What should i do when i take a job and do tasks that weren't in the job description?

Question

I have been with my job since march 2006. It was a receptionist job. Lately i have been doing things that do not fall in this category. I am 17 years old and have a tiny body. I am to lift 60 pound test equipment to clean them off and remove stickers that have been on it since 1990. In order to this i have to use a razor blade to even get the sticker to come off. I have beendoing this for 3 days on over 100 units. They are heavey and i have to move them to get around and get the stickers off. I have cut myself very badly twice now. I am now scared to use the razor blades. but it would take me forever to get the stickers off. My dress attire is to be clean and nice for the customers. but by the end of the day my nice clothes have dirt, stickers, cleaning solution and blood on them. ON top of that all my hard labor work is pointless, my coworker who kinda is my supervisor points out all the stuff i missed. so i have to do it all over again.I make 11.50 an hour, my bf quit his job

Answer 1

I would express my concern, and also start looking for a new job, something with more potential. But, be sure to keep the current job you have now before starting a new one.

Answer 2

Life lesson when it comes to the working world - your job is never going to be what it says on paper. Your "job description" is subject to change at the employer's discretion. Sometimes you are going to be asked/required to do other things - the reason you are asked to do them are for several reasons - #1 they need the job done & #2 they are looking to see how much of a team player you are...

You will have no chance of advancement in any company if you choose to limit yourself to only what your "job description" says...and give attitude about it.

Everyone, at some point in life, gets stuck with grunt work - yes you are getting a bit dirty -clothes can be washed. You cut yourself? Well, be more careful...or use your head and devise a new way to get the stickers off that is less dangerous. You are only having to redo it because you are not taking the time necessary just because you don't want to do it. That's your problem, it has nothing to do with your supervisor.

Welcome to the world of the working - get used to it. You are at the low rung of the ladder - and until you improve your attitude - you will end up doing things like what you hate - for a long time to come.

Answer 3

Write a memo to your boss with a copy to your boss's boss saying you can no longer lift heavy objects because of physical health concerns. Offer to continue removing the labels as long as they provide you with:

1 – someone else to lift and move the equipment
2 – heavy work gloves
3 – a solution to help loosen the labels
4 – a work apron so you can continue to look professional in the job they hired you to do
5 – a first aid kit to help prevent infections

Stop moving the equipment as soon as you submit the memo. Then work only on the labels that are easy to reach and easy to remove. If you don't to a good job at something that isn't your job, they may decide on their own to assign it to someone else. Continue doing an excellent job as a receptionist.

See what kind of response you get before you do anything else.

Good luck!

Answer 4

First did you receive a Job Description when you were Hire? If so if this was not include in the Job it is not your responsibility to do other jobs out side of your job description, but if this something that was temporarily asked if you it is not good to be insubordinate of your supervisor, whom you referred to her as "kinda'. your immediate Supervisor needs to be clearly defined to you. If you are just down right unhappy you need to seek employment elsewhere. If you like the job you were supposedly hired for try and talk professional and nicely to get clarity on you job responsibilities. also, I suggest you check the Labor laws in your state to see if you are fired or quit because of being asked to duties outside of the scope your job description that you are able to receive you unemployment .

Answer 5

Go to your supervisor and voice your concerns, Put them in writing and submit them to HR. Your way too small to be lifting heavy objects. Make sure you have something in writing this will give you leverage if it ever goes to the labor board. Make sure you do voice your complain though. Don't just take it you may have grounds for a lawsuit here. Good luck and remember you have only one back!

Answer 6

few jobs turn out to be exactly as advertised. better get used to it. that being said if you really dislike your current job start looking for a new one. but don't quit until you find that replacement job.

By the way, 11.50 an hour is not too shabby for 17.

And tell your BF to get a job.......

Answer 7

Being in the same field as you, alot of those things happen. Its not going to get any better, so the best thing to do is stick it out but start looking for a new job. You can also speak to your super and see was he/she has to say, express how you feel.

Answer 8

Talk to the person above your supervisor. At least voice your opinion about it. They can't fire you based on what you think.. also ask for a raise if they want you to continue the physical labour. If you don't say something, they will continue to abuse you.

Tell your b/f to get a job.

Answer 9

Start looking for another job NOW!