Everyone there has shiny new cars and are very concerned with having a lot of status symbol like things...purses, watches, gadgets, etc...I don't feel that much like I want super nice things. I am okay with stuff from target and the occasional nice item. I would like to fit in more, but I almost feel like I am expected to change my values to relate. I don't relate and don't expect to, but I am trying to understand. Any thoughts on the matter? I am about 5-6 years older than most of the employees... Also, just wanted to add I am interested in getting to know people from work better, just for work relationship, but frankly, I start the conversations and ask how their weekend was, but not many people ask me back.
2007-01-09 13:45:03 · 12 answers · asked by What_A_Gass 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I just went through the same thing, they didn't treat me as an equal, they treated me like I was less than them.
So I quit, and now I'm happy.
2007-01-09 14:02:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cliques are formed in every work place and include all ages of men and women. I have always thought the saying "I don't want to belong to a club that would have me as a member" was very assuring to those outside the office clique.
If you are not part of a clique it is because you are a leader not a follower. It means that you choose to be an independant thinker and form your own opinions and are not afraid of being unpopular. It means that your self esteem is not dependant on what the clique thinks of you positively or negatively. It means that you don't fit with them and they know it. Embrace it. It is a good thing. It just takes some time to process it. It is like oil and vinegar. You don't mix.
Anyone who has achieved an elevated status in a clique has been elected to it. They will spend a lot of time trying to maintain this elected position by the clique. My advice to anyone experienecing cliques in the workplace is to see it for what it is sooner than later. Being your own person is empowering. Being part of a clique is disempowering. Cliques like to disempower by shunning. They are one trick ponies. Ignore them and be glad you are not one of them.
2014-04-22 13:25:29 · answer #2 · answered by deedee 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just do your job and don't worry about it. Especially if you just started. Once you prove you are capable & prompt, you will gain their confidence and they will come to you.
I worked for a company once, that was a competetor of I company I had contracted to in the past. It wasn't till the 2nd year before I started to get some respect. Most of the people had worked for the company for over 20 yrs and seemed resentful towards me for starting at a higher position than them.
People will feel threatened by some new employees.
If you like what you do, then tough it out and put in the time, you will gain their respect.
2007-01-09 14:00:38 · answer #3 · answered by Ronster 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are older, then, set an example. What matters in life my dear? Your watch? Your car? The label on your a**? NO!!!!!
What's important is WHO you are, what your VALUES are, how you treat others! I get SOOOO P***ED off when I hear people talking about "so & so doesn't even have a blackberry yet! or "OMG can you believe she wore Adidas shoes?"... My GOD people what's WRONG with you??? (Not you dear). Sorry.
Point is, they'll grow up someday, and someday they will know what's important in life when they lose someone they love to Cancer, or worse yet THEY get it & have 6 wks. to live. Wonder how important their G**Damned dollar tags will be THEN???? Until then, be you, be sweet, love others as you would like to be loved, and always do your best at whatever you do. That's all you need to be a part of the" chic' clique!!!", and it will take you farther & last longer than ANY"clique", brand name clothes OR hi tech toys. ;-) God Love ya!~ Peg
2007-01-09 13:59:15 · answer #4 · answered by lizrdluvnmom 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's possible that your new job pays much more than the jobs you've had in the past. Perhaps, over time, you too will be interested in having nicer things. But if not, you will fit in. It's normal to feel like an outcast when you enter a group of people who all know each other and you feel like you know no one. Give it some time.
2007-01-09 13:51:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just continue to be sociable. No matter how shallow it may sound, work relationships and "cliques" (to a certain extent), are important for your career. You'll be alright. They just aren't used to you yet because you are new.
Also--about them having a whole lot of gadgets, etc.. If they are the type to be pre-occupied with those types of things, then they will clearly be too wrapped up in themselves to notice what you have or don't have.
2007-01-09 13:49:48 · answer #6 · answered by facetious5488 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Work can be such a difficult social setting. The only advice that can really be given to you is to be yourself and don't try to hard. It would be really sad if you had to change yourself to fit in at work. I'm not sure that I've ever fit into a clique of any kind so maybe I'm the wrong person to give advice. Just be yourself and involve yourself in the job itself. Good luck and hang in there!
2007-01-09 13:52:02 · answer #7 · answered by flowerchild12345 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
don't do/buy things just so you fit in, it takes awhile when you first start a new job especially in an office to feel like you fit believe me I know I work 12-16hrs on saturday and sundays with a job that is mostly men who at first i felt like i had nothing in common with and would not fit in with but its getting better slowly but surely getting better hang in there and some people may not answer you back because they are a little shy or don't know how to talk to you I also know how that is because I am one of them I don't always know how to talk to people especially when its someone i just met...............Happy New Years
2007-01-09 13:54:25 · answer #8 · answered by *CiTsJuStMe* 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry I don't know about this
2016-08-08 23:35:06 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I often end up writing the same question on other sites
2016-08-23 14:48:42 · answer #10 · answered by tami 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