r/work • • 1h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts This may be more of just ranting than getting my point across

• Upvotes

First time posting, idk if it is even worth a thought but wanted to test the waters.
I've been at my current job for 6 months. A friend reached out and asked if I'd be interested and I was offered the job right after the interview.

I was told I'd be working for one attorney and offering some assistance to the other- no big deal for me. It's a great law firm with a great group of tight knit paralegals. Or so I thought.

I knew something was off on my first day. I was working directly with "HR" aka the head attorneys wife. We didn't take a break the entire day and at 3 she offered to let me leave at 4 because of it. There were a few other circumstances that made me toss some flags but that's only a tiny part of the situation.

Shortly after taking this position I learned that this role had been vacant for practically 5 months and the two that had been filling in for it weren't really up to par. One employee just had it added to their existing role and was trying their best to juggle both roles. The other just wasn't doing things they said they were.

So here is where most of my dilemma comes in to play. I started this position 5 months behind and lucky for me, it never slowed down. So I've been trying to catch up and also keep things going smoothly with new clients.

And for the icing on the cake, there is one employee who is "in charge" but not in charge and she is rude and has an old school 'that's just the way I am' mentality that is infuriating. She brags on being molded by previous bosses who were post military but the way she uses the knowledge isn't something to be proud of. I am younger than her child and she uses the sentence "I'm old enough to be your mother" way too often. She has extreme beef with previously mentioned HR lady but everyone else is okay with it because "that's just the way she is" but she throws me under the bus any chance she gets.

I feel like I'm a target for her because I'm younger than she is and it's driving me nuts to even have to think like this. She always has days where she is extremely nice and brings toys to me to give my girls.

Some small bullet points that I don't want to fully go into detail on:

-she has a lot going on in her personal life so I try to give her the benefit of the doubt but some days its just infuriating

-no one told me she was my boss or that I have to report to her

-another coworker mentioned she said I was "too cocky" before I even started and others have mentioned they don't think its right the way she talks to me sometimes

-not all days are nightmares, just usually the days that neither of the attorneys are in office

-I don't feel like I get compensated enough for all the tasks that I am in charge of or that have been reassigned to me after starting (i.e. they fired an entire company that used to do the major part of the work because it was too expensive so now that is my responsibility.)

-there have been money issues mentioned (disconnect notices and a panic of potentially not meeting payroll once) so I don't think there is any hope for a raise in my future.

If you've stayed this long, you may be wondering what is the point of my rambling and I am getting to that now.

Unprompted I had a new friend ask me about my job and what I did. I wanted to keep it short but she mentioned that her job (large hospital) was looking for a new paralegal if I'd be interested. In that short moment, I decided I'd be honest and told her about the money talks that had come about and how it felt like I wasn't so sure this was the place for me.

I don't technically have one of the requirements per the hospital but my friend's boss is willing to look at having the job ran through the HR department and rewritten for me to qualify if I'm interested. Which I am pretty interested in.

The part that has me going back and forth is that one of our attorneys has a true heart of gold. He will go out of his way to help any one who needs it. He truly just wants to help make sure people are taken care of. The other attorney though, gives me vibes that he only sees clients as dollar signs.

TLDR- I feel like I'd be hurting the one attorney because we are still pretty far behind but I am doing the best I can but it doesn't feel like it will ever be good enough.

Should I feel guilty about possibly jumping ship and leaving them stuck in the mess that I started in or should I just stay and stick it out until the backlog is gone?


r/work • • 2h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts Why do experienced people seem to get upset when I'm expressing an idea/solution?

4 Upvotes

Examples:

1)

I'm talking with a former coworker about how things are at work and my plans to find another job. I have 2 years of experience in this and she has probably 8-9. I'm talking about how I'm going to sell myself to employers, what I'm going to put on my resume, and costs of living.

I'm talking about my plans to move forward and build my skills, then she makes an upset face, starts asking me how much I make, and I say I'm not comfortable with sharing that. But she really pushes for it. She looks a little nervous and then tells me anyone can do my job and it's easy to get.

2)

I'm asking a senior with help looking at something. She cuts me off before I can finish with a solution. There are details and I give her the context, again she looks upset, and almost nervous and then she starts telling me I didn't do a good job and starts putting ME down, but in an angry tone.

