]

you mean a different job? no i stayed in the same business

[Plugging Awa]

This man is making you very unhappy. I think he's a control freak who likes to see the effect he has on his employees. I know the economic situation is bleak but for your own sanity I think you should look for another job. This guy isn't worth the stress and effort.

[Myriad2112]

Thankyou Pluging awa, that's exactly what my wife said. It seems he is one of those people who gets stressed then takes it out on the first person that he knows wont fight back. I've been thinking about it alot and as we all spend half our lives at work I think you are right. The problem is he can go for weeks being Mr nice guy then just when I feel comfortable again he talks to me like I'm twelve.

[Plugging Awa]

Hello again Myriad 112
This doesn't read like he has much respect for you. I don't mean to give offence but it sounds like he sees you as a whipping boy when he's in a bad mood.
Remember work situations CAN also be happy with people who take the feelings of those who work for them into account. How much more desirable is that scenario than the one you're in? The fact that your day can be made or marred by his behaviour should act as a restraint upon him. I sympathise but this man sounds like he expects you to take whatever he throws at you. Good luck with changing this whether you decide to fight or flee!