Work vent

[Pacbox]

Since I won’t be able to talk to anyone till tomorrow about this, I’ll post here to vent since I know that I’ll get several different perspectives. And I’ve largely gotten over it since yesterday though I just want to talk to someone about it, even if it’s just a post here.

I work in retail as a processor/sales support which means that I deal with the products the company sells by taking them out the boxes, sensoring them (security device), and placing them on the floor. I’ve been with this company for over a year and half. There are two events that have happened over the last week that have me definitely searching for another job and wondering what in the world is going on. (I’m searching for a fulltime job anyways since I graduate Tuesday with my second bachelors in Criminal Justice and want to go into federal law enforcement.)

Sunday night we had a meeting at work. I found out that not only I was not being worked and a person I wouldn’t necessarily trust to do some of the processing (she’s better at some things than others and some things I wouldn’t let her near) was working way more than normal and that several new policies had been put in place, ones that seem to only affect me. These policies, I was told, had been in place for years when I know that this was the first time they had ever been mentioned at all. But they only affect me because they are attached/focus on projects I do. Well, I figured that they (the managers) had no loyalty to those that had worked at that store for over a year and decided if they didn’t want me, I didn’t want them.

Yesterday, I got yelled at for having “attitude.” This was news to me. And it wasn’t something that had been going on for weeks or months, either. I worked Tuesday and then yesterday I found this out. I’ve been told I’m a great person to work with because I’m patient, willing to explain and show what needs to be done, and all around really nice person that doesn’t complain. So to be told that all of sudden I have “attitude” was a shock and a bit hurtful.

From the yelling I got, I figured out (I spent a long time during work, the drive home, and last night figuring out what and who could have come up with this notion) that the new girls don’t like me. Fine, I don’t care, I’m not there to be liked. I’m there to do a job and do it in the time I have. I also think those that complained were overly sensitive and since I wasn’t being buddy-buddy with them and making them my best friends and that I explained how to do something to them, that I was mean and had attitude. Also, the ones that complained (it was several, from what I got from the yelling), I think, are a bunch of divas. They feel entitled to the job they have, that they don’t have to do the work they are supposed to do, and that if someone they don’t like is there or doing something they don’t like or doesn’t treat them the way they like, then they can complain and get that person fired.

And then I got yelled at for doing my job, which still amazes me. I was asked to do a specific project by a manager, which I did. One of the other managers came in later, saw my project, gave me a dirty look, and yelled at me for doing the project “wrong.” Haven’t figured that one out since all I had to do was take something out of a box and put it in another box. But this manager was superexcited to see everyone else who was working but everytime she saw me or looked at me it was the angry face. Whatever.

Now, I realize that there isn’t much I can do. I can’t change the people who yelled at me or complained about me (considering this was the first time in my entire time there that there had been a complaint against me). I also know that the managers aren’t going to listen to anything I have to say. They’ve started playing favorites which is against the rules and there’s really nothing I can do about that. And if any of the new people do something wrong, they don’t get fired or yelled at; just me. I don’t need that. I’ve already made the decision to find another job so I have a solution. I just needed to get all this out so it won’t bother me any more. I already pray for these people. I just needed to get this out.

 

[BamaRider]

“I know you’ve been sworn in, and I did read your complaint.” I think thats the way Judge Wapner said it on People’s Court. So “I know your on CAF and I have read you’re post.”

I don’t have much to add about your situation but I will say this. I see you wanna go into federal law enforcement. If you’re going into that line of work, excpect to hollered at, passed over for promotions, shipped off to dumpy locales, in other words if you’re feelings are gonna get hurt working retail, you’re gonna really be sad in the law enforcement field.

Also you might work in a local law enforcement agency while waiting on a Federal job. They can* really *holler at people. And being the rookie, you’ll be the brunt of a lot practical jokes, some of them quite tasteless. Instructors at any level of Law Enforcement are DI types, and they don’t care if they hurt your feelings while you’re going through the academy.

I know this because I worked in a similar quasi military hiearchy, where you followed orders and gave orders, where rising stars in the agency would shoot past guys with much more field experience. It just happens, life ain’t always fair, especially in the work world.

I have 30 year friend who works in the ATF, he was shipped out of a plumb office in Biloixi, clear across the country, because he was accused of being prejudice by a black female agent working in the same office. All it took was a accusation and they shipped him to some office way up in the Dakotas, where winters are 9 months long. They took a 1 page statement from him all the defense he was allowed. They said he was being transfered there because the office needed his expertise in a certain field. But everyone knew why. Instead of running a detailed investigation of the accusation, it was just easier to ship Ed out out. For a southern boy it was tough duty. He told me he was in exile. Took 5 years to get back south.