3)

My manager points out some problems with my case. I explain the context, why I did what I did and how I'm going to solve this moving forward.

Then his face turns red and he starts bringing up mistakes from around 9 months ago that I haven't made since then. And some other unrelated mistakes from a long time ago. He didn't express any problem with my solution and didn't even give me feedback relevant to the situation. Like maybe I'm forgetful, maybe I don't get things done on time, etc.

----------

What did I do wrong here? Have you seen/had interactions like this before?


r/work • • 3h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts Frustrated

1 Upvotes

I was promoted to counselor supervisor 3 months ago. I have repeatedly raised concerns about the office manager/counselor crossing into clinical supervision responsibilities, particularly patient routing, individual counseling assignments, documentation needs, and directions given to counselors. I have explained the workflow, clarified what should be sent to me for assignment, and addressed situations where those boundaries were not followed. I have had multiple conversations with the OM and my direct supervisor—the program director. Things will be great for a few days and then she will undermine a clear workflow I have created. I have been intentional and direct with her and the PD. I’m at my breaking point.

I have also explained the impact to the program director: inconsistent direction for staff, difficulty establishing a reliable workflow, and responsibility for clinical operations without consistent support for my authority. These concerns have been discussed privately, through written communication, and in management discussions. Despite those efforts, the behavior has continued.

The PD has now told me that he will speak directly with the OM before the management meeting on Monday. My expectation for Monday is a concrete plan: clear responsibilities, consistent expectations, and an explanation of how leadership will address future departures from the agreed workflow. I do not want the meeting to become another request for me to explain concerns I have already documented.

I have emailed the market director, his boss, confidentially to make her aware of the upcoming meeting and the PD’s intended conversation with the OM. I explained that I enjoy my role and hope a concrete plan can be established. I also indicated that, depending on Monday’s outcome, I may request a meeting with her and the PD to discuss next steps, including possibly transitioning back to a counselor role (which I don’t want to do).

I have not made a final decision to step down. I am assessing whether leadership will put the support and accountability in place that would make staying sustainable. I am upset as I gained skills and enjoy my job, but the operational dysfunction is causing the issue.


r/work • • 4h ago

Employment Rights and Fair Compensation Screw all my bosses fr

3 Upvotes

I know I’m a good employee that can handle high stress and client flow but GAAWWWD DAMN. I need to stop showing employers I’m good at my job bc I currently want to kms. I try to take it as a compliment but that’s not gonna get me paid more or give me time off. They literally left me as soon as I finish my training to go out of the country and funny enough they were like “oh on this day it’s really busy there’s NO WAY someone can handle it on their own.” And wtf am I doing? HANDLING IT ON MY OWN. I’m literally going to jump into traffic. I can’t believe I just started this job and I’m already dealing with some bullshit. Really thought these bosses would be better. Working over 40 hrs bc that’s what my contract said yea fucking bull. If that’s the case they’re not abiding by any of my non negotiables either god I hate this stupid fucking corporate America bull shit. Sorry I’m in a bad ass mood too.


r/work • • 4h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts I think i might get fired

1 Upvotes

So I ended up making a mistake at work and I think i might get fired.

So some backstory. I work in a nursery, and I’m actually good at my job. I love kids and i have a good relationship with my coworkers and boss.

I made a scheduling mistake. I used to work full time and now I work 50% due to me having school. My boss was nice enough to let me be in charge of the schedule.

This Friday my coworker was supposed to work but I had not written that in the schedule. My boss called me and was obviously angry because no one had showed up (expect the coworker who works full time). My boss told me that this can’t happen and that I might have to find another job. This was all over the phone.

I texted her today and apologised and told her to let me know if there is something I can do to make up for what I did. She told me that we will talk about this on Monday and to have a nice weekend.

I am so scared for Monday. I have been crying for hours. I don’t know what to do. I live in Norway where it is quite hard to fire somebody. I have only been late one time to work before. I don’t even know what I expect from posting this. I’m just terrified. I don’t want to get fired, and I don’t want a bad letter of recommendation. I’m trying to think of the best possible outcome which is my boss telling me that she has to be in charge of the schedule which I will happily oblige to.

I have worked there for 4 months and its the first job I have had that I actually liked. I’m 20 years old and only started working last year. I feel life such a loser for already messing up this bad.

