I Refuse to Work With the Manager Who Fired Me Years Ago

People
4 weeks ago
I Refuse to Work With the Manager Who Fired Me Years Ago

Workplace drama can turn into a real career crisis when a toxic boss returns, forcing tough choices about mental health, job security, and professional growth. From HR decisions to office politics, situations like this can make even a dream job feel unsafe. Today, a reader sent us a letter about facing her former manager again at work.

Josie’s letter:

Dear Bright Side,

Hi! My name is Josie, I am 31.

I was fired from my old job by my supervisor, Simon, after I refused to keep doing his work for him. He would dump tasks on me, disappear for endless coffee breaks, then take the credit at the end of the day.

After two weeks, I finally confronted him. He called me “lazy” and accused me of “avoiding responsibilities”. Since he was senior, he had the power, and he fired me.

I left and eventually found another company. I’ve been here for 3 years, and everything has been great. I’ve grown a lot, learned so much, and genuinely felt happy here.

Then I found out Simon left his old job, got hired at my current company, and is joining our team. Worse, he’s going to be my supervisor again.

When I heard the news, it felt like my worst nightmare coming back. I went straight to HR and said, “I’m not working with the guy who fired me unfairly. He’s unprofessional and avoids his duties.” She just smiled and didn’t say anything.

The next day, HR emailed everyone:
“Dear colleagues, please join us in welcoming Mr. Simon L. as your new supervisor. And to get him acquainted with our workflow and customs, our team member Josie will be assisting him and guiding him for the first two months.”

I read it twice, thinking it had to be a joke. It wasn’t. HR had decided I would be the one to “assist” Simon, because it would help us “move past the tension” and “start fresh”.

I smiled and nodded.

After lunch, everyone walked in and froze when they saw my desk empty. I told HR I was leaving. I can’t work in an environment where I’m expected to support the person who mistreated me and fired me.

Now I’m torn. Is leaving a mistake?

I’ve spent 3 good years here, and it feels unfair to lose a job I love because of one person. But I also can’t imagine working under him again.

What should I do?

Josie

AI-generated image

Ask your supervisor if she can promote you to different position that has similar powers as supervisors, that way you don't have to work under that guy.

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Why even ask this? You told HR you are not working with him again. They still hired him. That means they don't care about you and they certainly don't care if you work for them.

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100 percent did the right thing HR dismissed everything u said and expected you to work with a bully good luck on the new job

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HR = human remains. HR people don't give a crap about the staff, they are here for the company. You cannot trust people who work in HR, they are usually a certain type of person...

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To me this shows a lack of respect from your company. And why do they think it ok to do this when you have told them what happened, shame on them. I would leave and take your expertise to a company who value you.. I am afraid this sort of thing does not sit well with me. Companies need to start valuing their staff and realise without them they would not exist. This is tough and I feel for you...

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Oh yes, definitely worth it to work with him again. This time, use the opportunity to make an airtight case of workplace harassment and sue the company and the HR person as an individual Defendant. That will teach them an expensive lesson not to ignore the warning of someone who has evidence of misconduct and is not afraid to use it.

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If it was me,I would have looked for something else before leaving and would still not do his work.

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Isn't it too late? You cleaned out your desk and quit. What's to be torn about? I don't think you can unfuçk it now.

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I have to reply. I'm going through that right now! Good for you I'm so proud of you. I'm a single father with 13 year old kids. There mother passed away. Anyway I was a very good employee. My supervisors knew what I've been going through. I had a family emergency. He didn't like it that I called in. When I walked I the next day he screamed at me from 6 isles down I was already a mess from tending to my daughters family emergency. I should have stayed with her. However out of fear of getting in trouble I came in anyway. The guy was screaming at me had me in tears I'm an older man with a tough shell. But never again at no point do you ever have to work with anyone or in that situation. Basically I got fired for being a good father . And they were so dirty when they fired me they said they didn't because they knew they couldn't fire me for the fily emergency. They decided to pull out a write up from t mins earlier that was talked about them and then dismissed. Do you understand . They fired me lied in the report and said they granted me my request to be on temporary leave!? I never requested anything. So this guy threw me to the wolves now no job no pay no nothing and 2 kids to support . That's ok I'm going after them. I deserve to be supported not punished for being a dad it's not right! Can't let them get away with it . I'm proud of you

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Oh I am PRAYING FOR YOU RIGHT NOW 🙏. These ignorant, greedy assholes think that they rule the world. Keep your head up and keep loving your kids. I am sorry that you are having to go through this.

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Don't let anyone dictate your choices in life. Dont leave because of him, leave for a better opportunity. No matter how much you love any job you will always be just a number.

