OK guys, a series of events at work this week has led me to a realization.

The unhinged woman I’ve had to report to since the merger six years ago (let’s call her Suzanne) scolded me like a child in front of a colleague for doing something she specifically asked me to do two weeks ago. Actually, she scolded me for interrupting her while she was berating me for doing something she specifically asked me to do two weeks ago. “I WILL NOT BE SPOKEN OVER IN A MEETING. WE WILL TALK ABOUT THIS ON THURSDAY.”

Following the meeting in which Suzanne wigged, the other colleague (let’s call her Kathy) and I requested a meeting with Suzanne’s boss (let’s call her Laura). Laura is new.

Kathy and I gave Laura the full rundown on Suzanne. Unhinged, irrational, disorganized. Other departments have started to avoid us because of her. Laura listened. I don’t think she was totally surprised, but I also don’t think she understood the extent of Suzanne’s shortcomings. She said she would “give it a think.” The organization is a bit of a mess right now, so I’m not sure if Laura will know what to do with this information, but she seems like she’ll try to do something.

But here’s the realization. I’m done reporting to Suzanne. For me, her latest outburst was the last straw, not the first offense. No matter what course of action upper management proposes, I’m not interested in any type of apology, or meeting of the minds, or negotiated peace. I’ve already been through that with her. I’m too old for this shit. She’s not good for my mental health.

I do love the organization and the job. I’ve been with them 18 years in all – consultant, part-time and now full-time. I’m going to tell Laura I’d love to stay, if I can report to someone else. If Laura can’t make that happen, I’m going to wrap-up my time there. I’m done with Suzanne as a supervisor. I don’t want the job badly enough to deal with her any longer.

We’ll see what happens next week. I think there’s a decent chance they’ll comply with my wishes, but who knows? They’re all new.

Early retirement here I come?