In the firing line of a narcissistic manager: 'I had to resign for my mental health'

A boss with the personality disorder can be stressful and may prevent you from getting promoted. Adopting psychological strategies can help, but sometimes the best option is to leave your job

'It got to the stage where I was so stressed, I had to resign for the sake of my mental health'

Simon* is a 50-something-year-old professional whose workplace struggles have inadvertently taught him how to spot narcissists. It all started when he found himself working for a new manager a decade ago.

“He couldn’t have been more charming,” he says. “Looking back, it was like love bombing. Because it didn’t last long. He quickly became dismissive and disrespectful. When I tried to discuss things with him, he denied what was happening and appeared entirely lacking in empathy.”