Dear Abby: Stress at home spills over into workplace. Intimidating manager makes it worse

DEAR ABBY: I work in a supermarket in which there are several managers. One female manager is very intimidating. She criticizes me and watches me like a hawk. Last week, she had me crying at home. My home life isn’t very good either. My parent is suffering from dementia and keeps my sister and me up and down all night.

Plus, I just had a milestone birthday, which only one co worker remembered. I’m not the only one this manager intimidates. I am close to quitting or transferring to another store. What should I do? UNHAPPY IN NORTH CAROLINA DEAR UNHAPPY: Accept that because you have a stressful home life, you may be more vulnerable at work.

You and your sister should discuss your demented parent’s nighttime wandering with their doctor and ask if there is a medical solution for the problem behavior. Another helpful resource would be the Alzheimer’s Association (visit to find a chapter near you). Sometimes just sticking to a regular schedule can help to reduce anxiety and regulate the behavior of the affected person.

As to your problem with your female supervisor, if it is possible to transfer to another store and a less stressful environment, you should do that. If you like the job, then make that move..