Any advice, similar stories, or anything that can help would be much appreciated.


r/work • • 4h ago

Questions Would you leave right after a promotion for 25% more pay, even if your team really needs you?

25 Upvotes

I’ve been with my current company for several years and genuinely like the people, flexibility, and work-life balance. But I felt stuck career-wise. I started looking elsewhere.

Ironically, while interviewing, my company promoted me with a 7.5% raise. Around the same time, I got another offer paying about 25% more than my new salary, which I’ve accepted.

I also play an important role on the team, have some major project deadlines coming up, and a key coworker will be out for an extended period. On top of that, the company has recently invested in my professional development.

Now I feel pretty guilty about leaving at such an inconvenient time.

Am I overthinking this? Would managers see this as burning a bridge? How would you handle the resignation conversation? And is it okay to keep my next employer private?

I genuinely want to leave on good terms without making things awkward.


r/work • • 4h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts I am burnt out and Tired

1 Upvotes

I'm a manager in a pharmaceutical company in Latin America (Caribbean based) , theyre indian based. I left the company 10months ago after I found out I wasnt being paid the average starter Salary which was already horrible mistreatment. After I left 4 months later my country manager called me back with not a better salary than I currently was working for but a better position. I took the position more for my resume more than anything. Little did I know what I signed up for.

As a medical representative you get an incentive. I got a manger position with more work and responsibilites, making less salary than my peers with no incentive programme all because I'm younger. I have worked 6 days a week since getting this position, I have done the job of supervisor, manager and representative. I have worked late nights and early mornings and even worked 24 hours this past weekend with no remorse.

This took a toll on my health and I begun to get sick more easily and even got stressed related vertigo and aneamia. Now my company i'm employed under wants to take my sick leaves as 'non paid leave' and cut my salary for the next two months.

I just spent the last two hours sobbing. I work like a dog, get treated like a dog and even get paid like one as well. I am so saddened and fustrated I am currently thinking about going backwards in my career. I no longer wish to be a manager if these are all the 'gifts' that come with being in upper management.


r/work • • 4h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts Dealing with a co-worker who is rude, stupid and refuses to be helped (unless they ask for help)

0 Upvotes

Hi. I know the answer will probably be “let your manager deal with it”, but I just wanted some people’s insight.

I am recently employed at a company. I have my 6 month review this upcoming week. It’s a small engineering company, maybe 11-14 people in total. There are 4 who work in our office.

1 persona in the office is extremely difficult. She is the “Marketing and Sales Coordinator”. She has no engineering background.

I do not want to be the person to tell someone else how to do their job. I try to remain as approachable and helpful as I can, but whenever I offer advice to them they get defensive, insist my advice is not needed and can often be quite rude to me. What’s frustrating is that these discussions will ONLY happen when the other 2 people are NOT in the office, specially when our MD is not in the office.

I will give a recent example:

We did some on-site work (we do industrial cleaning) for a customer for free. This was a “sample test”, to see if our products could achieve the result they wanted. I was asked to photograph and video the process. This is for two reasons:

A) I am trained to trained hazardous areas so can get closer to what needs to be filmed

B) In previous attempts the marketing employee has shown they produce low quality photos/videos (pixelated and not really focusing on what needs to be focused on).

To be helpful, I took the videos/photos in 4k/6k from my phone. I then uploaded them to a shared drive (and ensured no quality was lost). I sent out an email to everyone, including the marketing employee (who didn’t take part in the testing) so they knew where to find the videos/photos. I suggested we could make a LinkedIn post about it as the videos looked great.

She did not like that idea. Once everyone had left the office, she told me that she thought the videos were amateur and unprofessional, and had no “actual relevance”. She said they had buffering and stuttering in. I told her the videos are relevant because an actual customer sent in these samples for us to trial. I told her that any real industrial cleaning site would look like the site in the video. I told her the buffering and stuttering didn’t display on my computer, but perhaps she didn’t let the videos fully load as they are high resolution.

She said the LinkedIn needs to be “perfect” because “I am a perfectionist and I don’t think bog-standard videos will do”. To be honest I was astounded.

