I have a friend with whom I bonded with as both of us had to deal with the same horrible boss a few years ago. Since then we've both moved on from that location, which was frankly a pretty toxic workplace.
My current role is fantastic, it's not perfect, but the positives outweigh the negatives.
My friend though, had switched workplaces several times already (which is not uncommon, as getting a permanent full time contract in a metropolitan area in her field is pretty difficult).
The main thing I've noticed is that, my friend, has complained about EVERY SINGLE WORKPLACE she has now worked at over the past 3 years. It's always a few colleagues that she feels are being mean to her, or ostracizing her, or unfairly giving her more work to do. Initially I emphasized with her as some of those places had "a reputation".
However, it's getting to the point where
- I'm starting to avoid her calls because I'm tired of having to listen to her complain (I've tried changing the topic/suggesting solutions). Even when I change the topic, she then starts complaining about something else (her property manager, her relative who has overstayed their welcome at her house, etc.)
and
2) That quote: "If you run into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole. If you run into assholes all day, you're the asshole"? I'm starting to wonder if it applies here.
Would setting firmer boundaries be a solution or I just accept the fact that this woman isn't able to communicate any other (less negative) way?