Job dilemma. Care to offer advice?

From what I hear, yes.
I used to love tv. But when we moved to the lake/woods, there was so much nature and outdoor things, that we never had the tv hooked up. Been 6 years now, and I don't miss it at all.

wow, you don't watch any at all? that would suit me most of the time, as the tv is off until everyone getshome in the evening. i like the peace and quiet. must be why i love being in the yard so much in the warm months.....would love to see picturesof you lake and woods.......

cparts, us either. There's just no point to it. Funny, we have cable - for the internet - but we have the television hooked up to the Wii, and haven't bothered with TV since... um... oh, years ago. And even then it was just for Law & Order.

-Sev

Yep I am following you again . I would love to see pictures too.

i see you marie....
sev, i do watch Law & Order faithfully!! that would be the only thing i would miss from tv if we decided to go without it. when the hurricane hit a few years back and we were out of power for days, i didn't miss the tv at all.

We do a lot of reading in the winter. I found our library to be wonderful. They have everything from movies, recorded books (cd, tape, and preloaded mp3) to all the newest books all for free. Why didn't I take advantage of this place years ago?

it sounds wonderful,cpartschick.

Wuvie, Just now reading this. There is something about you that reminds this woman of something she doesn't like. Being upfront and honest with her is the best policy. You need to have a talk with her and ask her what you have done, that you have tried to be civil and have work ethics, but she is not contributing in a positive manner. I'd like to tell you a story that happened to me. First of all, I want you to know that I am in no way a prejudice person...I never judge a person based on their race or religion.

I was working in an office (started as a temp and they asked me to stay on). I worked with a black woman who started out rather sweet. You know the first day intros where you ask about each other, etc. She wanted to know where I was from originally...I told her New England. (I was living in KY now). Almost immediately, she was horrible to me. I could do nothing right, she was constantly going to the boss and saying I was doing things wrong and cutting me down all the time. Not only to the boss, but to customers.....in front of me. I would go into the restroom and cry, it upset me so bad. I got to the point that I would be physically ill on my way to work every morning, I was a nervous wreck.

So I went into work one day, I couldn't take it anymore. I asked her, in a very kind way, if I had done anything to offend her. She said to me, "You're from the North and I know how Northerners feel about black people." I was shocked! I told her she had me pegged all wrong and if that was what the last 2 months were about, I felt very sorry for her. The next day I wrote my resignation letter explaining exactly why I was leaving.

4 weeks later, this lady went home from work and never returned. No reason, didn't say anything to anybody....just never came back. They called me 2 days after she left and they couldn't reach her, they called me in desperation. I was still in the shock mode, so hadn't found a job yet. They asked me to return and assured me she would not be returning, even if she contacted them....which she never did. I went back to work for them and worked for almost 9 years for them. It was one of the best jobs I ever had.

Of course, after she left, I found all these things she had been doing to the company, records filed wrong, papers missing....money missing. So many things. I think she couldn't live with herself and therefore, couldn't be around others without making their life miserable.

Confront her and find out what her problem is or this will only fester and you will leave with questions. Honesty is always the best policy.

I hope this helps; I'd be interested in knowing how things work out.

Blessings,
Kathy

Hi Kathy,

Well, your post indeed brings up a good note. I think her first problem
with me was that I was not only married, but happily. I'm happy in my
life, my kids are good and happy, all is well, and I walk in like a bouncing
ball of sunshine glowing on her thunderstorm. Even the lighting in her
office is dark and gloomy.

I actually came to learn more about her, what makes her tick. Now while
I understand why she's such a nasty one, that is still no excuse for her
behavior towards others.

Divorced, angry, aging, drinking chainsmoker, living in an apartment, trying to
pay bills while supporting her angry, chainsmoking, drinker of a mother. That alone
would be enough to have a few bad days a week, but again, I emphasize that
her problems should be left at home and not dragged into the workplace. Her
choices in life do not equal my having to pay for them with my mental health.

She's actually coming around, though. I think it took her a bit to not only get
used to the idea that I exist, but that I am not going away and am not
here to kick her to the curb. You can be remembered for teaching me well or
go down in history as the one who not only refused to pass the baton, but
hit me with it. LOL.

Kathy, I can relate to your story in my present position. That is what I truly love
about this company. They are a very diverse company that prides themselves
on people of all walks of life, as it should be. Now granted, you will always have
employees who have ideas that their way is better, but this company is open
to anyone provided they do their job with integrity. If nothing more, I applaud
the company for that alone.

Today was another of her days off, she'll be off for the next six days, so in
that time, I plan to educate myself with online work programs. Heck, I'll just
teach myself how to do the darned job if I have to.

:-) KM

Good for you Wuvie.... That's what I thought......if you're having a bad day, let me know....I'll give you a hug, maybe even my lunch.......but don't take it out on me....I'm not your problem. ;)

This too shall pass and it sounds as if she will only cook her own goose in due time.

Blessings for a very happy holiday week,
Kathy

Wouldn't that be fun to make a little sign like that and put it on your desk? LOL

Wuvie - checking in and was hoping for the best.

I am so happy for you: it's good to hear that you have uncovered bits & pieces of information that allow you to have better insight. It won't make the situation go away, but should provide a perspective you wouldn't otherwise have.

