Dear Work Colleagues
Sigh, where do I begin.
When I started here in April I was excited for the prospect of working again (I still am) and meeting other adults to talk to (maybe not so much anymore). I walked in on that first day with hopes of a wonderful working relationship and really, for a second, you had me fooled.
As time went on I noticed some kinks in the shiny “awesome working environment” armor were beginning to show. The glow of the polish was starting to fade. True colours were starting to show. I started seeing the backbiting, the gossiping, the inefficiency of staff, the lack of interest in any work related responsibilities, the superior attitudes, the bending of rules to get whatever is necessary, the cliques and so forth.
Ordinarily you would just say, why don’t you just get outta there? Well I’ll tell you why. It’s very difficult to find another job at this time of year. Also I can’t just quit because the salary helps. Also I quite like working. So my solution is basically one of just keeping to myself and if one of you are friendly enough to want to chat I shall do so.
You see, I do not need your approval of whether I am a good colleague or if I fit into your “group” to get my fucking job done. I do not need you to be holier than thou and treat me like I am some kind of intern in the beginning of a working career. Remember while you were still studying and fucking barely scraping by I was in the working world already edging my way trying to make a name for myself. I am older than you and to some degree I’m also sure your mother taught you some means of respect for that. I do not need the condescending undertones in your voice like everything is a joke to you. Some people have real problems in life rather than “I don’t have tickets for the big game this weekend, what AM I going to do! Boo hoo”.
Also, dear colleagues, maybe if there is something you have on that pea brain of yours that can assemble some thought, how about you speak to the person (whether it be me or anyone else) directly instead of looking at that poor person strangely or making “in the air comments” right by them. Its rude and you certainly have no spine if that is the way you intend getting your point across.
And finally, I am of the opinion that although some of you may think that the work place will crumble should you leave, I have news for you. IT WONT. Unfortunately, and I know this must be devastating to your ego, the work place will run just as normal without you. Yup, you heard me. It’ll carry on. I know this might come as quite a shock to you, but I reckon someone had to tell you. You’ll get over it.
Sincerely, Yasmin