Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

How do I tell my boss I'm unhappy?

16 Answers
Last Updated: 11/02/2020 at 6:59pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
Moderated by

Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy

Psychotherapist

I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.

Top Rated Answers
bubblyCup991
December 14th, 2014 11:16am
The most important thing is to approach the problem calmly and with no frustration. Perhaps you can start by explaining to your boss why is it that you are unhappy. Is it the working atmosphere? Is it the working hours? If you explain it to him thoroughly, chances are he will listen to you, understand your needs and answer appropriately.
Anonymous
December 11th, 2014 4:50am
Well i had this situation in my office. i explained the reason of my dissatisfaction with honesty and positive attitude. So key to this was Confidence to speak up. But be honest. People respect you.
Resolution4u
December 11th, 2014 6:53pm
The best way to tell your boss that you are unhappy by having a private and informal one on one conversation with him, explaining the reasons of your unhappiness.
leme
February 15th, 2016 1:50pm
Come up with a list of things that you think make you unhappy in your workplace go over it a few times and decide what you think are the major points you'd like to make to your boss when your ready ask your boss for a moment alone to talk to him or her about your concerns be as honest as you can w them and hopefully they'll understand where you're coming from and help you out or give you some advice of their own
Craftsman
March 15th, 2016 4:21pm
Talk to your boss, talk to him about your problems which will indirectly tell them that you are unhappy. If not, talk to the HR and they will help you out depending on the work environment.
Anonymous
June 6th, 2016 5:55am
Just tell them. Ease into it though, don't just come flat out, out of nowhere, and say 'I'm unhappy'. Ease into the conversation and just let him know you aren't happy.
sushmavarma
December 11th, 2014 5:44am
If im not able to deliver according to the requisite of the company I would meet the Boss one on one and tell him, that I am not able to deliver, because of these difficulties and Im not happy for all these reasons and see if there is a possibility of working that problem out.
Uniqueg
December 11th, 2014 6:55pm
Sometimes you have to be direct and be clear about how you feel, but say it in a professional and respectful way
Anonymous
December 13th, 2014 11:25pm
One of the best ways to understand one thing your boss is talking assertively. Say "I feel a little uncomfortable in the workplace".
Anonymous
December 18th, 2014 7:08am
That depends on what you're unhappy about. You may want to ask yourself: what do I want or hope for my boss to do about my situation? Realistically, can they or will they do it? Couch your concerns in the context of wanting to be a better, more productive worker, or in some way that adds value to your services or reduces a burden on your boss. Remember, even a good boss isn't there to be your friend or parent. Their first concern is getting the job done.
dotty
December 24th, 2014 7:09pm
timing should be the key. you cannot tell your boss such thing when he/she praises you for the good work (if ever!). but if he/she drops a hint about the hard times the firm is going through, now grab the moment! dont make it sound like you expect pity, state things in a clear concise manner. then wait...
Anonymous
January 8th, 2015 1:20am
Maybe politely explain to your boss you are not happy, and wonder if you both could work together to find a solution that keeps you both happy.
Anonymous
June 18th, 2015 2:51am
Just calmly email, or talk to him about the reasons you are unhappy. Suggest some solutions also to help with this issue. Remember to not be angry or too confrontational
KristenHR
July 4th, 2016 1:00pm
This is a tough question because bosses may or may not be understanding. I would write out a list of what I"m unhappy about. Then I would prioritize the list to what are the most important issues if more than one. When approaching my boss, I would seek a private location such as an office where others won't hear the conversation. Be as polite as possible, but maybe try being honest and assertive in your discussion. Try not to get upset if the response isn't positive. Perhaps consider giving some ideas on what could make you happy such as more hours, more responsibility, etc. As easy as it would be to let him mind read my thoughts, remember bosses are not mind readers, and they need you to clearly and reasonably present your concerns and unhappiness.
SilverEars
September 25th, 2018 9:23pm
Tell them outright. Its often much better to just blurt something out. You'll feel better for it, like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders, and if they are a good boss, they will understand and ask you what support you would like from them. If they don't do then they're not worthwhile, to put it bluntly.
Anonymous
November 2nd, 2020 6:59pm
I think about why I am being unhappy and how it is related to my work. I also think about what I expect from my boss and how he/she can help me. One I am clear on those I ask for time to meet with him/her to discuss some personal topic and I explain the situation I am being, how I am feeling and what do I expect to see if we can find a middle ground and agree on a solution together. What I expect might not be the same he/she can offer, but it is important to look for some compromise together, so you can start feeling better and your boss can provide you the support you need.