So that’s the kind of stuff you’re looking to get into, which is gonna make a bunch of busy bodies at the store look like small potatoes.

 

[Pacbox]

Thanks, Bama. I needed what you said in your post. I don’t care about the yelled at so much, thank heavens this job actually has helped me grow a thicker skin so things don’t bother as much as they used. It’s more the fact that I’ve been singled out. Like I said, nothing I can do, just wanted to vent. And an outside perspective.

But, what you said still needed to be said. My instructors have said much the same thing with the teasing included (two have been DEA agents, two of them have been in the military, all of them have worked in local departments, all men, so they might actually have a clue:shrug: ). So I’m aware that it definitely ain’t sunshine and roses.

As for the working local before federal, from what I’ve learned, all law enforcement agencies at all levels are desperate to higher. Now that gives me more options but not all the many. I just wouldn’t want to work local around here. But thanks for the advice.

By the way, I love your stories.

 

[BamaRider]

Was glad to help. Yanno sometimes people are like crabs at the beach. Ever see a bucket of crabs? How when one tries to pull himself up and over, the others are trying to grab and pull him back down?

The people you’re working with kinda like that, they see you with a good education, and moving into a great job like being federal agent. A job where no 2 days are alike, travel, good benefits etc, and they’re gonna be stuck doin what they’re doing, so they’re taking their shots at ya now.

So just do the best ya can, and asked to be treated fairly, but sometimes that doesn’t happen, so pick and chose your battles.

 

[chevalier]

I would look for a different job. Yelling is not acceptable and if they’ve already started playing favourites even in assessing your job - i.e. not only treating you better or worse than others, but letting it involve decisions which should stick to merits and which affect you, I think you can’t really be sure what’s next. I would look for a safer job for this reason.

 

[whatevergirl]

Hi Pac;

This is why I’m glad I work mainly with men. lol
But, on a serious note, retail, fashion, working in the beauty world…there are always problems like this. When I was in college, I worked for a hair salon as a receptionist…wow. The ‘divas’ and the fighting that went on…I was so glad to be out of that. Not that it can’t happen in the corporate world, but I would spend my time finding a more professional route. You don’t need this aggravation. Be grateful you have a job while you’re there–give it 100% while you’re there…but look hard for something new. Be polite and thoughtful even to those who dislike you–always be the ‘bigger’ person…and just try to find something in a more professional environment. Not that fashion/retail can’t be professional, but all too often, it seems like this type of thing goes on.

I wish you luck!

 

[Pacbox]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Like I said, I just wanted to get this out. I didn’t want it to continue bothering me. That’s actually what bothered me more: the fact that it bothered me and I let it bother me. I had to work hard Friday to push it away. So by the time I posted yesterday it was still bugging me a little but not as much as it had. I was and am trying to find the humorous in all this because that also helps. If I can, find something funny in all this and not make it so personal, then I find it easier for me to let go.

I, for the most part, actually like my job. I like being able to help people find what they are looking for and I’m pretty good at what I do and can do it fast. It has its ups and downs and soon the Special Christmas Crazies (hey, I work in a mall and Christmas is apparently a call out for all the crazies to come out ). Thing is, retail, especially the company I work for, has such a high turnover. Add to that the hiring manager just keeps hiring new people, gives them basic training, and then sends them on the floor. A lot of them are just not compatible with what the job requires (it’s not a stand there and look pretty job and requires a lot of communication with customers and coworkers) but still hang on even though they aren’t doing the job they are supposed to be doing.

As for the playing favorites, this has been going on and off since I started there. In the long run, it only hurts those who play favorites and who are the favorites. Since I have yet to be fired, I’m pretty sure that I have a job at least through Christmas. I’m considered permanent part-time while all the new people are seasonal and will be let go after Christmas. There have always been problems between management and employees and management and management.

We’re on our second set of managers after the store manager drove the last three co-mangers away by her behavior and treatment. From what I’ve seen and be treated to by my managers seems to point to their inabiity to take criticism themselves. They get constructive criticism about something and instead of taking it like an adult and taking resposibility, they take it out on the most convient target, which more often than not has been me. Now, not all the managers are like that. Out of the seven managers we have (yes, 7), I get along with and like with one and another one (after finally working with her this week for the first time) also is easy to get along with. Hey, she was willing to give me a crash course in cashiering when the other managers won’t even consider it (I was supposed to be cashier trained within the first two weeks of my working there and I’ve been there over a year and a half)

If these people continue to choose complain, I’m not going to worry about it because in the end I’m not able to change them or do anything. And they’re only going to hurt themselves since they are not doing their jobs, which is a big no-no. (I’ve been reading the Rule of St. Benedict every day for over a year and half now and try to apply it to my life. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be an oblate but I find it very useful in my day to day life. I actually thought, while trying to figure what was going on, that this was all an opportunity to really live the Rule.)

