Why "Acting Manager" Titles Are Often Just a Way to Avoid Paying You More

Ever gotten that exciting email about your "promotion" to acting manager, only to realize your paycheck looks exactly the same? Yeah, it's a classic move. Companies love slapping on temporary leadership titles to dump extra responsibilities on you without bumping your salary. It saves them money while keeping the operation running—but it leaves you burned out and underpaid.

This isn't just annoying; it's a widespread tactic. Research from workplace studies shows that "title promotions" without pay increases are common in cost-cutting environments, leading to resentment and higher turnover. You're essentially doing manager-level work for free, which devalues your contributions and sets a bad precedent.

Spot it early: If they say things like "it's temporary" or "great exposure for your career," that's code for "no extra pay." Document everything—your new duties, extra hours, and any promises made. Then, have the conversation: "I'm happy to take on these responsibilities—can we discuss adjusting my compensation to match the role?" Be specific about market rates for similar positions (check Glassdoor or the Bureau of Labor Statistics for data in your field and location).

If they push back, know your options. You can negotiate perks like more PTO, remote flexibility, or a guaranteed review in 3-6 months with a raise tied to performance. Resources like Harvard Business Review's negotiation guides or the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offer solid scripts and strategies.

Worst case? Politely decline if it feels exploitative—"I appreciate the opportunity, but without compensation alignment, I need to focus on my current role." Your time and skills are valuable. Don't let them trick you into free labor. For more, check out this Forbes article on hidden promotion traps.

How to Deal with a Toxic Boss in the Workplace

Have you've ever felt like your boss is more of a villain than a mentor, you're not alone. Dealing with a toxic boss in the workplace is one of those sneaky issues that can drain your energy, zap your motivation, and even affect your health. We're talking about the kind of manager who micromanages every move, plays favorites, or creates a hostile environment where you dread Monday mornings. But here's the good news: you don't have to suffer in silence. Let's chat about how to spot the signs, protect yourself, and maybe even turn things around – all while keeping your sanity intact.

First off, what does a toxic boss look like? It's not just about being strict; it's when their behavior crosses into harmful territory. For instance, if they're constantly belittling your efforts or setting unrealistic expectations, that's a red flag. Studies show that working under such leaders can lead to high stress levels, similar to growing up in an unpredictable home environment. It's like the office version of walking on eggshells, and it can make you feel anxious or even fearful at work.

Awareness is key here. Recognize that this isn't about you being "too sensitive" – toxic leadership is a real problem that affects productivity and morale across teams. If your boss is unpredictable, it might be time to document incidents. Keep a record of emails, meetings, and interactions that feel off. This isn't paranoia; it's smart self-protection, especially if things escalate to needing HR involvement.

Now, for some practical advice: start by setting boundaries. If your boss is overstepping, like expecting you to work unpaid overtime or handling personal errands, politely but firmly redirect. You could say something like, "I appreciate the trust, but let's focus on the project priorities." If it's safe, schedule a calm conversation to clarify expectations – ask what excellent performance looks like to them. Sometimes, they might not realize their impact.

If talking doesn't help, escalate wisely. Talk to HR or a trusted higher-up, focusing on facts rather than emotions. Resources like the U.S. Army's guidelines on toxic leaders emphasize organizational changes, but on a personal level, seek support from mentors or employee assistance programs. Books like "The No Asshole Rule" by Robert Sutton can offer strategies too.

Remember, your well-being comes first. If the toxicity is severe, consider looking for new opportunities – life’s too short for bad bosses. For more tips, check out Psychology Today's guide on handling toxic bosses. You've got this; a better work environment is possible.

Exploring the Job Market: Facing Uncertainty with Real Talk

Let’s get real for a minute. The job scene out there is anything but stable right now. Conversations are buzzing with anxiety as layoffs hit hard, especially in tech and corporate sectors. People are feeling the pinch, sharing their stories, and trying to navigate this new reality. So, let’s unpack what’s trending and how we can adapt.

The Layoff Wave

First off, have you seen the recent headlines? Amazon is gearing up for another major round of cuts—potentially losing thousands of jobs in the coming weeks. This isn’t just a one-off situation; it’s part of a “phased reset” strategy. We’re talking about trimming about 30,000 white-collar positions overall—10% of their corporate workforce. If you’re in that line of work, the anxiety is palpable.

Companies like Autodesk, Capgemini, and Ericsson are also slicing jobs, contributing to a bigger picture of widespread instability. 2025 already set records with over 1.2 million layoffs, and 2026 isn't looking much better. Job security feels like a distant memory for many.

Understanding the "Downward Reset"

What’s particularly tough is how layoffs aren’t just temporary bumps in the road. One viral post hit home when it described losing a job as a “downward reset.” You don’t just bounce back to where you were; you lose your role, the paychecks, and that trajectory you were building for the future. Folks are landing jobs that don’t even come close to covering their bills. It’s a harsh reality, and the math doesn’t lie.

