topic Re: Very Bad Week at Work in Community Chat

Very Bad Week at Work

JBKO — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 00:40:01 GMT

I haven't posted often in this forum because of my job. It is soul-sucking. I don't want to get into too much detail but can any of you offer me any advice when it deals with customer service jobs. I have literally had to deal with people who think that I can read their mind. I mean maybe I should be flattered that they think I am a mind reader. This wouldn't be an issue if it didn't cause them to be so quarrelsome when I don't do things exactly like they expect. Because, hello, I cannot read your freaking mind! I just need to vent. And please wish me well because I am looking for a new job. I am so unhappy.

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

Peaches McPhee — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 00:44:04 GMT

Just sending you some good wishes. I know what it is like to work at a job that is terrible, and to be looking for something better. Try to hang tough, something better will present itself, and you can look back at this job as a bad memory.

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

June222 — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 00:46:44 GMT

I worked a job I hated for 25 years.....finally retired at 60.... I look back each day and give thanks I do not have to go to that job.

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

icezeus — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 00:48:00 GMT

I will just send good thoughts your way and hope that you have a better week.

Also, life is too short to be miserable every day. Soul-Sucking means that if possible it's time for you to look for something else and get the heck out. I

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

Marp — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 01:28:38 GMT

@June222 wrote:
I worked a job I hated for 25 years.....finally retired at 60.... I look back each day and give thanks I do not have to go to that job.

@June222, if it isn't too personal or revealing would you mind sharing what kind of hated job you worked at for so many years?

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

Plaid Pants2 — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 00:59:30 GMT

You are experiencing the "ME" of today's society, especially the shopping public.

It's what *I* want.

You must cater to *me*.

As long as as *I* am happy, then to heck with everyone else.

I don't care if it's against the rules, you must give me what *I* want, in order to make *me* happy.

That's how everybody is today.

Everybody feels entitled.

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

DoneTryin — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 00:59:39 GMT

Just take a deep breath, keep looking for something else, & chalk this up as a learning experience. Good luck!

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

SuesCat — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 01:03:09 GMT

Diva ~ Amazing how many ppl believe that the world actually revolves around them! As you say, that aspect of your job is truly soul-sucking.

During one of the most stressful times in my career, someone gave me a tiny bit of advice - short and sweet. It is simple enough to have become my mantra for all of the years since, and i hope it will help you in some way, too: "It is better to be a sieve than a bucket."

'Wishing you well and 'holding all good thoughts for success in your job search... treat yourself well and take care

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

cotton4me — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 01:09:13 GMT

Sorry to hear about your job. When I was having difficulties with mine I would do everything I could to surround myself with positive things – calendars, pictures, affirmations. It doesn’t really change anything but I clung to whatever I could to get me through the day. I remember buying a poster for my bulletin board that had beautiful tropical waters with the words, breathe, underneath. As soon as I put it up it made me feel better just looking at it. Sending good energy your way – that you’ll find something better and that you’ll be strengthened and comforted in the meantime.

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

Mustang Shar — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 01:15:22 GMT

@JBKO

Oh, we who have been in Customer Service understand! Clients can be wonderful or they can be stupid, ignorant, hot heads! The way they treat us is ... Saying we are liars , trying to cheat them.

I just retired at age 61, paid medical claims . Insurance isn't easy, our membership deserves respect and courtesy on the phone, as you or I would. However, those BAD calls from crazies that we HAVE to listen to and can't give to our Supervisors because they don't want to talk either.... I'm surprised our hair hasn't fallen out

Bless you, maybe you can get into something better like accounting or other office positions without the non stop phone calls 8 hrs a day, 5 days s week. Probably 125 calls a day. Feel like you've taken the stand in court!

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

Annabellethecat66 — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 01:26:42 GMT

When I read your post it reminded me of my daughter. She worked at a job she hated. Her boss was toxic to everyone around him and it created a toxic environment.

Every night she'd call me and would be so down, she never felt physically or mentally good.

I told her life is way too short to stay in a job where you are so unhappy. She started sending out resume's. She started going on interviews. One thing I told her and I'll tell you.