I’m looking for a new job for a few reasons:
A) I have bills to cover and working part-time doesn’t cover all them (I start paying back loans soon and I definitely don’t make enough to cover them right now)
B) I want to get into my field (law enforcement/criminal justice). I have this degree (second one actually) and I should put it to use.

So thanks everyone.

 

[Pacbox]

So an update, if anyone cares.

Apparently, management does not care much about those employees who have been with the company for a significant amoutn of time (in this case those whe have been there over a year) and have been either cutting hours or not working them at all. I’m not the only one this is happening to, as I found out on the day after Thanksgiving. Their doing it to all the old timers. And they keep hiring new people. In the long run, this is only going to hurt the store, especially since come January 1 Oregon has a mandatory minimum wage increase to $8.40 an hour and the new people are starting somewhere around $8.10/8.15 an hour. It’s just not cost effective.

I’ve pretty much washed my hands of the place and slowly looking for another job. As of now, as soon as I find a new job, I’m just quitting this one and not even giving two weeks notice. Wouldn’t matter anyways since they aren’t even working me. I bet they wouldn’t even notice that I was gone.

So now I’m trying not to freak out about having no money, possibly becoming homeless, and finding a job. And dealing with the holidays on top of all that. It’s just not a good time for me right now.

 

[BamaRider]

I hate to hear that Pac, keep us posted on how things are going. I don’t have much advice, because you sound like you know what you are doing.

Do you plan to stay in retail?

 

[howdytest]

It’s easier to find fault with others than to accept it in ourselves. I see alot of excuses and rationalization in your posts. Do you really think these excuses and rationalization would have a place in your story if you were free from fault?

There is obviously some reason that your coworkers don’t like you. Stop justifying your behavior and rationalizing theirs. You’re shifting and deflecting all blame away from yourself.

The world isn’t out to get you, yet your post reads like it is. Why are you convinced that your managers and coworkers conspire against you?

All of this tells me that your posts aren’t the entire story. Most likely you’re overlooking/candy-coating something. Hell, might just want to focus on being more friendly.

 

[Pacbox]

It’s easier to find fault with others than to accept it in ourselves. I see alot of excuses and rationalization in your posts. Do you really think these excuses and rationalization would have a place in your story if you were free from fault?

There is obviously some reason that your coworkers don’t like you. Stop justifying your behavior and rationalizing theirs. You’re shifting and deflecting all blame away from yourself.

The world isn’t out to get you, yet your post reads like it is. Why are you convinced that your managers and coworkers conspire against you?

All of this tells me that your posts aren’t the entire story. Most likely you’re overlooking/candy-coating something. Hell, might just want to focus on being more friendly.

Wow. :bigyikes:

I know the world isn’t out to get me. Honestly, until recently, things had been going great at work. Not enough hours but economy and business needs dictate that so I understand.

My coworkers not liking me doesn’t bother me. Yeah, it was strange and coming out of left field to hear that I had an attitude when up till that point I had glowing praise from people. It was the fact that it was so out of character that I was bothered by it. And it’s only the new people, not the ones who have been there a while. They’ve been saying things about others who have beent there a while as well, people I know who are good at what they do and are helpful and considerate. I get told I’m great to work with because I’m so helpful and friendly besides other things. And until this one incident, and the ones that followed that I haven’t mentioned, all the feedback I had received was positive. So this was completely out of left field. And isn’t just me. People who have been there longer that I have have reported similar incidents.

I’ve been with this company for over a year and half. I’ve seen a lot of change, especially ones that have affected me. Many I have no control over. The new policies that affect only me are tied to specific projects I do and as I am the only one who does them, they directly target what I do. Now, I didn’t think I was being targeted. I did think, however, that these policies were created to micromanage people. I just happen to be the one these policies directly affect.

Now, I had been cutting people there a lot of slack because of a lot of factors that I haven’t mentioned. They aren’t perfect and I understand that. But to tell me that I am out to make myself the victim is not helpful and rather rude. Can I stop you from saying it? No. Do I agree with you? No.

I was yelled at for doing my job. That just doesn’t make sense to me. After I was yelled at, I asked someone who I was coaching/training and is new if I was being rude or had an attitude and they said no. This was literally an overnight change, heck, not even that. I had only been at work that Friday an hour and half into my shift when I got yelled at. Other than working on that project (the one that got me a dirty look), I hadn’t done anything else.

