How do people stay on jobs for 5 years or more?

Question

The amount of ridiculous drama that occurs in an office just astounds me, but experience has taught me that this crap occurs in most offices. What amazes me are the people who've worked in this atmosphere for years and it doesn't get to them. If you're one of these people, how do you separate yourself? Especially if occassionally some of the sh*& hitting the fan lands on you.

Answer 1

The biggest thing is the ability to seperate as you said. this can be done by realizing that the petty little differences your are speaking of really amount to nothing in the grand scheme of things. Even though no one likes to get caught in the crossfire its actually just a part of human interaction. I know that may sound new and strange but the more you try to accept people exactly how they are(which is sometimes really hard when their stupidity messes with your output at work) the more acceptable things around you become. In other words, this is one area that practice really does get you a lot closer to perfect.

Answer 2

It's a good question. In general, people that are chronically unhappy with the work environment of their choosing are social malcontents with poor social skills and attitudes of entitlement.

Of course there is drama and nonsense in the work place; you're working in close quarters with people you didn't hand pick. Just stay positive and productive and practice what you preach and ease up on judging the others. If you're a problem solver and not part of the problem and you do your job well and you show some interest in your work beyond that of showing up to collect a paycheck, your coworkers and your bosses will see this and recognize it. So when stuff starts hitting fans, less is going to land on you.

People stay in their jobs so they can put food on the table and a roof overhead. Otherwise, baby, it's cold outside.

Answer 3

I have been at my job for 6 yrs now. The only way i can deal with it is the benefits. There is crap here everyday. I watch the men sit back talk about anything but work!! It lights a fuse that almost makes me walk out at times. But then i go on through the day look forward to going home and i unwind in my sewing room. Good paying jobs and benis are hard to find where i am from. Keep your head up high dont fall into what they are. Be who you are and know you done a good days work.

Answer 4

For starters, think about where you get your social foundation (friendships) - do you get it from co-workers at work or other friends outside of work? Secondly, resolve that you are there to make a living, do the very best job - be there on time every day all day, and, in return for your doing your best. you're recognized, and get above average raises. If you will take this to heart and understand it then you might see your situation differently. You can be in it (the drama) but not of it meaning you stay relatively neutral and don't get involved in it. If anyone tries to talk bad about someone to you, listen politely but say something positive about the person to diffuse it. Eventually, these negative people won't see you as one to feed their negativity. Work means work not involvment in drama. Good Luck!

Answer 5

People usually start at a company for a long time for a few reasons - 1) they might enjoy the enviroment, even if it a soap opera 2) get comfortable in the environment and don't want to make a change, 3) searching and interviewing for another job, stresses most people out - so they avoid having to do it.

Answer 6

Most people work because they need the money, People with strong family ties and lasting friendships out side of the workplace are more likely to stay on the job. People who make friends with coworkers blur the line between business and pleasure and that's where the drama begins. People begin to take things personally and emotions get in the way. You have to separate business and pleasure.

Answer 7

I was on a job(office enviro) for nearly 5 years. I was the one guy and there were 6 females..........and Im not gay, so.......... anyway I agree with you on the drama....here's a trick....next time someone is "mad" or starting ****, think to yourself "this person really has that little of a life outside of this that they have to find something to entertain themselves or make them look cool (yes, being a ***** is cool to some girls)."
I used to lose sleep when someone was mad at me or starting drama. Then I just started letting their mouths eventually make themselves look like the idiot they are.
When upper managment was in on the BS I let the HR know that this person was causing a "hostile work environment".........the were fired. I then quit and went on to be self employed and making 4 times the money without the work environment! LOL

Answer 8

People stay because:

1. They are very comfortable in their positions and they are change adverse (believe it or not it is a minor psychological issue).
2. The individuals do not believe they could get the same money / title elsewhere?
3. Less likely, but they enjoy what they do.

It's almost always a combination of items 1&2.

Answer 9

I have found it is best not to get involved with the drama and gossip at work. Don't make close friends with fellow workers. When someone comes to you talking about another employee or boss just say, "I'm sorry but I'm late for an appointment" or "Do you think that is any of our business?" It is not easy but can be done.

Answer 10

It's in EVERY office. You just have to tell yourself you aren't there to make friends, you are there to do a job. If you make friends along the way, great. If not, oh well, just keep working! Most people live pay check to pay check and can't afford to let it get to them, they just need their check every week!