it’s a bit more complex than that: some of these coworkers are actually genuine and I enjoyed working with them, the department is in constant need of accredited personnel but the manager seems to be a complete asshole.

how long did you last there? And didn’t anyone higher than him check the department’s turnover?

Why do your coworkers want you to work for him?

because they’re always shorthanded.

They’re not my direct coworkers but we worked together for 2 years before I transferred. Some of them miss how I worked, apparently.