erika, I looked into the book and went "ew" looked at another section and thought "Ew" tried another and went "EWWWWW" ... and knew it was for you.

Yeah, not denying the gross. I tend to skim any paragraph featuring maggots, for instance.

ah ... so you're skimming a lot.

Well, I had to put it down last night to make dinner seem like a good idea, but I like it.

OK. I'm feeling like I don't like New Boss, and therefore I don't like this job anymore.

Which is bad. I mean, I don't want to go job-searching again so soon. And to be honest, this happens to me a lot. I've had some genuinely bad bosses--and maybe that's part of the problem. I've had just enough of the real borderline abusive stuff that I go into this kind of situation with shields up and weapons armed. It's just...even with the clarification from yesterday, I feel like I'm still an underling and a minion in her sight. This will sound like such a tiny thing, but she's the ONLY person here who upon learning I was a writer didn't ask me what I was working on or some similar question. And that's what I liked about this job so far--that I felt like everyone saw me as a worthy and intelligent person in my own right.

God, I hate this. I'm sure it's at least in part my fault, but I hate it.

Well, maybe she's afraid of looking like a soft touch or something.

And the thing is, I know I'm being prickly and probably unfair. It's just...dammit. I liked my job the way it was. And I wish she'd taken five minutes to figure out who I am and what I'm interested in.

On the one hand, instincts are often right about stuff like that. On the other... you have not exactly given her a fair chance yet. Give it some time. Then if she turns out to be a bad boss it will her fault; you won't share the responsibility because you did not give her a shot. Give her at least as much of chance as you would someone who worked for you instead being your boss.

But it is fine to mutter to mutter and say things about her here. That is one of the things this place is for. And I'm sorry you have boss settling in troubles. And like I say not discounting your feelings; there is a good chance you are right.

Susan, I've been thinking about your situation since reading your last post. Of course, I haven't met her, but I can think of lots of reasons (besides her being a jerk) why she might treat you like an underling - nerves, trying to figure out her job, trying to establish herself, and in the end, she's not wrong - you do work for her, right?

I personally dislike my boss - she lies, she is not very hard working, and she's prejudiced, to name a few things. So, I have a strictly professional relationship with her and write everything down.

Also, I hate change. So, if a new boss were to come into my office, I'd probably hate her from day one.

All this is my way of saying - give her a few weeks. I have learned that I personally will hate everything new for two months, at least, and then it generally gets better. I'd hate to see you give up on a place where you were relatively happy when a little bit of time and adjustment might help.

eta: also, like TB said, feel free to vent here!