Seriously??

The working world is filled with all kinds of people, but it never ceases to amaze me what things coworkers will do at work.

I mean, once you're settled in at a place, work hard and finish your tasks in a somewhat timely fashion, there is some room for leeway in your actions around the office. But I have a hard time with newbies acting as though they've been around forever, doing as they please.

I'm a go getter and I see the value in putting in your time and showing your coworkers and boss how hard you're willing to work to meet the organization's goals (and frankly to advance your career). But sometimes, being ambitious and driven is a curse because not only are you critical of your own work, but everyone else's as well. This is currently the source of some unnecessary stress. I think I can feel my blood pressure rising.

Maybe I just need to cut the guy some slack. But seriously, in your first week of work you leave at 4:30 P.M. without any kind of explanation and you're paid hourly, NOT salary! This is simply redonkulous to me. That's right you heard correctly. Redonkulous, my new favorite word meaning of course, ridiculous but sounding so much better. Today, he strolled in after 9:30 A.M. and left promptly at 4. Stab me in the eye. It doesn't help that the person managing him isn't really doing that so I end up filling in some of the gaps. Even if you don't have something pressing to do, at least pretend to be busy. Welcome to the working world.

Oh, and did I mention that he has arguments over the phone with his ex-wife over child support? Not kidding. Take the personal phone calls outside people-on your cell phone, NOT in the office on your work phone where everyone can get all up in your business.

And that my friends, is today's rant. Clearly, it's time to go running.

Comments

KGreg said…
Wow, that's insane. I read a post on a career blog the other day about how leaving work early is supposed to be one way to make the 9-5 a little more bearable. My problem is that I work 8-5 and leaving early, in my and my boss's opinion, is not an option. Maybe it's a university thing?
Anonymous said…
Being a guy who consistently works 60 hour weeks (and sometimes 80+), let me say, "God bless this guy." He's got it figured out: just stop caring. Take a nihilistic approach to your work - nothing matters so show up late, be lethargic all day, and knock off early.

There are more important things to be done. Like drinking. And video games. Seriously.
Britni said…
Okay well I'm pretty bad I guess since I'm reading your blog at work- but I did do something productive first.
Anonymous said…
This guy sounds remarkably like a guy in my office. Like, A LOT. Down to the angry calls to the ex-wife and, perhaps relatedly, to their children's therapist.

Only difference? He's my boss. I suppose this would make it easier for me to take the same reckless nonchalance attitude to work, but I just can't. It's not my character. That and someone needs to be around to get things done around here, sheesh.
Rachel H. said…
Thanks for the post...I have your same feelings about some people that I work with. I get to work between 7:00 and 7:30 everyday, and I sometimes arrive at 6:30. Then I leave no earlier than 5:30 PM. Then there are people who just come and go as they please and never work a full eight hours. It's so crazy! And it totally gets under my skin!
Dana said…
I too have feelings like this. I have someone at work that sounds just like this...

They make themselves APPEAR that they are busy, but they really aren't... Grrr.. it makes me soo mad because I put in so much effort.. I totally feel you!

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