This story is about a young M’sian woman who thought she had found a mentor, but instead discovered the harsh reality of working under a boss who thrived on control and manipulation.
When I first met her, I was a little starstruck.
She was everything I thought I wanted to become—poised, magnetic, full of presence. She spoke with confidence, carried herself like she belonged in rooms I wasn’t even brave enough to step into yet. I had just left my first company, still kind of floating in that post-grad haze, wondering where I belonged and how the hell I was supposed to make a living.
So when she—this woman with power and polish—personally approached me about becoming her PA, I didn’t think twice.
“I know you don’t have experience,” she said, “but I see potential.”
That one line made me feel like I finally had direction. That someone important had seen something in me. So I jumped in.
And for the first few weeks, I really tried to make it work.
The Cracks Started Early
From the outside, everything seemed okay. I kept my head down, showed up on time, did the tasks she asked. But slowly, I started noticing how things actually worked in that office.
There were two camps—the old staff and the new staff. Both sides talked crap about each other, and the tension was so thick, even lunch breaks felt like walking through a battlefield.
But I stayed focused. I told myself: just be neutral, do your job, don’t get involved. What I didn’t realise was that in this company, neutrality wasn’t an option. Especially not as her assistant.
She started dictating who I could or couldn’t have lunch with. Said she didn’t want “negative influences” around me, in case I started “listening to the wrong people.” It felt less like work and more like high school, but with fancier clothes and office politics instead of prom drama.
Still, I kept going. Until it became clear: this woman—the one who hired me, who I thought would mentor me—had no idea what she was doing.
She Was Wingin’ It, And I Was the One Paying For It
I expected to learn from her. But most days, she couldn’t give me a straight answer about what needed to be done. She’d give vague instructions, then turn around and scold me for not doing it “how she imagined.”
How was I supposed to meet expectations when the expectations kept changing?
The worst part? She made me feel like I was the problem.
She started calling me in for closed-door meetings—just the two of us—and those conversations stopped being about work. They became personal.
“You’re still young,” she’d say, eyes locked on me like I’d offended her by existing. “But somehow you have too much ego in you.”
What did that even mean? That I had opinions? That I asked questions instead of blindly obeying? That I didn’t suck up to her like others did?
It Got to a Point Where I Was Afraid to Breathe Around Her
I started recording our conversations. Not because I wanted revenge, but because I needed to make sure I wasn’t losing my mind. That the things she said to me were actually as bad as I remembered.
She once snapped, “I can be stressed, Kamelia. But you? You cannot. You’re too young to be this tired.”
Another time, when she was sick, she said, “Not even a flower from you. Other staff came to visit. But you? Nothing.”
Like I owed her loyalty, gratitude, and emotional support on top of work.
Then there was the time she actually showed me CCTV footage of me walking to my car at the parking lot—before working hours ended. She used that as evidence that I wasn’t “fully committed.” I felt sick. Like I was being watched 24/7, like I couldn’t even breathe without it being counted against me.
The Day She Slammed the Table
It was a regular day. I got the usual “Come to my room” message. And I already knew—whatever it was, it was going to be my fault.
But this time was different. She raised her voice louder than usual. Her eyes were wide, glassy, angry.
Then she slammed the table.
So hard, I flinched.
“You think I’m not stressed? I haven’t even received my salary! Who’s going to pay me—you ah?!”
I was too stunned to speak. I just sat there, trying not to cry, wondering how we went from job opportunity to this.
Three Months In, I Left Without a Fight
I didn’t explain myself. I didn’t try to defend anything. There’s no point arguing with someone who thrives on control and thinks basic respect is a gift you have to earn.
I handed in my resignation and quietly walked out. No grand speech at all.
Just a girl who thought she found a mentor, and ended up realising she was just another pawn in someone else’s performance.
Here’s What I Know Now
I used to think quitting meant I failed. That maybe I was too egoistic. But now I know better.
Some bosses are leaders. Others are just performers.
Some environments help you grow. Others just drain you dry.
Walking away wasn’t ego. It was me, finally respecting myself when no one else in that room would.
So to the woman who said I was too young to have ego?
Maybe I was.
But I wasn’t too young to recognise abuse.
And I sure as hell wasn’t too young to walk away.
Have a story to share?
Submit your story to ym.efillaerni@olleh and you may be featured on In Real Life Malaysia.
Read also:
How CNY Gambling Cost Me RM12,000 (And Maybe My Marriage)
More from Office Drama
‘She didn’t even close the door!’ Shares M’sian Faces Office Toilet Chaos
This story is about a Malaysian woman whose picture-perfect corporate office turned into a nightmare when she discovered her new …
‘A Work Trip to the US Turned Into Babysitting Duty,’ Shares M’sian Forced to Share Room with Coworker
This story is about a Malaysian office worker who was sent to the US for work training, but faced unprofessional …
“I Got Suspended For Saving a Life,” shares Bitter M’sian Employee
This story is about a man who tried to save a colleague’s life, but instead found himself at the center …
