How do you manage a highly critical manager?
Looking for some advice on how to handle a difficult management style.
Last year I was made redundant from a marketing role. After a few months of searching I accepted another role in the same field at a slightly lower level and pay just to get back into work. It’s at a world renowned company, so I was grateful for the opportunity.
My probation was extended, which was stressful, but I eventually passed.
The challenge is my line manager’s feedback style. When something is wrong, the criticism can feel very harsh in tone. Sometimes she’s perfectly pleasant, but other times I feel like a bit of a punching bag. She also keeps adding more work to my list, which makes it hard to feel like I’m doing anything well.
It’s really affected my confidence. Even though I’m interviewing for other roles, I’ve started worrying that maybe I’m just not good enough.
I want to improve and be professional, but I’m unsure how to manage this dynamic without making things worse.
Has anyone dealt with a manager like this? How did you handle it?
Posted Mar 14, 2026, 12:22 AM UTC