I Want Crackers

[queenoftheskies]

Just suddenly.

Isn't that weird?

It's been a long, hard day, and I'm facing going home in 45 minutes with much happiness.

All three kids have gone on a high school field trip. One as a participant and two as chaperones. (One called me and asked if she could go after I'd dropped the other two off at 5:30 AM. She was already at the school to do some volunteer work anyway.)

They don't get back until 5:00, so, I think I'm going to go sit and have an ice tea and plot some more on Xanali and try to get rid of this godawful headache I have.

Earlier, I wanted to rant.



I've been working for a long time. Since I was 16. I've been working full time since I graduated from college in 1977. I've seen a lot of things come and go in the marketplace. I've seen a lot of things change.

But, one thing I have NOT seen change is discrimination against women. Now, I've worked places where it's not as bad and you can put up with it.

But, I'm up to my neck in it again right now and finding it very discouraging.

Yes, I know it's a fact of life. No, I don't think it's going to change any time soon.

That still doesn't make it right.

I've been doing THREE jobs...cost accounting, purchasing, and human resources. Also, anything else that nobody knows how to do.

They just hired a MAN who is a friend of one of the people who already worked for the company that bought us. Worked for him for 7 years at another company. They're friends.

They're paying this man with no college degree (I DO have a college degree) the SAME salary they're paying me. They're supposed to be giving him ONE of the jobs...purchasing...though, right now, they're giving it to him gradually, a little bit at a time so he can get used to it. I took it on all at once, with everything else.

I have to help him all the time, tell him where to purchase things, answer questions. Supposedly, he was hired because he was experienced in all of this, knew all about it already, and knew ALL the vendors and had worked with them all before.

He has already screwed up multiple times, lost paperwork, and ordered the wrong material. (I didn't do any of that and I was new to purchasing.)

He's trying to shift his paperwork off to other people because he doesn't want to do it.

Now, he's already crying that it's too much work for him to do (even with me still doing 3/4 of it) and so they're getting a part time person to be his assistant and help him with the work.

I, on the other hand, am getting more work to do. And, have to drive 1-1/2 hours EACH way to training for an entire week the middle of November.


Sigh. I'm so tired today. And, yesterday. And, the day before.

Is it Friday yet? I need a rest.

Hmm...guess I did rant after all, huh?

Now, I need a nap. :)

Anybody got any Keebler Town House crackers?

Comments

[cynarion.livejournal.com]

I can't say I've been working anywhere near as long (I graduated Uni in 2002...) but I know how you feel.

What strikes me, though, is that the two guys are friends. Sometimes you make concessions for friends you wouldn't make for other people. I'm sure that factors into the decision-making process at least a little bit!

Do you have a decent performance management system at work? If you do, at least you know that sometime in the future Mr. Bumblepants who loses paperwork and orders the wrong material is going to get his comeuppance. If you don't, I guess the best thing to do is focus on your own work and take pride in that. If there's one thing I've seen in my time consulting to companies here, there and everywhere, it's that some things are almost always done poorly.

Sorry, no crackers here. But I do have some cheese. Wanna share? ; )

--Mike

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

What strikes me, though, is that the two guys are friends. Sometimes you make concessions for friends you wouldn't make for other people.

That could very well be what it is. I'm probably making rash judgments because this is the second man here to take a condescending tone with me.

I do have to say, though, that on the flip side, I work with a couple of really exceptional men, too. I adore one particular young guy (as a friend and working colleague only). He's funny, treats everyone the same. Delight to work with. Quick to help others.

Sorry, no crackers here. But I do have some cheese. Wanna share?

Oh, thank you!

You're so kind. :)

[moonlit-page.livejournal.com]

I see this kind of stuff. It pisses me off so much. And it's hard b/c you want to stand up for yourself but if you show any emotion, you're dismissed as irrational; if you're too aggressive, you're a bitch; you're too nice, you're ignored. I would take this up with the higher ups if I were you. Confrontation is never pleasant but I'm learning that living in self-imposed hell is worse. You teach people how to treat you. The boss is in a position of power of you, no denying, but still, you can train them to treat you equally, or you've gotta move on. If you had a daughter, how would you advise her? I'd tell yourself you're worth the exact same stance, whatever that may be! Good luck! Love, Roo

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

I do have a daughter and, luckily, she hasn't been subjected to this. I think the boys of her generation don't pull it as much.

[moonlit-page.livejournal.com]

Is it wrong of me to think they probably will when they grow up to be the bosses? But yeah, I feel for you and I hope your superiors will keep an open mind if/when you ever bring up the subject. It might not be worth the hassle if this is a temp job, but otherwise, if you're there to stay, you gotta set boundaries on what's cool and what isnt right away. *hugs*

[reudaly.livejournal.com]

I'm trying to figure out why I've been wanting to make meatloaf for the last three days. I'm finally giving in tomorrow night.

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

I had my crackers with dinner...and some soup. :)

Yummy. Meatloaf.

[reudaly.livejournal.com]

Should be.