These managers, for the most part, have been there less than a year. The previous managers either left definitely because of the store manager or in one case, promoted to store manager. There’s more to the story but for the managers who left, it’s their story to tell. But I saw and heard a lot of what was going on and how these previous managers had been treated and was glad they had gotten out of there. And there are two managers there now that I get along with fine. It’s the others that have been hard to work with.

 

[Pacbox]

I hate to hear that Pac, keep us posted on how things are going. I don’t have much advice, because you sound like you know what you are doing.

Do you plan to stay in retail?

Thanks Bama, I will.

I’d rather not stay in retail but right now it’s about finding something that will help pay the bills, keep a roof over my head, and the lights and heat on. And a little food on the table.

I’m working on applying to federal law enforcement, which is what I really want to do.

 

[montanaman]

Just so you know, those TPS reports need a cover page. Alright?



Don’t worry about it. This job isn’t your life. Get a new and better one and move on. Perhaps easier said than done, but you’ve certainly go the motivation.

 

[BlestOne]

My advice…

Get the heck out of retail!!! Seriously!!! Been there done that… my own dh was railroaded and demoted from management (without telling him) just because he left to take me to the hospital… they thought it was an excuse for him to go to a concert with me. I never made it in the door to the concert… I collapsed in line and my little girl was with me so I had to have him pick us up since an ambulance wouldn’t transport her with me. They didn’t even want to see the hospital bill…I offered! I worked for the same store… which made it even sadder… they so totally didn’t care about their people! Yes the newbies get more hours at Christmas time because it is all about spending less on employees and making greater profits…

My ds was in retail and had the same experiences too… he had to work every ****** day imaginable, and then got treated badly… thankfully, it finally sunk in and he recently (2 mos ago) left retail and he is loving having weekends off and not having to work 14 hour days and actually getting holidays off… YES!!! Another convert from retail life!!!

 

[Pacbox]

Just so you know, those TPS reports need a cover page. Alright?


.

Office Space flashback. I’m not sure I should be happy I got the reference. I’ve only seen the movie once, many years ago.

How are you montanaman? Life treating you okay? Haven’t seen you in a while.

 

[Pacbox]

My advice…

Get the heck out of retail!!! Seriously!!! Been there done that… my own dh was railroaded and demoted from management (without telling him) just because he left to take me to the hospital… they thought it was an excuse for him to go to a concert with me. I never made it in the door to the concert… I collapsed in line and my little girl was with me so I had to have him pick us up since an ambulance wouldn’t transport her with me. They didn’t even want to see the hospital bill…I offered! I worked for the same store… which made it even sadder… they so totally didn’t care about their people! Yes the newbies get more hours at Christmas time because it is all about spending less on employees and making greater profits…

My ds was in retail and had the same experiences too… he had to work every ****** day imaginable, and then got treated badly… thankfully, it finally sunk in and he recently (2 mos ago) left retail and he is loving having weekends off and not having to work 14 hour days and actually getting holidays off… YES!!! Another convert from retail life!!!

I intend to get out but my concern right now is that I have little to nothing to live off of right now. And bills coming due.

The thing is, until the last month or so, things were okay. Yes, there were problems and several the managers have been problematic but I learned to deal. I went to work, did what I was assigned, offered to do more when the help was needed, didn’t talk much to the other girls beyond a select few. Everything was fine.

Then they start hiring new girls and it makes a complete 180. All of a sudden I’ve got hours cut and new girls are working more. I understand in terms of training but honestly, this time of year is not a good time to just start a new person in processing. Too much rides on processors doing their job and doing it right the first time. Even after a month of hands on, guided training (something I never received. I was thrown into processing without training and learned fast or get critized) these girls are needing someone to keep an eye on them all the time. No one is.

When I started, all my work was checked to make sure it was done properly and that it was in the right place. Nobody checks these girls work. Which resulted in me finding damaged product (product we can’t sell and the company looses money off of), incorrectly processed product, etc., and makes it difficult to do my job since I have to correct their mistakes. I report the incorrect processing and damages and all I get for my trouble is an excuse that hey, we had that promotion going on. Wow, I would have been fired for doing my job wrong. Not excused. These girls get away with so much that they really should be fired for.

 

[montanaman]

Office Space flashback. I’m not sure I should be happy I got the reference. I’ve only seen the movie once, many years ago.

How are you montanaman? Life treating you okay? Haven’t seen you in a while.

Life’s great! I got laid off on Monday, but tonight my wife said “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so happy.”

Lol. It’s true.

