Sunday thoughts:
I've had an untold number of abusive bosses over the years (I speak primarily of before I became a screenwriter.)
A large number. Same is true of teachers, instructors and coaches. I had those before I ever had abusive bosses. 1)
2) I've also lost jobs when it was clear I wouldn't put up with a abuse, or wasn't hired when it seemed like I wouldn't take shit. I interviewed for an assistant manager position in a business in Union Square eons ago. The manager looked at my resume, then looked at me, and said,
3) "it says here you've done a lot of martial arts, and you're a black belt. That worries me," he said. "The owner of this establishment is a former football player. He likes to throw his weight around. You don't look like someone who'd be okay with him screaming at you."
4) He screams at his employees? I asked.
"Among other things," he said. "He's a big guy, he might challenge you to step outside, if he doesn't like the look on your face. How would you respond to that, since you're a black belt?"
"I'd probably call the police, first," I said.
5) I didn't get the job. This wasn't the only time. There were other times I DID have a job & my employer vetted me, knew I needed the job, knew I'd be homeless without out it, I had no family or resources to fall back on.
And proceeded to torture and torment me as a result.