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Keep moving. See if his position is available at your old job. That would be a kick in the pants for him wouldn’t it? I thought to give him a chance. Maybe he’s changed. But if not, I’d rather resign than get fired , so you doing the right thing

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Definitely this. You can even mention him joining your company as the reason why. Then poach your teammates as they realize what you already know.

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If you leave, you'll have lost to this guy TWICE.

He will gloat that he got you fired without even firing a shot.

For pride's sake, I'd stick around and either make his life hell in a hundred different ways, or daily record every error or mistake he makes, and he will h#ng himself with the rope he created.

There's that poem that mentions to "rage against the dying of the light". I would make it my goal from that point on to stick around and plot his destruction.

Or else he wins.

Do you want him to win?

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As recent as 12.11.25..I left my job.. This exact same thing happened to me. The only difference I moved to another department within the same Company. I talked to HR about it and still this person was over me again. I tried everything to look pass it. In three months to 12. 11.25 of this year I couldn't take it anymore gradually those same things start to happen again. I was told just give them a chance but I realized the bullying turned into gradrual retaliation. I tried everything. It started affecting my health.

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No. Its a hostile work environment. And he'll pull the same stunt again. If you stayed it would do a number on your mental health. Let them find out how bad he is. I guarantee they'll be calling you in a few months to come back. They have told you how they feel about your work and you. Do not go back. There's something better out there. Try for unemployment explain that hr was creating a hostile work environment. By expecting yout to assist this person who took credit for your work dump his work on you. Do not say its because he fired you. Tell the. Only the things regard I ng the work

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I would find a headhunter and leave when I did. Most states now are right to work. You can leave that day. Then tell HR that their solution is insulting. You let them know that this man is a lousy employee because he does not do his own work. Instead they inflict him on their female employees. I would make an exit letter to HR and give the women under him a letter detailing your first experience with him. You have been there for three years. If they will not accept your desire to not work under such a person again, protect the women who are left. Old dogs rarely change.

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Like they say. HR is not there for you, they are there for the company. You have choices. Stay and make his life miserable or leave and go back to the old company where at least he is not.

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I recently went through similar circumstances with my (former) employer of 14.5 years.
My supv. Cindy never spoke to me, dumped extra work on me and basically did nothing. She provided a questionable year-end review, which I contested and mentioned all her missteps. She fabricated a reason to have me terminated and is now blacklisting me with companies I'm applying with.
HR is just as corrupt. I advised them of all of the issues and even mentioned the supv. providing unauthorized time off to her team as holiday gifts (7 years). HR dismissed it. Very frustrating! If you're still there, Simon will find a way to trip you up. Id try and transfer within the company, let somebody else get stuck with him, wait a bit, then pick that person's brain about his crap ways. Two people claiming the same issue may have more weight?
If you've already moved on, DON'T work for Chubb Insurance!

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Don’t block your blessings! It’s your advantage essentially he would be working under you. Look at it as your growth you have been at your new place 3 years. DON’T LET ANYONE TRICK YOU OUT YOUR OWN BAG!!!

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He does not answer to her. She is onboarding him, that is all. Get a new job quick. Leave a copy of your resignation for the women he will try the same thing on. Then HR will be on the hook for knowingly exposing the women below him when he resumes his old tricks.

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In days of old, HR used to be the office police department. They were neutral and disinterested. Agnostic. Beginning in the late 90s, they became an extension of management, like corporate counsel. Their mission now is to protect management. So if your old supervisor started harassing you, HR is going to side with him. Guaranteed. Move on, for your mental health.

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Well there are other companies out there and you have solid experience now. I would start looking at the other company's and leave them high and dry if they don't have your back.

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Also, you actually kinda "lost" in here. now your Ex-boss can badmouth you all the time even when you are not there anymore. You should uncover your boss bad nature bits by bits not just run away.

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He is a man and was hired as her superior. It would be his word against hers. He is coming from a management position to a management position - a lateral move. She will always be deemed in the wrong. Nope. Best to let someone else guide him at the firm for 2 months. No need to be humiliated. Life is too short.

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Really. They gave you a chance to show your old boss how things work here and cya in full, and you blew it
I would have shown him what he needs to do, document it with him and his boss/hr, and then called him out anytime he shirked responsibility.
Maybe this is why they looked outside of the organization for a manager position?

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Life is too short to uncover a stinkers faults for a company who can't see it for themselves. I'd contact some buddies at your old job to find out the skuttlebutt on why he left. Was he fired? Was there an incident that caused him to leave? Why is he at this new job? Any info may give you a great leg up when you interview at your old place of employment. Time or circumstance may have made them understand that there was credence in your past stance regarding this old boss. I'd specifically turn the conversation as to why you'd be the perfect fit for his former job seeing you led him through the paces then. Demonstrate your knowledge. I would not bring up his name, just the position. Make sure to be positive, not a whiner. Demonstrate you value by example and inside knowledge of the company and indicate you will be able to hit the ground running. Good luck!

