Friday, November 12, 2004
A Friday Office Rant
Not much to talk about from yesterday. I had a pretty boring day at work, during which I downloaded and printed out the 135 page strategy guide for the new Grand Theft Auto game. After work I went home, played the game for awhile, spent some time with Mary Beth before her show, watched Smackdown, and went to bed. Not the most productive day in history.
So, I thought I might rant a little about my recent frustrations at work.
When I began at Altrusa, I was immeadiately shocked by how mean and evil the little secratery lady is. Okay, so she technically is the assistant to the executive director, but really she is the secretary. She's over sixty probably and was always looking for something to gripe or complain about, and that something is usually your work, or lack thereof.
If any of you were reading back in September, you remember how bad I felt when her then fiancee was diagnosed with cancer.
Well, he has been pretty sick since then. It is in his lungs, and his condition seems to continually degrade.
So during the last three months, Janice, the secratery, has missed more work than she has seen while taking care of her new husband, Tom. She has been docked no pay, and no temp has been brought in to do her work. Most of her work is shared by the office, although the grunt work tends to be divided between Heather and I. I hate to complain about loved ones of cancer victims and all, but this situation really sucks. The executive director is very good friends with Janice, so she allows her to take all the time off she needs.Ugh. Laziness, denial, and special treatment are being disguised as care and understanding with a thick coating of empathy.
Yesterday, Janice explains that now Tom has to go in for radiation treatment every morning; so even on the few days when she does come in, she won't be in until after eleven.
The situation is wearing hard on the entire office morale. Everyone seems to be taking more days off and arriving late or leaving early more often without anything being said or done. I understand that this situation is horrible for her, but as we say in theatre, the show must go on.
I am sure that this post makes me seem like a heartless bastard, and maybe I am, but if I am anywhere near the top of the list of responsible people around here, we have major troubles. Major.
So, I thought I might rant a little about my recent frustrations at work.
When I began at Altrusa, I was immeadiately shocked by how mean and evil the little secratery lady is. Okay, so she technically is the assistant to the executive director, but really she is the secretary. She's over sixty probably and was always looking for something to gripe or complain about, and that something is usually your work, or lack thereof.
If any of you were reading back in September, you remember how bad I felt when her then fiancee was diagnosed with cancer.
Well, he has been pretty sick since then. It is in his lungs, and his condition seems to continually degrade.
So during the last three months, Janice, the secratery, has missed more work than she has seen while taking care of her new husband, Tom. She has been docked no pay, and no temp has been brought in to do her work. Most of her work is shared by the office, although the grunt work tends to be divided between Heather and I. I hate to complain about loved ones of cancer victims and all, but this situation really sucks. The executive director is very good friends with Janice, so she allows her to take all the time off she needs.Ugh. Laziness, denial, and special treatment are being disguised as care and understanding with a thick coating of empathy.
Yesterday, Janice explains that now Tom has to go in for radiation treatment every morning; so even on the few days when she does come in, she won't be in until after eleven.
The situation is wearing hard on the entire office morale. Everyone seems to be taking more days off and arriving late or leaving early more often without anything being said or done. I understand that this situation is horrible for her, but as we say in theatre, the show must go on.
I am sure that this post makes me seem like a heartless bastard, and maybe I am, but if I am anywhere near the top of the list of responsible people around here, we have major troubles. Major.
// posted by Justin @ 9:01 AM 
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You are a beacon of light and honesty that is rare and sometimes unwanted- but necessary. I completely understand your struggle. But hang in there and know that it could be worse. You could be in Janice's shoes- and wouldn't you want someone to be as understanding as your boss is seeming to be?? Yes, someone could be brought in to help out- but why out source when you and others can take up the slack. My best suggestion to you is to talk to you boss about the slacking of the other workers with no excuse to lay out. Let her know how you feel, but that you aren't trying to stir the pot- so to speak. Tell her that you are glad to help out and to do what you can, but you and Heather shouldn't be expected to catch it all. As long as you aren't offending and don't become defensive in the conversation, she should be understanding. Good Luck!
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: 10:38 AM
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