A tad self indulgent but I got some quality counselling here after confessing my work problems - but it seems through a long term quietist strategy I have defeated my nemesis, a line manager whose nastiness is matched only by his stupidity, not to mention an insincerity so profound as to be almost oxymoronic - think Bob Monkhouse meets Satan and you're close. And the moral of this tale? There isn't one. Apart from the virtues of patience, a thick skin and more to the point, self employment.

There are lots of idiots out there. It seems most of them are in Management.
Very often you have to bite your tongue, no matter what the provocation.

An instance at my partners workplace is currently evolving. The Manager called a member of staff into his office for a dressing-down , after she questioned some of his decisions (The Manager is new to the job, and asked for feedback). During the discussion in his office, he called the staff member unprofessional.

At my suggestion, the staff member is now keeping a diary. This is helpful as it de-stresses her by writing events down
It also helps paint a picture over a period of time, and could be used as evidence, if disciplinary measures loom.
From yesterday, the Union are now involved.

No-one wants things to escalate, but you have to cover your @r5e.
Keep calm. Always play with a straight bat.
It's stressful, and unnecessary. But you'll be fine at the end of it.

And sometimes you don't need a counsellor. Just someone to listen, without passing judgement.
The HOL has a wealth of life and work experience to offer.(and most of it doesn't involve cable ties, a rusty hammer and bleach)

"The facts have changed", Rishi Sunak

Funny you should mention that.
When I worked at M&S I was told that security had done a routine check on a colleague's locker and had called the police and had him arrested. Security had found cable ties, duct tape, Mace (pepper spray), handcuffs, an illegal taser and a large knife. The guy had said it was for self defence. I must have look puzzled when I was told this until it was pointed that this this was a kidnap and torture kit. The guy was plotting revenge against his ex and her new boyfriend.

I think he did serious time. I glad I got on with him.

One more point

Yes you cannot beat working for yourself although obviously at times its not all beer & skittles. I seldom if ever need an alarm clock & although I may work long hours at times If I don't feeling like doing anything for an hour or two like watching a match I don't need to ask anyone's permission.
You usually find most although not all managers are there because they themselves are usually inept at the job they are now managing (Site Agents being one example) another are Union shop stewards & what in the name of f*** is a 'Human Resources manager?"

Pro USA & Israel