Spineless boss is one of many funny tales

I'm going to share tidbits on three completely unrelated items this week, starting with something funny.

Funny, that is, unless you recognize yourself in any of the following tales.

I recently wrote about surveys that dealt with high stress levels at work and our relationships with our co-workers and bosses. That inspired one reader, who wishes to remain anonymous, to send in a list of bizarre things she knows Utah bosses have done. Here are a few selections:

• Not having the nerve to fire an employee, leaving the building, then calling and asking another employee to fire their co-worker.

• During a budget cutback, telling employees to bring in their own paper and pens.

• Requiring office employees to give up their weekend to Sheetrock and paint the office.

• Begging employees to work overtime, then reprimanding them for the expense.

• Regularly failing to pay company credit-card bills, leading to embarrassment for employees when their cards are rejected.

• Telling an administrative assistant, at 4:55 p.m., to "take the rest of the day off."

• Hiring an ad agency to redo the company logo and, after being presented with 40 designs, telling them, "I thought we hired you because you were talented."

• Asking for an employee's opinion, then laughing at it.

Any of those sound familiar? I particularly like the generous boss who gave his assistant five minutes off. If you have similar tales to tell, please send them to me. I'd love to share your pain.

Item number two relates to reverse mortgages, which have been the topic of several previous columns.

The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association recently sent me an e-mail to say it is releasing a new series of consumer booklets that explain how these financial products can help seniors live at home longer by providing financial help with health-care needs.

The booklet "Use Your Home to Stay at Home: A Guide for Homeowners Who Need Help Now" is written for seniors who have immediate health-care needs, according to the NRMLA. "Use Your Home to Stay at Home: A Planning Guide for Older Consumers" is for people who are still relatively healthy but may need future assistance.