How do I deal with a workplace bully? I am new and she is always on my case.?

Question

I just began working in a school w/ children w/ major disabilities in a self contained ABA class.
Unfortunatley, the schools philosophy doesnt match with what actually goes on. I feel uncomfortable BC of coworkers who are unusually critical & constantly on my case. They are negative and judgemental at all times. A coworker threatened to "jump" someone.
At the end of the day I'm mentally drained of my clarity 2 view the situation as a place where Im supposed 2 be learning new skills 2 work w/ children w/ Autism.
I love the kids, but all the 'other' stuff such as workplace democracy, the organizational behavior management, micromanagement & how the other "specialists" berate & criticize my work, etc. is bringing me down.
I'm forced to work with them however, and cant afford to quit right now. Im searching for a new job, but Im scared to switch jobs after only 3 months, & no other experience in this field. This will look so bad on my resume.Im still a student & need flexible hours.

Answer 1

As you are still a student it is qite normal to switch jobs frequently in your first couple of years of working. So you really shouldn't worry about your resume.

Keep looking for a new job and when you leave talk to your boss and explain exactly why you are leaving. Maybe they will realize and sort the problem out. I'm sure you are not the first person they have bullied and left because of it.

For now you just have to power through it and know that you will be leaving and that the problem there isn't your problem, it's something they will need to sort out. It's just a shame you've got involved with this place but the next one cant be any worst. Good luck.

Answer 2

I would recommend you go to the Equal Employment Department or what is commonly called the Unemployment Office. You can do it in person or on the internet. Their job is to post job openings and try to fill them. Posting your resume on line with the EDD office is easily done because of the prompts you for the answers and yeilding good end results.

The type of job you are currently working in has positions posted frequently, and I am afraid you will find other similar types of individuals you describe in your question because it is an easy entry occupation.

Employers have great difficulty finding individuals who are of good character with moral fiber. It appears you would be able to find many job openings which would suit you far better. That is unless you have a felony on your record, which limits some of your options but not hopelessly.

Whatever you do, do not stay in your current enviroment. The cost on your health is too much to pay. This type of job is difficult enough without the added stress of working around bullies. You can never win with these people. Do not try to sink to their level as you will only humiliate your own personal integrity.

Analyse you current skills and abilities and know what you have to offer and what you want to learn at your next job, prior to accepting another position. You have more skills and abilities then you give yourself credit.

Go to the library and look at the Dictionary of Occupational Titles in the Referrence section. Take a look at your current job and see what skills are required. It will show you similar nd related positions,l which you could try to obtain. You can structure a better career move if you select a specific occupation goal with obivous and natural advancement.

Do not kid yourself and think that you have to suffer bullies. I am sure administration is familar with her actions and condone them, be sure of it. Most likely it is management culture no matter what their employee manual states. Complaining will only put you in a sitation where you will be targated and punished. Leave soon...Good luck

Answer 3

My heart goes out to you. I was once in your shoes and I've learnt two things:
1) People who are always making life difficult for you generally have personal issues that they feel helpless/hopeless about. They are merely taking it out on you.

2) You need to be really upfront and assertive. Once you put your foot down, people know you aren't easy to trifle with. BUT you need to sound really diplomatic about it because you don't want to end up burning all your bridges.
For instance, if a particular 'specialist' keeps criticising your work, ask her 'politely' where you've gone wrong. Remind her that her opinion is highly valued and you would be really touched if she could provide you with helpful advice.
It doesn't really matter if she gives you helpful advice or not, the important thing is you've been really upfront about addressing the issue and you are throwing her a hint that you aren't going to cower in silence. She really can't attack you on this act because you are indicating to your superiors that you are taking a proactive attitude towards self improvement.

I would advice you to stay on this job for at least a year because you won't want to give prospective employers the impression that you are a job hopper. Besides, there really isn't a totally ideal workplace. Why not change yourself to suit any workplace instead? Good luck!

Answer 4

I would not worry about the resume too much if the job is absolutely horrible. You might try being confrontational. Pull the offender to the side and give the both barrels (relative their conduct, and that is figuratively speaking). Repeat as necessary. If the situation does not improve, the job search will become important. Also, remember, class and composure. Confrontation does not mean a screaming match nor is it indicative of a lack of professionalism.

Answer 5

The word BULLY is a synonym for COWARD. First I recomend you take the issue to prayer, then to a supv. or whomever is next in the chain of command. As with most bullys (a.k.a. cowards) if you will confront their advances they will act like a scared puppy and roll over and wet on themselves, but I would talk to someone first. There may be others there feeling the same way about this person and need someone strong to stand up for their sake as well. Be the hero!
Buddy

Answer 6

in case you will possibly learn how to maintain your mouth close for 6 months and shop your guy or woman existence thoroughly and fully very own, your issues might end. have confidence me. human beings such as you have defined your self do not seem waiting to try this, and could combination artwork with very own, and your guy or woman existence does not greater healthful into the norm. in case you basically do your interest, do not remark approximately television shows, or video clips, or politics, or faith, or something in any respect that occurs exterior of the keep, at last they'll pass away you on my own. I see you as ninety 8% of your guy or woman concern. i'm on your edge, yet do not see what the govt can do to help, yet he might fireplace up the coals to the element there is open hostility to you. i'm unable to think of there is not yet another Kroger you should pass to, until you have burned bridges interior the previous, that's what i've got confidence.

Answer 7

if i were you, i would..at the end of each day document all the crap you see,all the names of those who are involved..day after day after day even supervisors. knowing you will be switching jobs in the future you can use this as kind of a tool to get you through your stay there.once you've gained some experience and are ready to make your move,send copy's of all of your findings to local,state and federal athoritys,write a letter to the editor of your local news paperletting them know what goes on behind the scenes in this place,and how these people who are supposed to care for these children act. i would send letters to every agency i could without them knowing my name..simply a conceerned employee. sooner or later there's going to be an investigation

Answer 8

If I were you I'd give her a piece of my mind and tell her straight up that she has no business judging me and to backoff. It may cost you your job but why work around annoying people who treat you with no respect? OR you could try to reason with her and ask her nicely why she is always on your case and if she could please cut you some slack. OR the reason she could be on your case is because your doing a crappy job. if you did a better job she would probably lay off. Hope I helped.

Answer 9

I would stick it out, and wait till the end of the year. These teachers (i've worked in Sped before) may be desensitized to this whole thing, and may be clicky. Just be your best and be nice to everyone. It's the best way to get through. Good luck.

Answer 10

You should go to the supervisor and file a complaint, make it proper and use this post for support. You should not get into trouble unless they want sued for discrimination!!! You have the right not to work in a hostel environment...