Workers need to get some backbone now!

I know, the economy is in the toilet but that doesn’t mean you should allow your managers to run roughshod over you.

Last week, I wrote about how bad bosses are getting even badder in this economy, and I was surprised at the emails I got from readers. They felt victimized by these jerks, and allowed their bosses’ behaviors to crush their spirits.

It made me realize that in some ways employees pump up bad bosses because we let them get a way with crummy behavior. I know, you don’t want to get fired. I don’t blame you. We all need our paychecks to keep our lifestyles going. But we also can’t roll over and allow a grown man or woman, who is our boss, to treat us like crap. We have our kids for that.

Come on people! Take back your dignity.

Ask for what you want — To be treated fairly and like a human being.

Now is the time to ask for things you’ve wanted. What about telecommuting? I’m speaking about that on a Grand Rapids radio station, WLHT, this morning.

Put together a plan and ask the bozo, aka your boss, to let you work from home a day or two a week. Or, if you have to be in the office, store, or plant, suggest working four ten-hour days, instead of five eight-hour days. Do you know how much money you’ll save on gas for just one day? Tons, or one-fifth of your gas bill.

This is also a good time to ask for a raise. Why? Because you chickens out there now have a great opening line…”Gas prices are killing me.”

They’re killing your boss too so he or she will understand. At least it’s harder for them to argue with you.

OK. Take a sip of that coffee and start the day empowered. No one should treat you like garbage. I don’t care how bad the economy is.