She sent me pictures of what photos she uses on the LinkedIn already. The photos she sent me are copy pasted from a PPE supplier’s website (we don’t even sell that brand of PPE). She then sent me a photo of a rusty cargo ship in a dry dock. She said that photo has “more of a story” and “more of a wow factor”. It has little to do with what we actually do (technically we could industrial cleaning site that, but there is no reference to that in the photo). The photo is not ours, it’s pixelated, it has another companies logo on and no information about where the dry dock is or what ship it is. I hate to be rude, but I am genuinely shocked by her stupidity.

Has anyone dealt with co-workers who refuse to be helped or accept advice from other people?

I am not the only one who has issues with her. I have realised that almost everyone in the workplace believes she is extremely difficult to work with and communicate with. She has digitally locked me and others employees out of “her folders” (the marketing folder) for “meddling” with her work and ruining her projects.

She has used AI to generate and sharpen images of our products to be used in marketing brochures, which significantly changes the look of the product, so much that it’s almost unrecognisable. When she printed several copies of her AI generated brochure and we pointed out the images were pixelated and not our units, she insisted that it must have been the printing company we used (as far as I’m concerned a printing company will print a 1:1 copy of what you send them)

Even basic tasks like last week I asked her to change the picture in a datasheet and the text below it to something else. She at first only did the picture, then I said you need to update the text (she did not like being told that), and when she finally did it it’s a different font size and font colour than everything else. I feel like it’s almost intentional.

I am at my wits end. I have a 6 month review with my manager / the MD next week and I’m hoping to raise some points about the difficulty. The company is really struggling with Marketing, and I know it’s not her full-time job (Sales coordinating eats up a lot of her time), but when I try and offer help I feel like an idiot for trying.

Does anyone have any experience or advice at dealing with a co worker like this at a small company?


r/work • • 6h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts How do you handle it when everyone avoid sitting with you in meetings?

11 Upvotes

I have noticed something at work that’s been bothering me and i am not sure how to handle it. I have a social anxiety.

Whenever we have meetings it seems like my coworkers deliberately avoid sitting next to me. People will choose other seats even when there are seats available beside me. It’s happened enough times that I i am starting to wonder whether I am overthinking it or if there’s something going on. Last friday there was a professional workshop and I had no one sitting woth me and the host gave a group activity. I panicked and left the workshop without no explanation even worse I am on 3 months probation. I dont want to do it again but not sure how.

Has anyone experienced something similar? How did you handle it? Would you address it directly to your boss about it?

I would appreciate honest advice especially from people who have dealt with workplace exclusion or awkward team dynamics


r/work • • 6h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts Overwhelmed and Boss Could Care Less

1 Upvotes

I've been with my company for 5 years with my current position being for 2 - 3. My risk role isn't leadership but could be considered adjacent as I delegate tasks to people and provide coaching as needed. My supervisor is the person over our team and an assistant manager. Current supervisor took over after my former got promoted

During my role, I've had 3 supervisors where the role has changed

1) Worry about risk, but supervisor has actual control over everything

2) Take full control of risk and assign tasks to supervisor and assistant manager as necessary (but rare occasions)

3) Have control over risk, but don't delegate anything to supervisor or AM

We control a portfolio of around 800 accounts, showing we have 130ish accounts per person on my team. To manage, we have a workbook I delegate tasks through. Lower peers are overwhelmed due to other personnel tasks they have ongoing. When I've asked new Sup and AM for help, I was told by my sup's boss this was inappropriate.

I've been under this new management for at least 6 months now and the workload increases. Last week, I had a disagreement with my supervisor over priorities. During this conversation, I stated how overwhelmed I was and how I felt I couldn't ask for help and at the EOD, it really doesn't matter what my thoughts are. My supervisor stared at me the whole time I spoke and then said "OK, so your priorities are ABC". No cookie cutter response of "I understand you're frustrated, let's discuss this when we're not as busy" or anything additional.

I'm curious what thoughts are here. I've never had someone blatantly show no recognition and stone wall. I'm getting to the point of finding new work if I can't change departments


r/work • • 6h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts I'm still the spare despite not being the newest worker anymore

4 Upvotes

I started at my current job in a clothing/jewellery store 1,5 years ago. I was originally there as a summer extra but continued working after the summer. I was the "called to work when needed" worker because at that time they were fully staffed.

I really like my job and I get along perfectly well with everyone and my boss too. But now after 1,5 years there are two new workers who started after me and somehow they get more hours than me. They usually have 2-3 shifts a week while I just went for two months without any shifts (I get to work full time in the summer and during christmas bc those are the busiest and best selling seasons).