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Mengapa setiap kali saya baca cerita tentang pekerjaan, HRD selalu bertindak menyebalkan

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Stay while looking for a new job. Be civil with him and teach him the opposite to what exactly his job is meant to be. Give him hell when his doing it wrong and call him lazy as he did you. Make sure you document every thing you thought him and make sure he signs that he understands every thing you say, but the opposite. 😂😂😂😂. The day your leaving put the file on HR desk and then delete everything on your computer. Pay back time girl. Good luck.

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I would have gave him a bunch of incorrect information and let him take that credit

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You definitely did the right thing by leaving. One thing's for sure HR is definitely not your friend because they don't even care about the employees. They only care about the people in management and also about protecting the company's reputation. Just go and look for another job.

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As the saying goes, give him enough rope, and get your popcorn, you've reported your concerns and if he tries it again report him as soon as he tries to give you his work and toddlers off to coffee, if he gets reported enough times hell get sacked and no doubt if you are doing half his work you could end up with a promotion for his job

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Most definitely he will make ur life a living he'll once again. If its possible at all I wouldn't let him know where ur new job will be cause he sounds stalkerish

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6 days ago
Oops, the admin pressed "delete".

Your employer completely disrespected you by turning a real problem on your ex-supervisor's part into your problem. They intentionally created a toxic work environment. Run, don't walk, to another job and thoroughly document your resignation.

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It's going to be a little bit inconvenient but You don't need the aggrivation stay strong and You be in a better job good luck!

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I would start looking for another job. HR is never for us regular people, they always side with management

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Run don't walk to the door. They showed you what 3 good years are worth

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Most places dont appreciate people who actually do their own work anymore. Its usually the people who sit around and dont do anything that get ahead nowadays.

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Totally agree. They take credit for others work and the employer even knows they are shirking their work but some bosses will say its because their more aggressive and hungry for the job. Walmart did this to me she literally bragged about hiding so she wouldnt have to do anything. She was 20. I was 58. They thought shed make a career of walmart. So they moved her to a better dept making me handle 5 depts by myself. She quit the first week of Nov I quit the week before black friday. The didnt do the same crap to the lady who replaced me. Ex 1 pallet stacked 2 boxes high for the replacement. Me 5 pallets stacked over my head. No exaggeration.

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Find another job first, then leave. For the time you are working with person document everything, and at the first sign of mistreatment file an EEOC complaint.

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4 weeks ago
A cleaning lady accidentally wiped away this comment.

Josie, thank you for trusting us with your story. Before you make your resignation final, pause and evaluate your next best move with a clear career strategy.

You deserve a safe workplace, real accountability, and a fresh start on your terms. This is our advice for you:

Create a “paper trail timeline” dossier.

Don't worry about it bro... you left and grew before. You can do it again. This time aim for higher so no one like that doofus will be over you ever again. Better yet open your own company.

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Before you decide anything, write a clean, factual timeline of what happened last time with Simon: dates, tasks he dumped, credit he took, the confrontation, and the firing reason he used. Bring it to a private meeting with HR’s manager (not the same rep) and say: “I’m documenting a prior employment conflict with my incoming supervisor.”

Ask them to add it to your file and confirm in writing who handles escalation if retaliation repeats. This isn’t a “feelings talk”; it’s risk documentation that makes HR take you seriously.

Flip the onboarding: visible deliverables.

Trust your instinct. A tiger doesnt change it's stripes. The fact that your company paired you up shows how little they care. Use all your personal and sick days, all your vacation time, get a note from your doctor. And get out. All that malarkey of documents everything ...that's just double work to get to stay. You will always be watching your back..no dear, leave.

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If they insist you “assist him,” turn it into a structured onboarding plan with public artifacts: a checklist, owners, and sign-offs that the whole team can see. Set it up so every task you do is logged as “Josie delivered X” and every decision is recorded as “Simon approved Y.”

That removes his favorite move (disappear + take credit) because the workflow itself becomes evidence. If he tries to slide work onto you, you can point to the checklist: “That’s assigned to the supervisor role.”

Pre-negotiate a two-month escape hatch.

Use HR’s “two months” wording against them: propose a written plan that after 30 days you either (a) move to a different reporting line,
or (b) transfer teams—no drama, just a scheduled checkpoint.
Frame it as: “I’ll support onboarding, but we need a predetermined reassignment option if the prior pattern returns.”

It’s specific to your scenario because HR already created the two-month window and named you publicly. If they refuse even a checkpoint, that’s information you can use to decide whether staying is worth it.

Treat quitting as a strategic exit, not panic.

