***Sometimes the Answer is to Leave

Difficult people turn up in everyone’s life from time to time. They show up as co-workers, bosses, friends and relatives. We all know when difficult situations are left unaddressed, it won’t get better. In fact, it usually gets worse. You simmer and stew until the situation erupts into counterproductive conflict, which could lead to others thinking of YOU as a difficult person.

But what happens when you’ve been to the classes, practiced the techniques and addressed the situation? What do you do if nothing changes? Sometimes the answer is to get out of the situation completely. If you are dealing with a boss or co-worker, this may be complicated. After all, this is your livelihood. You can’t just quit. When co-workers, bosses or a negative office environment make going to the office something you dread, then it is time to seriously think about a change.
You may not be able to deal with this current situation to your satisfaction, but you can control what happens next. Without becoming a part of the problem by causing a scene or publicly displaying your anger, quietly begin researching your options. Update your resume, research the industry to see what might be available, get your references together and make sure you update your network of contacts. Explore your possibilities. Meanwhile, be the best possible employee you can be in your current position. Planning ahead will help you leave the situation gracefully and on your own terms without burning any bridges.