I don't know why this is the case. I know the two newest workers have more experience than me, and they have worked in similar stores previously. But no one has ever said anything about my performance being poor, and personally I feel like I do my job well. I've even got feedback from customers that I do well in customer service.

I'm constantly looking for a better job but it makes me sad that I have to do it, because I really enjoy my current job. I like the customers and I like my coworkers. But I know something isn't right.


r/work • • 7h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts Should I get in trouble for paying coworker to close for me?

0 Upvotes

I work in a small/medium sized restaurant. Usually on Friday nights we have three cooks. This Friday night we only had two. I suspect it was due to owner being cheep based on past behaviors, but that’s beside the point. It was extremely busy and by the end of the night I was exhausted. At my job the cooks have to do the vast majority of the work. Dish, trash, setup, etc. usually during closing shift the people on shift stay up with dish throughout the day, but due to the busyness of that evening that was impossible. After being closed for forty-five minutes I decided i couldn’t do this for another hour. I payed my coworker $30 to finish up the dishes so I could leave. Pretty much all of my coworkers have engaged in this and when my manager finds out it happened the night before he never seems to care. This is my first job working in a restaurant so I’m not sure if this is acceptable/normal. This morning I woke up to multiple messages about it. My manager left a snarky response about finding another job if we don’t like working. Which pissed me off becauseb he encouraged this behavior and never said shit until now. He said “Do not pay your coworkers to do your job at the end of the night… they can barley do there own job let alone both closing duties if you don’t want to work I can get you off the schedule or you can find a new job just let me know.” Then the owner messaged me “OP you do not pay someone to close for you. The kitchen is a mess and I’m on my last straw with you.” I’ve only had micro interactions with her and in all of them she has insulted me and cursed at me. I think someone I’m working with is talking shit to her behind my back. I have to go into work soon and I just so pissed.


r/work • • 8h ago

Professional Development and Skill Building I keep making stupid mistakes at work even though I'm trying my best. Am I just not smart enough for this job?

1 Upvotes

I'm 18F and currently doing a two-week trial at a flower shop. After the two weeks, my boss will decide whether she wants to hire me.
My boss is actually a really nice person, and I genuinely enjoy working there. The problem is that I keep making so many stupid mistakes, even though I'm genuinely trying my best.
For example, when my boss asks me to get something, I sometimes take forever to find it, even if it's something simple. Sometimes she's already told me where it is, but I completely forget. Other times I look for something and somehow just can't find it, even when it should be obvious.
I also forget basic rules about arranging flowers, even though I've studied floristry before. Sometimes she'll explain something to me, and I just don't understand what she means. She might have to repeat herself several times before I finally get it.
I've also forgotten simple things like bringing a water bottle to work, and sometimes I ask questions she's literally already answered.
There are other small mistakes too, and I feel like I'm constantly doing something wrong.
My boss is generally really nice, but I can tell she gets annoyed and sometimes a little angry when I make these mistakes. I understand why, because I imagine it must be frustrating having to explain the same things repeatedly.
The worst part is that I'm actually trying really hard. I'm not being lazy, and I'm not deliberately ignoring instructions. Sometimes I genuinely don't understand what someone is asking me to do, or I forget it almost immediately.
And it's not just at work. I make similar mistakes in everyday life, which makes me wonder if I'm genuinely just stupid.
I'm really worried because I want this job so badly, but I'm scared my boss is going to decide I'm not capable of doing it.
I know employers need people who can follow instructions and work independently, and I'm scared I'm not showing her that I can.
My questions are:
How serious are these kinds of mistakes in a workplace?
If you were my boss, would you be really annoyed with me?
Is it still possible for me to get hired after making so many mistakes during my trial?
What can I actually do to improve my memory, understand instructions better, and stop making so many mistakes?
Has anyone else experienced this and managed to improve?
I really want to become a good florist, and I don't want my boss to think I'm not trying. I just don't know why things that seem so easy for other people are so difficult for me.


r/work • • 9h ago

Questions Coworker keeps stealing tobacco

4 Upvotes

I'm working in a decorating store, we all roll our own cigs, but one coworker steals other people's tobacco, is there a way to punish his stealing habits without knowing I did it, is there a tobacco to give him the shits or any other effects?


r/work • • 10h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts Being "forced" into a new role and struggling to come to terms with it.

