Saying this from the perspective of a manager at a large company in the US, but I feel this relates to the rest of the western world who may be experiencing late-stage capitalism.
There are two types of management, and they’re not business defined types, but more the core of two different roads people take when they go through management.
A people manager: though largely involved in day to day operations and business, their primary focus is the wellbeing, engagement, and retainment of employed talent. This type of manager understands the workload, does not question your PTO, and remains flexible and effective. When things get tough or hard questions are asked, the truth enables them to be clear and concise of business restrictions with their employees. This is the type of person you want to work for.
A business manager: Their primary focus is the business and metrics. They do as they are told at face value and follow commands of the hierarchy. The mentality that is problematic here is “better them than me.” People are merely assets to them. When asked difficult questions or faced with issues, they may blame or avoid the truth to avoid shame and embarrassment on their defined success. This is the type of manager I see on here most, and it’s not the person you want to work for. It will always feel like shit is rolling downhill because it is. Guess what? As long as they are there, you’re the bottom of the hill.
If you’re looking for a job, or want to feel justified leaving one, if your manager fit in the second category, which they often do, then be proud of your choice.
You are a human being, and that is just a job. Are the people around you managing you as a human being, or as an asset to their own success?