Thanks again for everything you have posted in regards to job hunting & the accompanying drama. Excellent input for two reasons:

1. For those who are working in environments that range from dysfunctional to hostile to toxic: they need to know they're not crazy or causing the problem.
2. For those who work in sane conditions, this can provide the realization that they should treasure where they are, and empathize with those who work in hellholes.

Some folks have no idea whatsoever about the wide range of workplace conditions, as they have only experienced one type: positive, negative or neutral.
I believe it is hard for some to imagine that bizarre experiences are in fact, rather common. Finding another job is not always a possible solution. Easy to say; quite another to accomplish.
Again, thank you for sharing.
Kate

Fun thread, glad things are coming around Wuvie. Looks like this job will be a winner for you!

WOOHOO for WUVIE!!!! Sounds like things are lookin' up....but after six days off living what sounds like a miserable life, she may come back loaded for bear. You can handle it!

LOL...very true. The candy dish is loaded and ready. Apparently
she and the boss share a love of dark chocolate, so there it is.

:-)

What an evil thinker....I love it :) !

Even better, the dish is on MY desk. Heh heh. You want
a piece of this, hmm? Doesn't it look gooooood? LOL
Mmmmmm.

You're too funny! LOL

Oh, no you didn't!!!? LOL

You got it !!!! LOL

Wuvie, I just wanted to let you know I have been following this thread and I think you are doing a great job handling 'her' . This has been very interesting, Good luck!

Got any updates?

Hi Ky!

This morning she comes back after having six days off.
Six days of pure pleasure for me. Six days of being able
to breathe, function, think, work and go home in a good mood.

We'll see how today plays out. Honestly, I feel as though I'm
going to a funeral today. Seriously. My heart actually feels as
though it has sunk in my chest as the time nears to leave for
work. I tried to tell myself to think positively, but, well.

Here goes.

KM

KM, That's just how I felt. It will not get better unless you confront her in a positive way. Be the Waterboy.........You can do it!!!

You did it once, you can do it again. She's just a person, not the wicked witch of the west.

And even if she is, you can throw water on her and snag the ruby slippers....LOL!

ROFL, Imapigeon!! Can't wait to hear how today went.

make sure you buy her a balloon that says 'Happy New Years' and tie it to her desk before she comes in!!!

That is it!
That is why she is so grumpy.
She has never been the same sence the house fell on her sister.
Hope she doesn't get out the flying monkeys.

b...that might work......kill her with kindness ;)

But when she melts, and after you get the slippers make sure you have the bucket and mop ready, don't want any one slipping on her. No LNI claims on your watch!!!

LOL, you all are too funny!

I actually felt bad for her yesterday. She was sick the entire time on
vacation. I expressed my sincere condolences, I meant it.

While she did seem the same, I have to say, she was more friendly with
me than she was with the rest of the staff. It seemed everyone just jumped
right into work, and although I realize there is work to be done, gosh, a moment
or two of "Hi, did you have a nice six days off?" would likely have gone
further than "Hey, where is that document?" right off the bat.

At any rate. My current dilemma is no longer her, but the job itself. As I am
a temp, they really can't give me much to do without access to the essentials.
In large, I sit there with nothing to do. They are literally paying me to sit there,
occasionally asking me to do small projects. Anyone who knows me knows
I'm not much for sitting around counting air particles.

So, I've taken free online tutorials for refresher courses in Excel, PowerPoint,
etc. I'm studying manuals, researching things, doing things I guess I should,
but have received NO instruction otherwise. When and if I go perm in March,
the head office will expect me to be able to do things, but will I get this office
in trouble by saying I haven't been taught a thing? I mean, seriously, I'm not
needed. I'm sitting at the desk falling asleep. When I ask if there is anything to
do, they give me menial tasks a five year old could do in five minutes. Ugh!

I don't know. I just don't know. I'm exhausted at the end of the day for doing
nothing. My brain is fried. One can only straighten the waiting area so many times.
I've even dusted and cleaned and washed dishes. And no one says a word. They
just leave me to my own devices.

(banging head on desk)

Off to work again. See you all later.

I've been in that situation, too---I ended up finding out by accident about some work that was waiting for a "round tuit" in another department, and helping them to do it. But I know that can be touchy, especially as a temp, because you don't want anyone to think you're gunning for their job. Is there a way you can drop a hint to the person who originally hired you that you have time to do more projects?

I went out to the store today and when passing a van saw 4 small curly haired dogs yapping on the dash.
I started laughing. I was wondering if your co-worker was once a little yappy dog. (in a past life)
When she met you...yap,yap, yap. Then after getting to know you, she calmed down. (but sometimes yappy dogs can't help it.)
Oh, and they may bite.

You could try asking about the training that you will need, and if you can start now. Even if they don't have a program to send you to now, you could check online for any manuals or materials (even used if you can't get them new), and get started now with those materials.

Good for you for being proactive--that will be a plus for you there and anywhere else you may work!

'her' next day off, I'd probably be snooping through all the files

Wuvie, I know that most people where I work are creating new files for the new year and boxing up the 2007 files. I wonder if anyone has that sort of work you can do?

Great point Elsie, about making the new files.

Wuvie, where did you find any free online tutoring for the computer programs? I would love to do some work on improving my computer skills.