1 Upvotes

Several weeks ago my boss brought me into a room for a bit of an awkward conversation. He told me that recruiting was asking about me being interested in a Project Manager role.

My boss said he didn't want to lose me. I've been a supervisor on his team - the longest tenured, but also the highest paid among the other six supervisors that report to him. I have a great, high performing team and the other supervisors I work with are great too.

Despite this, it seems like my time is coming to its inevitable end. My team has lost some members over the last year (moving to new roles, quitting, etc) and I now only have 5 direct reports. And my boss has sort of been pushing me to make the move. Which is strange if he "doesn't want to lose me".

I know how this goes. I'm the highest paid, I know the team will function well without me, I have the least amount of direct reports and I know AI is on the horizon. It's likely that my role of five years, after everything I've built, is being taken away from me, because I'm no longer needed.

Struggling to come to terms with that, to be honest, being in management has taken a toll over the years and I've been wanting to get out for a while. I did apply for a different role in the company earlier this year, but the pay-cut was too drastic and there was no upward mobility.

The problem is that the only department hiring right now is Project Management. I've never had much interest in project management, and I've heard it's a very stressful, thankless job. A lot of PMs are also leaving, which is a bad sign honestly. I think it's mostly the longer tenured PMs not vibing with the new management though. It does pay well, so getting a pay increase would actually be nice, and there's room for growth. It sounds like, because I've been such a strong performer at this company for 10 years, they're giving me an opportunity to move elsewhere so I don't get laid off.

There was another role that opened up from someone I used to work with a lot and have a good relationship with. I was excited for it and applied, met with him yesterday, and he was honest with me by stating he was looking for someone with more of an engineering and coding background that I don't have. That was a little disheartening, because now it seems like my only options are to become a PM or run the risk of getting laid off at some point. I'd rather not risk it so I'm taking the PM role.

The whole situation just has me feeling down. I'm "wanted", but not wanted enough to be kept in my current position, and the only role I can move to is to one I don't really want.

It feels bad being forced into a completely different role. I suppose it's a fresh start, but I'm worried about being miserable over there. I can look for a new job, and just tough it out until then. But I feel like I'm not very good at dealing with customers, and don't handle high stress very well (despite the stress of my current job I deal with daily).

Mostly just wanted somewhere to vent, but I guess I'm just wondering what people on this Reddit would do, if they've been in a similar situation and how they've overcome it, and also if any PMs here can speak to what being a PM is like?


r/work • • 12h ago

Work-Life Balance and Stress Management 28M Can't deal with high sensitivity to stress

1 Upvotes

I've dealt with very poor mental health for most of my life (permanent derealization for 15 years, severe anxiety and depression, and I have ASD.) I was pretty happy with myself getting my first ever job last year after feeling like I'd made enough progress mentally (lost a ton of weight, fixed my diet, started exercising etc)

It's not a hard job at all. My main challenge is work life balance and stress. The stress in particular - even though it's not what I'd call a "stressful" job - has been immense. When I get the stress response, and I don't catch it early enough, my heart starts pounding and I get short of breath, and it doesn't stop. I will get home, and be on high alert for at least a few days, with disturbed or near non existent sleep. I haven't had a good weeks sleep in half a year (I started last November). Think of it like how you feel after downing a can of red bull, I'm just totally wired and my heart is thumping out of my chest all night. Long after work has finished.

Its a hybrid WFH office job too. I thought this would be great but it's made things ten times worse. Now I get a stress response as well when doing literally anything at my personal setup, as I was using it for work as well. This has got me down a lot because near all my hobbies involve my computer. I haven't been working at that desk for 2 weeks and it's still not went away.

The most annoying part of this is, absolutely nobody - not my psychiatrist, not my GP, not a single person - has ever even posited the idea I could be experiencing stress. I had no idea what stress felt like, so this was just mind boggling to me. I had to figure that out myself.

I'm asking here because there doesn't seem to be much support with work psychology or whatever, as someone only on a contract. And I have only been in working life for less than a year, so I really had no concept of managing stress before. To be honest I didn't even know I could experience stress.

My work life balance is poor but this is only because the stress response prevents me from doing much else.

Any advice at all would be great thanks.