You have something to offer too. Don't go looking for a job thinking they are doing YOU a favor by hiring you. Realize your own self-worth. Go on job interviews even though you might not be qualified for them because it will give you an idea of what you want in a job, what other's are looking for and it will build your self-confidence each time (even if you don't get the job, you're learning to deal with people).

She ended up getting a job in an IT company where the people are young like her. Her boss realizes she has a lot to offer and tells her often. Her health has improved (in fact she's running in the 10K race soon). It's just a wonderful environment with people who love their job and go the extra mile.

Please re-think about staying where you are. My daughter's friend was even more unhappy in the same job. She didn't leave and has had to take several absences from work due to emotional stress.

I don't know your age, but you don't want to wish your life away until the day you can retire. If you have to work, why not do it in a place where you are appreciated. Maybe it's time to get a job where you don't deal with the public.

People can be terrible. They take their burdens with them and put them on service people.

Please think about it. What do you have to lose? Send out a bunch of resumes. At least you'll feel better like you are doing something moving forward. Once my daughter started sending out resumes it was a difference in her voice.

Please keep us posted. Just remember you do have something to offer.

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

occasionalrain — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 01:38:45 GMT

Perhaps if you ask questions so you understand what they want, it will be less stressful. Good luck with finding a new job.

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

JBKO — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 01:49:55 GMT

Wow. You have all brought tears to my eyes. Believe it or not I have looked forward to sending out applications the last few days. You don't want to know all the months and years I spent looking for work back in 2008 and 2009 and not hearing anything. I didn't think I could put myself through that again but I am happy to say that I am doing it. I work outside and told myself I am not doing another winter. I am not doing it to myself. Thank you for your kind words.

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

JBKO — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 01:54:15 GMT

Occasionalrain don't you think I already do that?

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

Say Nay — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 01:59:44 GMT

Hang in there. And good luck with the job hunt.

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

Meowingkitty — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 02:04:25 GMT

I totally get what it's like to work in a mind numbing, soul sucking, toxic environment. I absolutely hated my last job and only stayed because I knew layoffs were in the future and I wanted every dime I could get from that company. Layoffs finally got me the out I wanted and my husband told me I didn't need to look for another job. This place was so depressing, I would cry on Sunday afternoons because I was dreading going to work. The people were ok, the work mind numbing, the commute could take anywhere from 35 to 60 minutes one way depending on time of the year or if an accident was in my path, no raises since 2010, management treated us like slaves, management didn't care, no advancement, the list goes on. If I decide to go back to work sometime in the future it would be close to home and part time. I wish you luck in finding something new. Keep sending out those resumes. All it takes is one to give you an interview to get your spirits up.

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

tansy — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 02:31:38 GMT

Never mind

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

blackhole99 — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 02:14:51 GMT

I didn't hate my job, but I didn't like it either, thank goodness I was able to retire at 54. I think people need to think out of the box today when it comes to work. Maybe there is some talent you have that you could turn into income or some service you could provide.

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

Jeannie29 — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 02:22:37 GMT

Anyone who has worked in customer service completely understands! It is so hard! People are rude, inconsiderate, and sometimes just plain nuts. You are not treated like a person, not deserving of respect. A little respect goes a long way. I have never understood the idea of being mean/rude to the person you want to help you. Why not be nice, so the person helping you WANTS to help you.

Re: Very Bad Week at Work

Maltichonmom17 — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 02:29:16 GMT

Working with the public can show you the very worst and the very best of human nature. When I first started in a position working with the public, I had an experience with a very angry, negative customer. By the time she left, I was very shook up and on the verge of tears. My next customer walked up, stood in front of me, smiled, took my hand and then she said, "Don't let her make you feel bad. There is nothing you could do to make her happy. Consider yourself lucky. You only had to spend five minutes of your life with her. There is someone at home, waiting for her, that has to spend every day of their life with her. That's the person you should feel bad for." Those kind words changed my perception and I still remember her kindness, over 25 years later.

Good luck with your job search and in the meantime, hang in there.