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Hands thrown in the air: a thread for making change

Kali, Queen of Kitteh

16:14 / 27.10.06

I hate my job.

I didn't always hate it; in fact, I rather enjoyed it for a time. And then it comes to light that my boss is probably one of the most incompetent people I have ever met--seriously, I've never seen someone run a business so terribly--and to boot, a bit sexist. He micro-manages, he hovers, he monitors, and it's getting harder and harder for me to bite my tongue.

Today, for example:

I am pretty skilled with computer programs. I've learned it, I've taken classes for it, and most of it I've acquired proficiency just by sitting down with it and studying it. But I work at my own pace. The work gets done but I do it with methods that have always shown me results.
But today, he decides to hover me and implement his methods, going so far to constantly come by my desk to ensure that his methods are being followed. And he says to me, "If you have any problems, don't be afraid to ask for help. I mean, I can't make coffee as good as you."

I sit there, telling myself to count to 30.

I do.

And feel so fucking insulted.

I realise that I worked as a barista for five years--and those were the happy years--but to say that that is my only excellent skill?

I want out. I'm trying to hold out until the end of the year.

I have the definite feeling that I am not doing what I want with my life, or the definite feeling that something is amiss.

Any helpful hints? Any suggestions?

16:49 / 27.10.06

What a fuckwit. I don't have any helpful, well-thought out suggestions, but I just wanted to say that guy really bites the big one. That is appalling, deaming (and possibly sexist) behavior that you just shouldn't have to tolerate.

16:50 / 27.10.06

This will sound a bit trite and naff, but it's what works for me.
Make lists. Write down what you want, when you want it, and how to get it. Set targets and dates. Turn it into a big poster and put it somewhere prominent in the room.

If it helps, surround it with tiny bits of gleushglesushgleush that will make you feel empowered to do the stuff. I always draw a pair of eyes too, the thought your being watched is supposed to make you work more efficiently.

I don't know how great it will be for you, but I always finds lists really helpful.

16:53 / 27.10.06

Start your job search right now. And I mean RIGHT NOW. It doesn't have to be a search for that one specific life-changing job. It's the looking that's important. You sound like you're in need of a new direction, but are unsure of what that direction is. So start looking. You don't have to have the answer just yet. The searching will help you find it.

Ask yourself what you're passionate about while you search. What kind of job could you happily go to every day (barring personality clashes obv.)? What would satisfy you? Hell, what might be fun for you?

Best of luck on this, Kali. You current situation sounds pretty shitty, and I hope it gets better one way or another.

16:54 / 27.10.06

1. Follow your Bliss.

while this sounds trite on the surface, it really is the best advice ever given in the history of our civilization.

2. While in the pursuit of your bliss focus on the good parts of your life.

Sometimes we can't just up and chuck it all. In these moments we need to find solace in the positive things we already have. Turn up the volume on taking care of yourself.

3. When hassled by those you cannot be honest with, speak to the person you wish they were.

Bit of a puzzler perhaps but what it means is while your boss is a pest pretend that trapped inside is a great boss waving his hands frantic to get out. Speak to that person as your ally. Sure this may occassionally make you look crazy but while it might slowly shift the person towards the ideal it will quickly be fun..and fuck it, the job is crap anyhow.

17:01 / 27.10.06

"If you have any problems, don't be afraid to ask for help. I mean, I can't make coffee as good as you."

Was that supposed to be a real live compliment?

Fuckeye!

Kali, Queen of Kitteh

17:16 / 27.10.06

Precisely.

I've already told my office manager--who is a really cool lady--that I'm taking the afternoon off.

Oh yeah, I'm not allowed to work more than 80 hours per pay period. If I do, he whines like a wet cat about it. He has already, twice to my knowledge, tried to convince my office manager that I am unnecessary even though he is the one that originally hired me.

And I just heard from one of my other co-workers that he said the company needs to hire someone with large breasts so we can sell more scooters this weekend.

Oh my god.

MattShepherd: I WEDDED KALI!

17:42 / 27.10.06

Hey Swashbuckling, I'm going to take your suggestion and run with it. Thanks! I WILL LEECH OFF OF AND PROFIT FROM KALI'S MISERY. Evil I am.