Edit: should say the people at work are very nice and understanding. I'm in a government job. No animosity at all with any of them. I also live with my dad as I need to save money but he's not too bad. We get on well, if anyone asks about home life.

Edit 2: I also tried taking a whole two weeks off work one time and the stress response lasted that whole period so I have no idea what to do


r/work • • 13h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts How do I deal with a bully cooworker

7 Upvotes

I (20F) am having repeated issues with this woman (24F) at my workplace. She also has a known history of being like this. Apparently customers have complained to the bosses before because they heard how she talked to the girl that worked here before me.

When I first joined everyone would joke with me "oh don't let her bully you! Don't let her pick on you"

But they're also actually all friends with her. Everyone there has been working together for 3 years, 1 year minimum. I've been here for 9 months.

She was actually super nice to me when I first joined and then one day about 2-3 months in she totally switched up. She HATES me. Shes actually also started being nice to everyone else and only rude to me, but in ways that are so perfect that I can't say anything.

It will just be like actively ignoring me, inviting everyone out to something Infront of me, or yelling at me/telling me off to the very maximum amount of acceptability if I ever make a mistake.

Today for example I ran over to the barista bar while we were in a rush and asked about the drink she was ACTIVELY making "____, does that drink have alcohol in it?" Because my table wanted to confirm it was a mocktail. She said "check the menu". I was like "please can u just tell me if it has alcohol" and she said "check the menu." So then I have to go to the other side of the restaurant to find a menu and check it. Great.

It doesn't even sound that bad but it really is. Like for example as well, my brother (16) was really ill at the start of this year and in hospital for like 4 months getting heart and lung surgeries. She would constantly just give passive aggressive side eyes to me at work if I had to leave early or keep my phone on me (even though I had the bosses FULL support) But then when our other cooworkers roommate was in the hospital, we all supported her and came into help. Including me covering her shifts. And this bully went all out showing public support and affection but almost in a way where she wanted me to see, like she'd do it Infront of me and looking at me a little bit. It was so weird

At the same time I don't feel like I can complain about any of this because she's been here 3+ years, is the best barista and is friends with the managers that already know she's like this.

What do I do in this situation? I'm deciding I'm going to leave at the end of November which is the soonest I can. But what about in the meantime?


r/work • • 14h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts Dealing with very "direct" individuals at work.

18 Upvotes

Anyone else have a hard time dealing with very direct leads? The types who don't know the definition of subtle, nor sugar coat anything. Just direct an leaning on rude, even if you do your job right 99 percent of the time. So frustrating.

Im well respected, been at my job 5 years, but from time to time I may have difficulty grasping certain things. One of my leads is very direct. I tend to take things to heart and beat myself up, so it can be tough. Am I alone? Why am I still questioning his methods when I already know my co worker is like this?

Thanks in advance. 47/m, blue collar worker btw.


r/work • • 14h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts Estou PERDIDO e não sei o que fazer!

0 Upvotes

Eu tenho TEPT (Transtorno de estresse pós traumatico)
E levo uma vida praticamente reclusa por motivos óbvios, evitar os gatilhos com os quais não consigo lidar (embora eu me trate).

Resolvi tentar um projeto na internet, um canal no youtube chamado Grilhões da Soltura, sobre história geral. Tem sido a minha forma de manter a mente ocupada e alguma relação com o mundo externo. Já tem quase um ano que dou tudo de mim nele.
Essa semana, mesmo tendo ficado doente, fiz um vídeo e soltei ontem...
Eu não seu qual o problema, horas pesquisando, criando e editando. Para 4 visualizações. A plataforma também não entrega. Quem vai e assiste, elogia, mas também não sai disso.
No momento eu não tenho como investir em maiores ferramentas e produções mais elaboradas. Sei que pode melhorar, mas estou dando o melhor que posso, com o que tenho.

Sei lá. estou cansado e não sei o que fazer.


r/work • • 18h ago

Work-Life Balance and Stress Management The dreaded "what did you do this weekend?" Question...

0 Upvotes

Do you really want me to tell you that I woke up Saturday morning scratching my balls wondering whether I should hook up with a few bitches and then get wasted spending all my minimum wage salary on drugs and sex. Do they want me to share with them how on Sunday night I spent my night stoned wondering whether I should call in sick the next day...


r/work • • 19h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts How to tolerate toxic work environment ?

