I work in admin. in a non-union construction company. The entire company is a shit-show and I unfortunately have taken on many different functions as an individual contributor. I don't have anyone below or above me, but I handle a broad range of tasks and it is very stressful. (This probably adds to my not so friendly demeanor. CEO is borderline senile and has tendencies to be racist/sexist – I am the only woman in the entire organization)
Anyway, many other construction companies we interact with are extremely hostile. The CEO is my direct report and is honestly a coward, allows everyone to steamroll over us. I have tried to engage with the CEO about this but he says its “typical for this industry.”
Recently a project manager from another company complained about me and the CEO said I am “too aggressive” in my emails, but I don't really feel like I am. I just state the facts. I don't add exclamation points, smiley faces, etc. I do say please, thank you, etc. I try to have manners but I get to my point in a blunt way. I feel like he only said this to me because I am a woman – if I was a man, I'd simply just be stating the facts. (CEO has a 1950s way of viewing women in work environments, refers to me as a secretary yet I have to do HR, Payroll, A/R, A/P, Project Management, etc.) I have taken a lot of shit from many companies (mainly because the CEO tries to make me the scapegoat when he drops the ball) and after doing this job for almost 3 years I have had enough. After our conversation, he said I should “start looking for another job if I don't like this one.” I am going to just wait for him to let me go, or die (he is 80)
If you are wondering why I have stayed – this position is WFH with free health insurance.