 

[rayne89]

I worked in retail since I was 17 so that’s 20 years now. I’ve seen all kinds of managers in my time and all kinds of coworkers as well. I go to work, I do my job, and go home. It’s not a career it’s a job. I can get along with just about anybody but if they don’t like me…oh well. I stay out of the gossip and such that goes on. I have to say some women can be snippy little back stabbers, I’ve seen some ugliness in my time.

If the company or management changes policies I go with the new policies…they make the rules, I follow them -even if they’re stupid rules.

I think I’ve been yelled at once in all these years, and while I was in the wrong, it was unprofessional and after that person calmed down I told him so and received an apology.

Honestly this doesn’t sound like a good work environment, and it seems some pretty unprofessional (maybe young?) management. If your in retail and your doing you job, showing up on time, and not calling out sick frequently the chances of getting fired are very small. But if they’re not giving you the hours because they want the lower paid people to work to save them payroll then it’s time to start looking elsewhere.

I have to say though, right after the holidays is probably one of the worst times to seek a job in retail so don’t quit until you already have something else lined up.

 

[Pacbox]

I worked in retail since I was 17 so that’s 20 years now. I’ve seen all kinds of managers in my time and all kinds of coworkers as well. I go to work, I do my job, and go home. It’s not a career it’s a job. I can get along with just about anybody but if they don’t like me…oh well. I stay out of the gossip and such that goes on. I have to say some women can be snippy little back stabbers, I’ve seen some ugliness in my time.

If the company or management changes policies I go with the new policies…they make the rules, I follow them -even if they’re stupid rules.

I think I’ve been yelled at once in all these years, and while I was in the wrong, it was unprofessional and after that person calmed down I told him so and received an apology.

Honestly this doesn’t sound like a good work environment, and it seems some pretty unprofessional (maybe young?) management. If your in retail and your doing you job, showing up on time, and not calling out sick frequently the chances of getting fired are very small. But if they’re not giving you the hours because they want the lower paid people to work to save them payroll then it’s time to start looking elsewhere.

I have to say though, right after the holidays is probably one of the worst times to seek a job in retail so don’t quit until you already have something else lined up.

I’ll put it this way: I’m the oldest person working there and I’m 26. All my managers are younger than me. For a while, we did have someone older but I’m the oldest. Except for a few, most of those that work there are between 18-21.

I don’t know why they won’t give me hours. I know that right now we get in quite a bit of shipment and that they would need everyone who processes to process. Even with all the new girls working, I should still be getting shifts. I just don’t get it. If I don’t work tomorrow, I will not have worked in two weeks. That means my next paycheck is $0. And that means I won’t be able to eat. I at least have enough money to pay the electric and phone bills this month. But then I got the notice that my loan repayment is due and I definitely don’t have the money for that let alone money to eat. It’s just one thing after another and it just seems to get worse instead of better. And I’m not sure if my parents will be providing me money for rent next month. They said that I’m on my own and that I needed to start paying them for stuff. (I don’t live with them. I live in a completely different state for reasons I won’t get into here.

I won’t quit this job until I have another job for certain. I figured out that much when I decided to look for another job because it helps with finding a new job plus it looks good for me, the stability of having a job. And I can’t afford to quit right now.

Sorry, this is just not a good time for me right now. I’ve been homeless before and I don’t want to start the new year that way. I just feel as if I’m all alone in this and that it will just worse and worse instead of better.

 

[Pacbox]

Some good news, some bad news, and something randomly funny.

Good news: I worked a four hour shift today. So not totally broke though using the graduation gift I got from my grandma to make a repayment on one of my loans was not fun. I got another graduation gift today from my aunt and uncle. I saw a whole rainbow when I stopped to get gas for work today. And I saw snow both driving into Portland and driving home tonight. And I paid $1.58 a gallon for gas.

Bad news: Nasty wind and rainy weather. It’s freezing outside. :winter: :snowing: When I walked into the store, I just wanted to walk right back out and never come back again. It was just too much stimulus and sensory overload. I was stressed out and overwhelmed though it did get manageable by the time I left. Well, I hadn’t worked in two weeks and so hadn’t had to deal with all the chaos that is a mall right before Christmas. That was extremely overwhelming.

Randomly funny: A gentleman asked me how many times a day I had to hear a song on the store CD. I told him a lot and that the store CD player is wacky because for the morning it plays about half the CD on random with a song or two from the other half of the CD thrown in. In the afternoon, it switches, playing the ohter half on random with a song or two from the other half it had just played. It’s weird and no, the CD player isn’t programed to do that.

:whackadoo: :whackadoo: :whackadoo: