The best thing (and possibly only good thing currently) about my job is talking to people. If you've spent even a shred of time with me, you're aware that I'm a talker. Once when I was 3, I made some dude I'd never met endure the ramblings of my three year old brain for an entire plane ride from Iowa to Florida. That poor bastard. So imagine my heartbreak when I realize those I interact with daily apparently have lost all ability to effectively communicate.
I'm not sure why, but people seem to get lazier and lazier every day. This has now protruded into the general population's basic communication skills. On a regular basis I feel as though I am dealing with a population that has de-evolved to the point of Neanderthals.
We no longer speak in complete sentences. Instead, I receive, "(pointing) In stock?" Um. Before talking, think of this; if I were blind, would I have any idea what you were trying to convey? Would it have altered your quality of life so much to add the "is" and the "this"?
As if that isn't enough, I am expected to sift through the mumblers. Oh, the mumblers. Firstly, you cannot expect the average person to be able to understand what it is you need when you are looking away from them while seemingly eating their tongues.
I haven't gotten to the worst part (for me). As I said, I LOVE to talk. I pride myself on my impeccable grammar skills and extensive vocabulary. Sadly, this is no longer appreciated because people have become so stupid. Instead of applauding my intelligence or engaging in meaningful dialogue, I get blank stares and find myself resorting to the most basic of communication skills.
I suppose it could be worse; at least the grunting hasn't started. Yet.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
On a Serious Note...
It is sad that in today's culture there is no protection for non-unionized workers against workplace bullying. I feel like I am a pretty strong natured person and I have a pretty thick hide. It takes a LOT to really get to me. I've complained about my job in the past but it was always trivial "boo hoo I didn't get promoted" or "this new policy sucks" stuff. Not the case this time. I've never really experienced panic attacks and stress induced nausea until recently. My GM has literally made me terrified and uncomfortable to go to work. And this is never okay.
Though my former GM and I had our moments where we did not see eye to eye, under no circumstances did he ever falsify my job performance, spread rumors about my alleged resignation or attempt to intimidate me into quitting. My new GM has decided to act to the contrary. All because he heard I applied for a job elsewhere.
Am I pissed I was passed up again for a promotion? Of course. However, I solved it by reflecting on what I wanted in life. I decided my current job was never going to make me happy promoted or not. I decided on a different profession entirely that would require a little more schooling. Did I decide to apply to other companies? You betcha! But my job performance has not decreased one bit. Every other manager in the store seems to admire my performance.
However, my GM apparently did not see it this way. He decided to sit me down in our conference room to tell me that the department I work in is imploding and it is essentially my fault. Interesting how a measly line level employee can be responsible for the follies of an ENTIRE department. Why not go to the supervisor? Oh, because he left just in the nick of time. Right before the department where he would actively try to pit one employee against the other imploded. But, I'm seeking other employment so it must be my fault.
In addition, he attempted to rewrite history and tell me I was not a good employee. Really? Interesting considering I make all of my stupid little goals you have and do as I'm expected. But, per his instruction, it isn't good enough to do your job. I'm fairly certain that excelling in your current position and not trying to exceed expectations is not grounds for disciplinary action.
It's funny that a week ago I had been called the reason for the improvement in the department.
So, I contacted my HR department. I'm not sure what I had hoped to accomplish by this, they rarely speak English and frequently ignore employee complaints. As I suspected, I called and got someone who sounded as though he had recently learned the basics of English. After I gave my statement, which I had carefully prepared immediately after the initial bullying incident, all he took from this was that I "did not like my GM." Look, I don't like a lot of people, but why would I waste my time contacting HR for this? If this guy understood English, maybe he would have grasped the key concept - that I feel I am being bullied into resigning.
So why be a Debbie Downer in my blog? Well, sometimes when I'm stressed and feeling overwhelmed it helps to get it out - publicly. Also, I want any leaders out there to really think about how their tendencies to gossip and their tactics to get someone to quit really impact the psyche of that employee. Especially an employee who has given exemplarily service for 6 years. And finally, if I have any legally minded friends who can help me understand my rights and options, that would be awesome. I honestly don't think I can take another day.....
Though my former GM and I had our moments where we did not see eye to eye, under no circumstances did he ever falsify my job performance, spread rumors about my alleged resignation or attempt to intimidate me into quitting. My new GM has decided to act to the contrary. All because he heard I applied for a job elsewhere.
Am I pissed I was passed up again for a promotion? Of course. However, I solved it by reflecting on what I wanted in life. I decided my current job was never going to make me happy promoted or not. I decided on a different profession entirely that would require a little more schooling. Did I decide to apply to other companies? You betcha! But my job performance has not decreased one bit. Every other manager in the store seems to admire my performance.
However, my GM apparently did not see it this way. He decided to sit me down in our conference room to tell me that the department I work in is imploding and it is essentially my fault. Interesting how a measly line level employee can be responsible for the follies of an ENTIRE department. Why not go to the supervisor? Oh, because he left just in the nick of time. Right before the department where he would actively try to pit one employee against the other imploded. But, I'm seeking other employment so it must be my fault.
In addition, he attempted to rewrite history and tell me I was not a good employee. Really? Interesting considering I make all of my stupid little goals you have and do as I'm expected. But, per his instruction, it isn't good enough to do your job. I'm fairly certain that excelling in your current position and not trying to exceed expectations is not grounds for disciplinary action.
It's funny that a week ago I had been called the reason for the improvement in the department.
So, I contacted my HR department. I'm not sure what I had hoped to accomplish by this, they rarely speak English and frequently ignore employee complaints. As I suspected, I called and got someone who sounded as though he had recently learned the basics of English. After I gave my statement, which I had carefully prepared immediately after the initial bullying incident, all he took from this was that I "did not like my GM." Look, I don't like a lot of people, but why would I waste my time contacting HR for this? If this guy understood English, maybe he would have grasped the key concept - that I feel I am being bullied into resigning.
So why be a Debbie Downer in my blog? Well, sometimes when I'm stressed and feeling overwhelmed it helps to get it out - publicly. Also, I want any leaders out there to really think about how their tendencies to gossip and their tactics to get someone to quit really impact the psyche of that employee. Especially an employee who has given exemplarily service for 6 years. And finally, if I have any legally minded friends who can help me understand my rights and options, that would be awesome. I honestly don't think I can take another day.....
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Deuce Dropping 101
All right, people. I get it. You decided to take that piece of chicken (except, it wasn't chicken) from the crazy street vendor and now you are gut wrenched and faced with a dilemma. Where do you poop? Your only option is the public restroom in that big box retailer across the street. As an employee of that store, and on behalf of all public service workers, please abide these general shit-taking-in-public rules of etiquette:
1) Courtesy flush. This should seem like a no brainer, but while you're dropping your stink bomb and you hear another person enter the restroom, give a good 'ole flush. I don't want to gag the entire time I'm peeing.
2) Please do your best to refrain from moaning. Look, it's awkward for me. I don't know whether you're dropping the big one, giving birth or fucking a stranger. I don't want to be present for any of the above, but especially the latter two.
3) If it's a messy one, don't load up all the t.p. and try to dispose on one flush. Overflowing toilets are not fun for anyone.
4) We are not heathens; there should never, I repeat, NEVER be a situation where shit gets smeared ANYWHERE in that restroom. (Seriously, I've seen it. And this is the WOMEN'S bathroom. Chicks are fucking gross!)
5) Please for the love of everything holy, flush your mess! There is nothing worse than having to pee and seeing that 2 out of the 3 stalls are filled with shit. Shit that has been sitting there for god knows how long marinating in its shitty juices and causing the entire bathroom to stink. I'm not sure where you were taught how to use the restroom, but even the most redneck of humans abide by the "If it's brown, flush it down" credo.
I thought these were basic concepts, but eight years in retail has shown me people are nasty. Come on folks, think of others when you poop in public!
1) Courtesy flush. This should seem like a no brainer, but while you're dropping your stink bomb and you hear another person enter the restroom, give a good 'ole flush. I don't want to gag the entire time I'm peeing.
2) Please do your best to refrain from moaning. Look, it's awkward for me. I don't know whether you're dropping the big one, giving birth or fucking a stranger. I don't want to be present for any of the above, but especially the latter two.
3) If it's a messy one, don't load up all the t.p. and try to dispose on one flush. Overflowing toilets are not fun for anyone.
4) We are not heathens; there should never, I repeat, NEVER be a situation where shit gets smeared ANYWHERE in that restroom. (Seriously, I've seen it. And this is the WOMEN'S bathroom. Chicks are fucking gross!)
5) Please for the love of everything holy, flush your mess! There is nothing worse than having to pee and seeing that 2 out of the 3 stalls are filled with shit. Shit that has been sitting there for god knows how long marinating in its shitty juices and causing the entire bathroom to stink. I'm not sure where you were taught how to use the restroom, but even the most redneck of humans abide by the "If it's brown, flush it down" credo.
I thought these were basic concepts, but eight years in retail has shown me people are nasty. Come on folks, think of others when you poop in public!
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