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[Guest jazzsmom]

Hello,

I'm new at this so I hope I'm doing this right.

I had an awful day at work today and now I can't sleep. I'm dealing with multiple issues/problems at work. I'm afraid to go to Human Resources for help because I don't want to put anyone in a bad light. Myself or anyone else. There is so much politics that will never go away it's depressing. I could go on and on.

You're probably thinking "Why don't you leave, get another job?"

It took me 1 1/2 years to find a job after moving across the country to this city. During that time I had a problem with debt. I'm out of debt now but I have other reasons to stay at this job. I take care of my elderly parents who live with me. They both have multiple health problems, my dad has altzhiemers. The company where I'm at has let me be flexible with my time when needed. I live 10 minutes from work. That's also important in my situation.

I know that some people at work feel I'm the negative one. I do realize it takes two to tango but I keep thinking about how appreciated I was in other jobs and how good it felt to work somewhere that management was on the same page. Here, although I have one official boss I feel like I have 3+ because I work for 3 departments.

It would just be nice to hear some kind words from someone. Gosh I sound pathetic! I haven't made many friends here yet.

I'm not always like this. This was a particularly bad day!

[PwrInTheBld]

I'm sorry you've had such a rotten day and I don't think you sound pathetic!

I completely understand what you mean about politics and bosses......"too many cooks in the kitchen"! Half the time, none of them can find the frying pan but you're the one who feels at a loss

When I have days like that I just say, "I need my job Lord"

He knows the frustrations you feel and He knows the sacrafices you have made

[other one]

jazzsmom. working for 3 different departments can be really difficult. You spend 2/3rds of your time doing other people's stuff when looked at from the other side of this, and from my experience everyone is offended when you are doing stuff for the other two. You are in a no win situation

Basically you need to get into your head that you are in a position that none of them will appreciate you for what you do. You know what you do (all of it together anyway) and you are the person that needs to be pleased with your work. While you can't just take the attitude that the three departments don't matter (you really do need this job) find some way to be pleased within your own self.

Remind them that from their prospective that you are only a third of an employee in their eyes and you're doing pretty good considering that you only work in their area for 2 hours and 45 minutes a day. If you can find a way to instill this into thier minds it might help them understand your position.

I hate politics in the work place, but it is there and somethimes one must play along with it to prosper as long as it is moral activity.

[Keith]

jazzsmom,

PwrInTheBld is right. You are not sounding, or being, pathetic. None of us are meant to walk alone and we all need encouragement and help. You are most welcome here!

Politics in the workplace. I know them well. I've been victim to them myself. The advice I would give to you is this; stay close to the Lord and keep the situation in prayer. Ask Him for direction and guidance in your situation. At work, if you feel you must pursue help, remember to follow the chain of command with who you speak to. Don't jump straight to the top. Companies take the chain of command seriously and if you follow it, you should be alright.

That was on my heart to say. You are in prayer, sis.

[Mikeyjay]

i think we've all had days like this...and i don't think you sound pathetic...i do, on the other hand relate to where you're at right now...if a friend is what you need you will find plenty here!!!

[truesunn]

Hmmm I am not exactly sure what kind of a problem you are having specifically, but if it makes you feel better, I know how you feel. I have a coworker that is very difficult for me to get along with. He has a personality that is very abrasive to me, and many times, offensive in his remarks. The person has a very confrontational side, and I avoid that sort of thing like the plague. My boss got on my case about not communicating with this person enough in everyday tasks. I don't think he understands why I don't wish to communicate with this person. He uses constantly vulgar language, has said demeaning things about women, makes references to sexual things etc. I am assuming that by mentioning Human Resources, this is the sort of thing you're referring to?

My boss has even gone so far as to subtly hint that if I don't start working more with this person that "changes will be made". I FWD the email to my fiance, who was not pleased to say the least, either. The boss, did however, grant my request to be moved into a pod of my own where I don't hear as much of this abrasiveness.

I know no workplace is a bed of roses, but there is such a thing as professionalism and ethics...

[Guest jazzsmom]

Hello again!

Thanks to all of you! I feel much better today.

My problems with work do not deal with any type of sexual thing. There are many issues with which I'm dealing, with one being that I work for 3 departments which each have their own director. Each of them have problems with the other and don't see eye to eye on how situations and/or jobs should be handled. Two of the three directors can be very controlling. Plus there are others within their departments who are my peers but act as though they too are my supervisors. The atmosphere in general seems adversarial and, at times, specifically condescending towards my position. I have been in the working world for 20 years and understand the difference between working with a team player and working with someone who wants to call all of the shots whether or not their position gives them that authority.

Mutual respect is important in a successful professional relationship, or any other successful relationship for that matter. I have that type of positive working relationship with some people and have made strides in that direction with a least one other person with whom I've had problems in the past. I continually want to review my own actions to see how I can contribute to the relationship in a more positive way but many times that action is interpreted as weakness or lack of confidence. My nature is to be self evasive but this atmosphere makes me want to keep on a symbolic hard hat and boxing gloves. I REALLY don't care to play games.

In the end I have to do my best to be the kind of person that I want to be. I'm going to try to focus on learning new things (through classes, etc) to help me be even better at what I do and keep in mind that my current job situation is not forever. I also want to internally recognize that since no one is perfect I know that I can deal with these issues in a better way. I am a sensitive and emotional person. Problems at work while dealing with my home situation can be very difficult. I must get better at letting things roll off my back.

Thank you all and God Bless!

Edited July 20, 2005 by jazzsmom

[Guest 777luvsme]

GOD BLESS U AND ALL THE GREAT WORKS U"VE BEEN DOING!! I'm very impressed that u take care of ur parents! I work at retirement home , so I can sympathise with ya...the responsibility u have 2 endure..Thats what I would like 2 do when my mother needs me later on..

It's nice 2 meet u!! And I pray that u'll find the answers u need 2 a solution in at work! IN JESUS NAME..Why quit when u would have 2 start all over again and their's probably gonna be problems everywhere u work...don't give up!!

Ur friend in Christ!!