Actually Kelly I'm fortunate enough to have two lovely bosses who I can have a laugh with and yet at the same time respect greatly. I think its rare to find managers that actually care about their employers and want them to achieve their full potential.
I don't get walked over by my bosses, in fact I'm in a position of responsibility at work and I pretty much get left to get on with it. I admit I am not exactly briming with confidence but because of my managers I've gone from being timid and quiet to actually getting myself heard now. I like working hard at my job and try hard to do my best. Why? Its nothing to do with the money, I work hard because I enjoy my job and the people I work for, I don't get a brilliant wage but I've learnt alot of new skills in a short space of time and as I've already said I am alot more confident.
I guess you lot are thinking of the stiff upper lip, something the British are famous for. But I've been in jobs before where I was miserable but to be able to get the books I need money and to get money I need a job. The student loan system and everything combined means that to make ends meet and keep the bank away from me I have to have a job.
Dear C

there are lots of people who do jobs half assed and they are the ones who don't get very far up the career lader. Unless you count all the women who screwed their way through the company.