Mary Killen Mary Killen

Dear Mary: Is my brother being gaslighted by his boss?

issue 02 November 2019

Q. My brilliant brother, who graduated last year, could find nowhere to live in London so we were all delighted when he found work as a live-in assistant to an interesting (and successful) employer who works from home. My brother is super-efficient and lovely to have around and I’ve no doubt that he’s made himself invaluable, but I am worried that at the same time he seems to be losing his own self-confidence outside of the job. There are many minor examples which suggest to me that his employer may (perhaps unintentionally) be undermining him — maybe so he can hang on to my brother and ensure he is not poached by either a girlfriend or rival employer. How can I tactfully raise this suggestion with my brother, who is now acting like a cult member? I have only met the employer once and he is rather intimidating.
— Name and address withheld

A.

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