NWR: WWYD? Work-related

fallbride1109 · March 2010

I work in a small law firm. The staff is very tight-knit, very friendly, many of us socialize outside of work on occasion. I invited all the partners and all of the staff to my wedding and most of them came. I came with 2 attorneys from a big firm to open this one so I have been here since day one, 8 years, and worked for my main boss 2 years at the big firm before that.

There is one staff member here who no one likes whom I'll call Jane. For a myriad of reasons, Jane has alienated everyone on the staff. She is loud, obnoxious, gossips, lies, etc. She works for the most difficult partner here and the rest of us are convinced that is why she is still here, as no one else wants to work for this attorney.

I office right next to Jane (thanks to a recent office move). I hear her talk disrespectfully to her attorney often, sometimes even using profanity. Sometimes it's so bad, I have to shut my door. She raises her voice, etc. and it's miserable. She also calls in sick often leaving the rest of us to take up the slack.

This is all just background to my real issue. For whatever reason, Jane apparently is unable to come to work at 9:00 like the rest of us, so she has now been allowed to work "flexible hours." Meaning as long as she works 8 hours, she can mosey in any ol' time she feels like it. I know this because I heard the entire discussion with her attorney where it was agreed upon. Today she got here at 11:15. No other secretary in the firm has been given such an allowance.

This, on top of everything else that goes on with Jane, makes my blood boil. I don't understand why this obnoxious person who gets along with no one is rewarded for her bad behavior. I really want to speak to one of my supervisors about it and have them explain to me why this is allowed to go on. My co-workers here say it's not worth it and to let it go. But they don't have to sit here next to her every day.

WWYD: suck it up and let it go or complain? The only thing about not saying anything is, the anger I feel over it almost every single day affects how I feel about my job overall and I hate that.

Mariah09202008 · March 2010

I think I'd talk to my supervisor. I think you have a right to know why she gets certain privileges and gets away with things that most people wouldn't! Nothing is wrong with asking about it and at least letting someone know of your concerns.

stephl3055 · March 2010

I think I would do a combination of the two. If her behavior and language is bothering you to the point that your work is affected (and you admit that it is), I would talk to your supervisor and ask if you can switch offices. Because even if someone talks to her about her behavior, it doesn't seem like she's the type of person to do a complete turnaround and change. So there's no point in you having to suffer just because you were unlucky enough to get the office next to hers.

As far as the different work hours, I might let that one go. We have something similar at my job and at times I get mad that people come into work at 10:00 when I got here at 8:00 because it seems like they aren't putting in the same effort. Maybe the later hours are an option for everyone, but only under certain circumstances. I might ask about it in general, but I wouldn't go in demanding to know why she gets special privileges.

Hey, at least you have some peace from 9:00 until whenever she gets there.

denisecarmona · March 2010

I would talk to my supervisor if I was in your shoes. I'm sure they will appreciate the fact that you spoke out so you can continue to enjoy your job.

shortgirltx · March 2010

Ditto everyone. Since you have been there so long it's different complaining your first year there.

One department where I work allowed their top secrtary to do flex time but took it away after the first couple of weeks because she wasn't getting in her time every week.

Where I worked prior to my current job, one of my coworkers called in A LOT; she used up all of her time every month and often got docked because she was gone so much. It was even more frustrating because I had to do both of our jobs so I would talk to your supervisor before you grow more resentment because this: "the anger I feel over it almost every single day affects how I feel about my job overall and I hate that" can make you absolutely miserable and it's not worth it.

I have learned that you usually always have the same personalities at every job, just in a different body.

emimayor · March 2010

I would not question why she gets special priveleges; it could come off as whining. However, I would definitely voice your concerns about how her behavior and inability to be professional within the workplace is affecting your work and attitude. Don't directly attack her or question her or her superiors motives. Make it your issue, not hers.

GL Steph!

fallbride1109 · March 2010

Thanks everyone. I'm going to think on it some more before I do anything.

mralpha · March 2010

I wouldn't address her hours either. That really is you questioning the decision that was made by your authority or whomever it is. But...I agree address her behavior if you feel it is bothering your effectiveness at work with your supervisor. If it is you are just annoyed by her and it isn't affecting your work I would just stay out of it. I guess what I am saying is be the bigger person and don't come across like you are throwing her under the bus.

fallbride1109 · March 2010

Michelle, ITA, and I wish I could be the bigger person. But every day I am annoyed and it makes me dread coming to a job I've loved for 8 years. *sigh* I should probably just let it go.

mralpha · March 2010

Awww well I didn't want to make you feel little. I know it can be frustrating and sometime it is just best to do your job and let the cards fall. But...if you know your supervisor well then just go to him / her in a positive manner without sounding like you can't do your job with her around. Most employers like to see you can work through anything. It's hard to really say without knowing more about your relationship with your boss and company. Good luck!

ewinkler1977 · March 2010

I wouldn't give this person the power to now make you hate your job. I really would just let it go. Her hours are her business. If she as an agreement with the attorney she works for then and it's not affecting you then I wouldn't harp on it. I know it bothers you but in life you need to pick your battles and what do you think the outcome will be if you say something. Is it going to change anything?

I really would just focus on doing your job and don't let her affect your attitude towards a job you have loved for 8 years.

fallbride1109 · March 2010

Ewinkler, I really needed to hear that, thank you.

It's a tough one but the bottom line is--the only thing that would probably be accomplished is me getting my irritation off my chest, nothing else. I will continue to mull it over. Thanks for everyone's perspective, it really helps.

NWR: WWYD? Work-related

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