Anyone who's been in the work force for any length of time has probably encountered their share of bad managers.  Sometimes the problem isn't actually the manager; it could be a bad employee/job fit, organizational problems, or other factors that lead to an employee cringing under the covers when the alarm goes off in the morning.

But let's face it: some managers are just plain bad. Temper tantrums. Telling you to do things that aren't part of your job, and you couldn't possibly do them even if you wanted to. If you're stumped by the question, "Tell me about the worst boss you ever had," consider yourself lucky.

You may be 100% correct. But before you write off your manager completely, think about what makes him or her different from the managers you would describe as good managers. Does this manager demand more of you than you're used to delivering? Does he or she hold you accountable for your responsibilities instead of covering for you, or expecting someone else to pick up the slack for you? Are you expected to find solutions instead of letting problems get brushed under the carpet?

It's not uncommon for people to confuse how likeable a manager is with how good of a job they do. Good leadership involves giving people the support they need to do their job well while holding them accountable. Think of the best managers you've ever had. What made them the best? Was it because you personally liked them? How effective were they at making sure eveyone did their job properly? Popularity can go hand-in-hand with being a good manager, but they're not the same thing.

Ok, let's assume you've done some genuine soul-searching and your conclusion is that your manager would be better off herding sheep than working with people. There are a few key points you need to keep in mind in order to survive:

1. Keep Records

If your manager is as bad as you think, chances are you're going to end up facing an ugly situation at some point. If you think things are going off the rails, start documenting everything immediately. Keep a log of dates, time, who, when, where, and exactly what was said.

2. Set Boundaries

Some people will push you as far as you will let them. It's up to you to tell your manager where you draw the line about what type of behaviors you are comfortable with, and what expectations you can meet. Be prepared to make a hasty exit if you have to.

3. Know When Enough is Enough

I've worked with a large number of clients whose lives were nearly ruined by staying in a job long after they should have said their goodbyes. Walking away from a career or a good job because of one person's inappropriate behaviour going unchecked is a hard thing to do. It feels completely unfair, and the more time and energy you've invested in helping your employer succeed, the worse it will feel.

But remember this: no job is worth your mental and physical health. If your gut instinct tells you things aren't going to get better, pay attention. Move on, and find a work environment that deserves you.