People are sharing their journeys—getting certifications while job hunting, landing roles that were a struggle after setbacks, or simply trying to make sense of all the cuts in media and journalism. It’s raw, and it’s real.

AI: The Unseen Tsunami

Adding to the chaos, the role of AI in this landscape feels like a tsunami about to crash over the workforce. Many are worried skilled professionals will be replaced by machines, and entry-level roles seem to be disappearing. We've even seen over 55,000 layoffs tied directly to AI in 2025.

The narrative is shifting, with many saying it’s no longer worth it to chase a tech career. Companies are increasingly pointing fingers at performance, even for top-tier talent, which is leaving a lot of folks questioning their stability. Some are even eyeing freelancing or starting their own ventures as viable alternatives.

Finding the Silver Lining

Sure, the economic vibe is pretty dire, particularly as many sectors like manufacturing and government are shedding roles. But here’s a glimmer of hope: some people are spotting “green shoots” in areas like advertising. There’s a push for upskilling and networking as folks try to position themselves for whatever comes next. So, while it might feel like the market is dead, some believe that recovery could be around the corner.

Closing Thoughts: Adapt and Take Charge

The overall tone of these conversations is a mix of frustration and realism. It’s clear that we must adapt to this shifting landscape. If you’re in tech or corporate, building leverage beyond your current gig is essential.

So, let’s have that candid chat about what you’re facing and how you can pivot. This is the time to assess your skills, network like your career depends on it (because it does), and stay ready for whatever opportunities arise. The job market might be turbulent, but together we can surf these choppy waters and come out stronger on the other side.

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A Word from the Blog Owner and a Special Request - Share Your Thoughts on Leadership and Workplace Culture

Hello, I'm back with another blog post, except this one is not the typical one you see.

This time, I am buried in doctoral coursework, right now, and I need some real help from real people who get it.

If you've ever been the one people turn to when the team is falling apart, everyone's confused, used, and feels abused, or they just can't seem to agree on anything, I would like to hear from you. Whether you're officially the shot-caller or just the steady person everyone leans on informally, that still counts.

This short interview is all about the messy, everyday side of workplace culture and leading through relationships. I'm not talking about the polished LinkedIn buzzwords, but how do you build real trust when things are shaky? How do you deal with conflict without everyone hating each other? How do you keep people from burning out or losing heart when the project's a dumpster fire? And how do you protect the good parts of the team/organization when things inevitably turn for the worse?

I put together this quick Google Form; it takes about 8-12 minutes tops. Short answers are fine, no need to write essays.

A couple of quick things before you click:

Obviously, no confidential information—no names, no specific HR nightmares, nothing that could get anyone in trouble.

There's a spot where you can say yes, use my name in the assignment, or no, keep it vague/anonymous.

If you're busy and can only do a few questions? That's still super helpful. Every bit counts.

Here's the link:

CLICK HERE: LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES ON CULTURE & RELATIONSHIPS

Thanks a lot for even considering this—I know life's busy, and I don't take your time for granted at all. Seriously. And listen, if you're scrolling this thinking "I'm not a leader, this isn't for me"... stop. If people notice how you handle stress, if they come to you when they're lost, if your vibe just steadies the room a little—you're leading. Full stop. Doesn't need a title.

Appreciate you more than you know. Feel free to reach out if you have questions. ❤️

Nicholl 

Blog owner and author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet? and other books

Is Your Workplace Stuck in 2025? (And Why Your 2026 is Already a Mess)

Alright, people, let's get real. We're staring down the barrel of 2026, and if your office is still operating like it's stuck in the dumpster fire that was 2025, you're in trouble. Big trouble.

I'm not talking about the usual "new year, new you" B.S. This isn't about resolutions; it's about survival. Because let me tell you, the problems that plagued us last year? They didn't magically disappear with the confetti and questionable champagne. They're lurking, festering, and ready to explode all over your Q1 goals.

So, what's still haunting us?

1. The Never-Ending Workday: Remember those blissful days of clocking out at 5 PM? Yeah, me neither. Now it's a constant barrage of emails, meetings that could have been emails, and the lingering feeling that you're always "on." Protecting your thinking time is key.

2. Engagement? More Like Ennui: Let's be honest, most people are showing up because, well, bills. Engagement is down, and managers are scratching their heads. Newsflash: tired people don't bring the energy. Try regular human check-ins.

3. RTO Rumble: The return-to-office mandates caused more tension than a family game night. Hybrid? Remote? In-office? Nobody's happy, and the constant policy changes are enough to make anyone's head spin.

4. AI Anxiety: Is AI going to steal your job? Probably not. But the pressure to learn it, use it, and pretend you're not terrified of it? That's real.

5. The DEI Déjà Vu: Remember when everyone was all-in on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? Now there's "DEI fatigue," and some companies are scaling back. Don't even get me started.

The Bottom Line:

If you're still dealing with these issues, it's time for a serious reality check. Stop with the empty slogans and start making real changes. Because 2026 is here, ready or not. And if you're not ready, it's going to run you over.

Now, go fix it.

Feel free to reach out or comment. We are listening!