| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Dec 16 2008 : 07:49:25 AM
This sounds so foolish...but I'm very concerned about a situation at work, and I know that I can't control it, so that's what I need a little help with.
We have a receptionist who really doesn't perform her job well, but has her "eyes on the prize" if you get my meaning. She slinks by, doing just enough, but not more and then spends a great deal of time trying to manipulate herself into a better position (i.e, we hired a new associate, and she was asked to help him make copies if need be--that instantly translated (to her) that she was his assistant, and began using that on her emails and when people called). She has no legal training, and without trying to sound hateful, her grammer, manners, spelling and tact are simply atrocious. She was hired because we had been 3 months without a suitable reception candidate and needed a body, plain and simple.
Another issue is that she is the good church friend of our bookkeeper, which is how she came to have the position, and our bookkeeper is somewhat in charge of personnel issues...so if you have any complaints about the receptionist, you can't go to HER about them because you're told that it's YOU.
And, if you take them directly to the receptionist, she treats you like your beneath her, and says she answers to noone but the bookkeeper.
So, here's where I'm really struggling--and it's a mix of pride, and control-freakism (my own) and insecurity because I just don't trust this girl as far as I can throw her...I am pregnant, and will be leaving on my maternity leave in February. She has already made pointed comments to me about "I just don't know how I will handle all of your boss's business when you're gone." and "You need to tell me about this, and show me this because I am probably going to have to handle all these matters when you're gone." C'mon--she puts a "t" on the word cousin to make it "cousint" and she uses the word "ideal" for idea--as in, "I have an ideal!" Those are just my petty issues--the biggest for all of us is that she claims she's very busy, but every time any of us go upstairs to ask her to do something, she minimizes myspace, or facebook, or her "dream engagement" ring bookmark. I'm not the only one here that thinks she's a silly twit, and we're all very frustrated, including one of the partners...but we need a body in this position. For whatever reason, reception is the most difficult position to fill....
Overall, I just feel like I can't allow myself to even enjoy my maternity leave--I'm going to be so panicked about having a job to come back to because I just don't trust her.
How can I stop myself from thinking? I really need your advice and good thoughts, and prayer for a bit of wisdom. Right now, I'm in a panick.
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| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Dec 18 2008 : 07:08:50 AM
She is one of those people who needs attention and that the world is out to get her. I am sure she won't be able to do her job now because she can't sit or stand too long either and try to collect workers comp. I have thrown out my back before from an injury received while in the military and I still went to work, in COMBAT boots!!! I hope maybe she will see the light.
Otherwise- keep yourselves sane and happy. Sheesh...you are pregnant and that is uncomfortable enough and you are still working. True character my friend... : )
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Dec 18 2008 : 05:40:28 AM
Well, it looks like she's out of favor for a bit...last weekend, she picked up a 4 year old and threw out her back (she's 25...must have been SOME 4 year old!!!!), and though she couldn't make it to work on Monday or Tuesday, she managed to come to the firm Christmas party on Tuesday evening, walking slowly, and making sure we saw her take her medicines. But, alas, the party proved too much for her, so she was out yesterday, today and tomorrow. Makes it very difficult on the three of us here, who have to sit for 3 hours at a time at the reception desk, when we could be at our desks actually doing our work. At least I know I'm not the only one who's frustrated :)
Keep repeating the mantra, girls...I actually thought of embroidering it on a hankie to keep with me!!! |
| Carol Sue |
Posted - Dec 17 2008 : 11:57:54 PM
I shall be repeating that one with you, doing my best is good enough.....lol
Farmgirl #39
www.Quitemoments.blogspot.com |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Dec 17 2008 : 06:42:54 AM
AMEN Sista!!! (((HUGS)))
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Dec 17 2008 : 06:41:01 AM
Good advice, all...I honestly know what I'm supposed to do, but like Christine mentioned, I think women do have some issue with feeling needed in their positions, whatever they may be. I realize that it is an added stress that I don't need, and I will do my best to just let it go...do my best, do my best, do my best...Sorry, getting it in "mantra" form :)
Thanks! |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Dec 17 2008 : 06:23:18 AM
First, you are pregnant, so put yourself first. What would happen if you decided not to return or heaven forbid, lost your job? Would all this worrying be worth it? All this stress would be useless. Like Janice said, give them enough rope...
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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| Miss Bee Haven |
Posted - Dec 17 2008 : 06:19:31 AM
Well, It has been my experience that, given enough rope and time, people like her hang themselves. Take the high road.
Farmgirl Sister #50
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?"
'Br.Dave Gardner' |
| Carol Sue |
Posted - Dec 16 2008 : 10:29:14 PM
Hey Miss Feb,
All you can do is do your best, your excellent work there will speak for itself. You showing her your job isn't necessary unless your boss tells you to do so. She needs to be able to do her own job and not others. Don't overly concern yourself with her, they come and they go girlfriend.
Take a deep breath and know that some of the concern may have to do with those great extra hormones from being pregnant. Where you may have just brushed this off before you are having a more difficult time than before. Just know that is normal as well.
So take another deep breath, do what you need to for your job, and let the chips fall where they may.
Go enjoy your time with your little one to come and rest.
Farmgirl #39
www.Quitemoments.blogspot.com |
| MsCwick |
Posted - Dec 16 2008 : 09:15:00 AM
A friend of mine is going through a similar situation. I think it's the woman in us that gets us all flustered over anything and everything other women are doing. My advice to her was to quit worrying about everyone else and worry about yourself. The best way to have a friend is to be a friend, if that makes sense? Sometimes you can get so caught up in other people's faults and differences that it will litterally drive you crazy, and you're wasting your precious energy on something so trivial. Chances are, if she's as annoying and incompetant as you say she is, that others probably notice too, but what can they say? Spend your energy on your baby and yourself, and your family, and important things. I know your job is important to you. Maybe just make sure you mind your Ps and Qs and stay on top of things until you leave. Leave the partners and other co workers with an excellent lasting impression, so that while you are gone, they will remember how great you are to have around?
Worrying is like a rocking chair, it give you something to do, and gets you nowhere.
Desiderata
-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"! -- see below
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Cristine
www.thelittlegreenstore.net
Do what you can, with what you have, right where you are. - Roosevelt |
| Lainey |
Posted - Dec 16 2008 : 08:12:07 AM
I don't think that you should worry about her, it sounds like she's not really qualified to handle your position. And as you pointed out one of the partners is not pleased with her already. Also her lack of experience probably will really shine while you're out, they will see that she that she couldn't fill your shoes. Office relationships are tricky at best, I had something similiar happen to me at my old job.
You will be in my prayers. I know it's hard not to worry, but since you have no control over the situation please just focus on the joy that will be your's in February. Don't let anyone take that from you.
Big Hugs!
Farmgirl Sister #25
http://countrygirldreams.blogspot.com/ |
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