Glenford Smith, career writer

What should you do if you put out your very best on the job and your boss still criticises and verbally abuses you?

I've been told of a situation where a worker is never late for work, works through her lunchtime and regularly leaves work late, yet she has never been commended, but accused of not doing enough.

Or how about another case in which a worker has given up several weekends to ensure critical things get done? When she dares to ask for time to handle a personal problem, she is told no. In addition, she is accused of not working hard enough.

Believe it or not, these are everyday realities which a lot of people are forced to deal with more times than I care to mention. And these are just the tip of the iceberg.

Some bosses, both men and women, verbally abuse their workers. They call them stupid, ugly, worthless, lazy, and threaten to fire them for the smallest mistake.

Women workers have told me about how terrorised they are by some of these male bosses. Some of these women tell me they get physically sick at the thought of going to work. They literally tremble when they have to stand before their bosses, who shout and yell at them like children.

While bearing in mind that there are always two sides to every story, yet multiple incidents seem to suggest that it is true to some extent. In any case, the victims are usually emotionally distraught and traumatised. They want to know what to do.

If this is happening to you, don't be quick to leave the job. You must protect your income, if at all possible. Many people are quick to up and leave a job at the first sign of conflict, abuse or unfairness. But then they go home, without a job and are unable to pay their bills.

The more important reason, stay and work through the situation, has to do with your own response. You don't have to let anyone's abusive words or attitude terrify you.

worst case

Look, you can't control what your boss does or what he or she says. But you can stand there, look him or her in the eyes, hear them out and get back to your job.

One of the greatest skills to learn is to take nothing personally. Consider the worst case, which is to be fired. If that happens, you will have to deal with it. Simply accept that. If you allow the stress to make you sick, you may end up at home in a worse situation - being ill, but without a job or income.

Continue doing a good job. Be a model of diligence and hard work no matter what; that's why you're getting paid.

If you must stand up to your boss, then do so confidently and with respect. Never allow anyone to drag you down to their low level. Appeal to the human resources officer, if you have one.

Your final recourse is to resign. No amount of money is worth your health.

Glenford Smith is a motivational speaker and success strategist. Check out his Smart Career Success Strategies newsletter at www.CareerBizAcademy.com and glenfordsmith@yahoo.com