Honestly, HR's move on this is utterly brilliant & sublime, and their reasons for doing so are given in a very transparent, trustworthy fashion. Think it through - by putting you IN CHARGE of the man who was formally in charge of YOU, the balance of power is shifted in your favor. This man is now being directed to learn from you ( putting you in a dominant position) as well as depend on you to introduce him to others. Beginnings are fragile things, and his reputation with his new coworkers is 100% in your hands. His ability to make it there can be greatly influenced by you. You have a LOT of power here. Not only that, once the 2-month period is over, what will be established between you and your former lazy boss, will be a tenon of trainor-trainee, leader and subordinate, basically he will always come to you and defer to you, consciously or unconsciously. "Move past the tension" indeed! You now have the chance to act graciously and show the chore-shirker how a supervisor SHOULD behave, and how managerial power looks like WITHOUT abuse. Further, it's inevitable that at some point during the two month period that what happened at the former workplace will be brought up. The two of you can discuss and iron out what occurred there in a manner that's safe for you - with you on the upper hand. Abuse in any human relationship can only occur if the power balance is uneven. He abused his power and therefore you, when he had the upper hand. You now have more power and control than he does, and that's nothing he can do about it. I would think that if you take this opportunity you will both heal and grow in ways that will be very satisfying to you. Also, there's a chance that being offered this responsibility is because you're being considered for a promotion. This could be an evaluation of whether or not to offer you a management position. Either way, it'll look great on your resume. "Trainor at ....."

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Instead of disappearing with an empty desk, re-enter with a controlled exit plan: apply internally first (other supervisor, adjacent team) while quietly interviewing externally. Tell HR: “I’m not resigning today; I’m exploring internal reassignment and will make a final decision by [date].”

That protects the 3 years you built, keeps your references clean, and stops them from painting you as “impulsive.” If nothing changes, you still leave—but on your terms, with options lined up.

Heather is facing rising workplace tension after refusing to take on the extra workload left behind by laid-off colleagues. But her decision triggered unexpected consequences with HR, putting her job security and mental health under pressure.

Comments

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I agree with the others who've said: Get out, with your head held high. Sorry but the advice in this article is bad advice. It will put you in a stressful, one-down, losing position--and HR there has already shown themselves to be arrogant, punitive and evil. You won't win in any situation you try to design or bargain for, there. You will win by leaving. Yesterday.

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Well it seems to me you are a lifer at the entry level and have no desire to have a career, all you want is to have a job that anyone can do which you can be replaced by the end of the day. You do realize that at the other company you were also entry level? Entry level employees are the least valuable people at a company and any complaints you have about your job will not be tolerated. Example; your supervisor has a group of entry level employees that he is responsible for that it's his job to get a productive crew to accomplish his assignments, you and the others are his tools to get the job done. If his crew is unproductive then it's his job to find out which tool ain't working and replace it. You were not doing his job for him, you were doing your job in his department, you didn't want to progress your way up in the company by learning higher level positions, becoming a valued asset to the company and by not moving up and refusing to do your job your supervisor fired you. Not for not doing his job, he did his job and fired the one that didn't want to be a productive part of his crew. You went to another company and started in an entry level position there to and parked yourself in a position that that anyone can be trained for faster than it would take to remember to remember 5 names of their closest coworkers, which was proved when you took your low level, invaluable self to HR and said "you ain't gonna..." and they said "oh yes your are" and there were no board meetings, no offers to transfer to another department, no redirecting him to another department because after three years you have moved up to a valuable, important part of the company no you quit before they fired you for not doing what you were assigned to do and you were probably replaced before the day was over.

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The sooner you realize companies do not care about you the better. Whether you been there 3 years or 30 makes no difference to them. Move on to the next crappy dead end job.

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This has to be a joke! Or a woman who posted this. Did you really think that you had that kind of power at that company? When they hired him they didn’t ask for your opinion for a reason! And it seems you didn’t know that reason. It’s because they didn’t care about your opinion and or feelings about the hiring! You obviously don’t have anyone who depends upon you to provide or you would just do your job and shut up! If your supervisor asked you to do a job and you didn’t do it. That’s grounds for termination. So you weren’t fired unjustifiably. And you should
start looking for a new job now. Because you will be fired soon!

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Look this happened to me and worse. I had bullying by managers and worse, a boss even came to my house drunk and yelled abuse about me to my husband. Not one person internal or external cared or took on my complaint. At the end of the day they had me checkmate after years of struggling to keep my career, spending hundreds and thousands on university and missing many Christmas and birthdays of my sons. So instead of fighting in the end I secretly had days off to attend interviews for jobs, less paid ones as a junior to start all over again in my 40s. Well I was offered a job. I resigned because HR work for the company not you, no one will fight for you and you are like me checkmate. I left with dignity and everyone felt sorry for me, low and behold the bosses apologized but I said well you want to fire me... don't bother I fire myself haha.
I'm a lot happier now in a place that takes bullying more serious, it's a lot less money however I'm left alone at work.

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