1 Upvotes

I am 24,living in Beijing China,with a bachelor degree in a good university ,after graduation I didn’t have a master but choose to work ,because my family need some money.
At first ,I worked in TikTok China and worked as a buyer for E-commerce ,there I suffered lot,every day 12h working hours,boss kept pushing me and criticizing me for without improvement ,he would like to talk about every team member‘ weakness or a little mistake they made in public ,and as a junior I am the least he liked,gradually no matter what I did he will judge and criticize me,because of that I got serious health issues ,and got laid off one day. A year later ,after long period gap and keep looking for jobs but can’t get one ,this time I got 2 offers ,one is also tech top company ,but still overtime work and fast paced working environment and bully boss. Another is working for government ,8 hours work ,less salary ,also heard of news that the boss of the department is a bully. Because 10 team members have left in 2 years.
Finally I chose the second one,actually the job is easier than before ,and I can left the office at 6pm.
But my boss does a bully,she will go crazy because very little mistakes ,and likes criticize people in the meeting room,so that all others can see,and the person who got criticized will feel a shame.
After one year gap,it is very hard for me to find a job. But I only work here 2 months ,I want to leave. Because I think the boss now is even more evil than the last one.

Considering the fucking job market in China mainland,none of my friends support I leave this job,because they think even I find a new one will be the same.
My college roommate who works in Canada now ,she advised me to leave China and have a master abroad so that can find a job there ,but I am not sure if the working environments in other countries are toxic like China.

Could someone give me advice ?now seeing China I can’t find a chance to work jn a normal working environment,but going to other countries will cost a lot of money and I don’t know if it deserves that.


r/work • • 20h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts Am I Overreacting Or Is My Employer Refusing A Reasonable Accommodation?

0 Upvotes

I currently took a second job as a sign holder that runs through the month of October. I reside in the Midwest and my area experienced a deep freeze. My boss informed me that I'm not allowed to wear a sweater or coat over the costume they provided me. I can wear as many layers as I can fit under the costume. When the temperature gets down into the 30s and 40s, I wear a winter coat. I'm thinking about quitting. I mean the job ends on Octber 31st anyway. I'm not developing hypothermia for any job. Am I overreacting or is my employer refusing a reasonable accommodation? I took the job, assuming that I would be comfortable and warm wearing my winter coat.


r/work • • 21h ago

Employment Rights and Fair Compensation How do you stay motivated when higher-paid colleagues get extra rewards?

1 Upvotes

How do you keep compensation envy from taking over when you're already working hard?

The situation here is an E5 watching some E6+ colleagues receive out-of-cycle AE on top of higher salary and refreshers. It's possible to be happy for them and still feel demoralized as the gap gets wider.

I'd want to separate two questions: what would actually put promotion within reach, and whether another employer would value the current scope differently. For the second, working through a few technical interview questions could expose the prep gaps before committing evenings to interviews.

If exploring outside options starts eating into every spare hour, application autofill is one way to cut repeated form entry. That leaves more time to decide which roles are worth pursuing.

For people who've dealt with this, did a concrete promotion conversation help, or did looking elsewhere make the comparison feel less consuming?


r/work • • 21h ago

Workplace Challenges and Conflicts Has anyone withdrawn from a project because it was a huge waste of your time with no return?

3 Upvotes

Maybe I'm selfish but hear me out.

I have a very specific function in my company as a R&D scientist. My job is largely a development side and analytical is more of a secondary function.

I have been pulled into two different projects, neither of which are quite related to my specialty. One project has been going on for over a year and a half now and we have had to do a do over twice already. They took quite a bit of my time and I'm getting very tired of it. Quite frankly I don't understand why I should be doing all this other analytical works when my coworkers from the other sites should be doing this.

I want to focus on my own project more than spend a whole lot of time in someone else's project with little return for me. Is that other reasonable?


r/work • • 22h ago

Work-Life Balance and Stress Management Moving to shift work.

2 Upvotes

Hello all, i recently accepted a position at work which now has me moving to shift work. ( 2 days 0600-1800 and 2 nights 1800-0600 followed by 4 days off ).

Right now im working 9-5 5 days a week which im so incredibly sick off, however im not sure what to expect or how to manage life doing those hours?

Any tips from anybody working shift work would be incredibly helpful.