Your manager wants this secretary to think she is perfect, and that has all the makings of a perfect mess.
At the same time, leaving a company after 26 years is a huge life change. Before taking any action, look carefully at the present situation. If you find that there are aspects of your job that still satisfy you, and you are not suffering physically or mentally as a result of your boss's demands, then you should consider staying on board, at least for the short term. You may also want to seek out some non-work activities that could be particularly rewarding for you, such as volunteer work or taking some classes.
At the same time, if your job is chipping away at your self-esteem or creating health problems, such as headaches, high blood pressure, appetite changes, or mood swings, then you should think about making a change.
If you decide to make such a switch, do not just quit. First, you should do some searching in newspapers and online to find the kinds of jobs that appear to be aligned with your skills, interests, and goals. Make sure you are going to a job, and not just from one.
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