Not every job is going to be a walk in the park, and not every boss is going to be as amazing as Jen and Haley. [Ed. Note: We swear, we didn’t ask her to say that. THANKS!] It’s a sad but true fact of life.

Sometimes bosses can be mean, and their temperaments can have even the most even-keeled of people doubting their own sanity. If you’re trapped in a sucky work situation, here are some tips to get you through the hell.

  1. Check to see if there’s anything that you can do better. Before you officially jump on the “my boss is the boss from hell” train, see if there’s anything in your work patterns or behaviors that you can correct. An honest appraisal from a trusted colleague or supervisor can work wonders.

  2. Don’t respond to your boss’ outbursts. Depending on the type of boss you have, they may be the type to have you walking on eggshells by 1:30 pm. The best way to deal with that––duck and cover. Busy yourself with another project, or carefully excuse yourself for a walk, or a coffee break. 

  3. Talk to friends, family, or a therapist. It can get pretty isolating working underneath a boss who causes you stress. If you’re feeling down in any way (especially if you’re beginning to experience the physical sensations of anxiety such as hot flashes, chest tightness, and the shakes), please please please talk it out with someone you trust.

  4. Take care of yourself. Take a day off, go see a movie you wanted to see, or get a new hairstyle. It’s important to make yourself feel valued, even if your work at the company isn’t. 

  5. Evaluate whether it’s worth it. Seriously take into consideration whether this is taking you to where you want to go in life. Think about your standards; is this your “dream position” or “dream company”? If not, it might be best to think about moving on. The job that a thousand people would kill for doesn’t have to kill your soul.

  6. Quit. If your work is paid, don’t quit your job unless you have enough to live off of for six to eight months; and then, don’t do it without having a plan of escape. Write a courteous resignation letter, do your best to complete all your tasks––and count down to freedom. Sweet, glorious, stress-free freedom.