Employee quits job, then reveals to CEO the reason is their toxic manager, manager refuses to accept it: ‘I kept thinking that I was the problem’

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Sep 12, 2025 7:00 AM EDT

Most people quit managers, not jobs. If we all had decent managers who actually care about their employees, we might have been able to stay at the same workplace for more than a couple of years, max. 

It's not as if we are even asking for much, anyway. Most employees simply wish to be treated like human beings, and not like they are inferior to their management. Is that so hard?

Well, if you ask the manager in the story below, it is extremely hard.

The employee who wrote the story below thought for years that they were the problem. They couldn't figure out why they were so unhappy at work. Until one day, they listened to a podcast about narcissistic personalities and everything clicked. They weren't the problem–their boss was. This realization drove the employee to quit their job, and even then, their manager kept up with their narcissistic behavior.

Keep scrolling to read the full story.

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  • 01
    Cheezburger Image 10552012032
    via amenic181

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02

    I quit my job because of my manager, and he can't accept that.

    I started working at my company more than seven years ago. After about a year, my manager changed, and since then, everything gradually started to go wrong.
    via model_mauls-14
  • 03
    The new manager was aggressive and controlling, and he created a toxic work environment. But for years, I didn't even realize it.
    via model_mauls-14
  • 04
    On the contrary, I kept looking for flaws in myself, thinking that maybe I was the problem. I only understood this about two years ago.
    via model_mauls-14
  • 05
    By chance, I listened to an audiobook about narcissistic personalities... and I felt like they were describing my manager exactly.
    via model_mauls-14
  • 06
    Everything clicked into place then. He had already driven away many people before me, especially anyone who even thought of criticizing him.
    via model_mauls-14
  • 07
    After endless talks with HR and even the CEO, I finally quit last month. I was mentally exhausted.
    via model_mauls-14
  • 08
    And of course, he is furious that I am leaving because of him. he tells me: "I accept that you're leaving... but I don't accept the reason!"
    via model_mauls-14
  • 09
    Oh, really? Do you even have the right to "accept" my reality in the first place? I've had enough.
    via model_mauls-14
  • 10
    Employee with a box handing a resignation letter
    via 89Stocker

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 11
    jjzwork It's common knowledge that people quit managers, not jobs
    via jjzwork
  • 12
    Blackadder000 Who cares what he accepts or doesn't accept? That's his problem, not yours. Just shrug and move on.
    via Blackadder000
  • 13
    You have the right to leave, as long as your respect any notice period in your contract. You aren't a slave. And if he can't accept the reason you are leaving is him, because it makes him look bad, then boohoo.
    via Blackadder000
  • 14
    avnirohit786 I am really proud that you clearly mention the reason for the change, I hope this will blow the mind on HR & CEO and replace such manager
    via avnirohit786
  • 15
    Therex1282 I think hes upset because his cover is now kinda blown or known by upper mgt. and that is undoable. People do leave because of a' le mgrs.
    via Therex1282
  • 16
    Hungry-Tadpole-3553 I accept that you're leaving... but I don't accept the reason!" Ok, that's not my problem anymore, what a relief
    via Hungry-Tadpole-3553
  • 17
    COCROck Good for you for finally walking away.. Managers like that thrive on making people doubt themselves, so the fact that you saw through it and chose your peace over their ego says a lot.
    via CoCR0ck
  • 18
    LadyReneetx Don't worry about it. Find your peace elsewhere.
    via LadyReneetx
  • 19
    Valuable_Ad9554 His acceptance of the reason is not required.
    via Valuable_Ad9554

  • How many workplaces did you leave because you couldn't stand management, and not because you hated the job?

    That was the case in most workplaces I left, if I'm being honest. It's time to break that cycle, and that must start with our bosses. Hopefully, at least one boss is reading this story and deciding to make that change.

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Tags

boss workplace-stories employee toxic-workplace manager job toxic boss tales-from-the-workplace reddit story ceo overworked-employees workplace Reddit company quitting
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