Trouble at Work

Maddie wrote:

I'm new to all this but my mum thought I should have a go and and try and get some answers.

I haven't been in the job career for a long time I've only just started and I seem like I'm doing something wrong ... all I want it some training and help, not help with everything but I don't know everything in this work space.

I use to work as a receptionist in the building opposite. Now I know that my ex employers have something against me!, and my boss now I think he felt sorry for me as the job was boring and I weren't getting my money's worth.

The main point I'm trying to get at is in my new job now.... I'm not getting the training I need to understand my job. When I do ask for it, it's like my boss has no time to give me the training or help I need - but gives it to the other girl who works with us, and he's always so nice to her.

He also make some horrible remarks, like I need to get my eyes tested all because someone wrote something but the writing was terrible and he asked if I couldn't read? or am I just being blind and lazy?

Now I do think the way he is treating me is wrong and I wanted some advice about it all.

Dear Maddie

There's a lot that you haven't said, so please forgive me if I've got some of it wrong.

First, take time out to think about what work is; work often isn't fun. It may be boring, it may be stressful - but they pay you, so you must accept some of that.

Second, think about what the company does - think about how there are to be successful, and what is your part in the scheme of things.

Third, most bosses are less than perfect. It's a shame, but it's a fact.

Now, within that setting, you do - of course - have some rights, and you are entitled to be treated with respect. But you have to deliver your side of the bargain before you can complain about them.

You compared your situation with the 'other girl'. Stop for a moment to consider what she does that's different to what you do. How is her attitude different to yours?

I'm not saying you have no grievance; but in my experience, even a bad manager is not so bad with employees who knuckle down and try to do a good job; even bad managers are usually willing to help someone who wants to learn.

No-one owes you a living, and it's a tough old world. But you can make it easier for yourself.

As I say, I may have misunderstood. But the clues are there - you are competitive with colleagues (working with them works better); you have resentment about a previous job (why?).

* Focus on on what you can do, and do it well; don't obsess about what you cannot do.

* Work with your colleagues, be helpful to them, and they will help you.

Then reassess, and if there's still a grievance, then think about options; go to your bosses boss, leave, whatever. Think carefully before giving up, a reputation as a quitter is harder to leave behind than a job!

But work is not a holiday. That's why you get paid to do it!