Why do I work with so many immature people.?

Question

I am 20 years old and work at wegmans...one of the best companies to work for, yeah right. I get paid well, but people talk about each other constantly. I havent heard anything about me but even if I did I dont care because I am secure enough. But I hate that most of the conversations I have are people talking about others. It is making me miserable...what can I do?

Answer 1

lead the way to better topics. Think of things that are not touchy to talk about and see who can keep up a conversation with you about that.

Answer 2

I'd say don't worry about it too much as long as you don't let yourself get caught up in the gossip.

It's natural for some people to want to seem superior to others. I'm afraid that no matter where you go, that's going to be the case.

Just take the high road, pretend to be amused, and walk away when it's all over. Then, when you get the chance, be equally friendly with the subject of the vicious rumor.

Odds are you'll find out the rumor has no merit, and the rumoree is a pretty good person after all.

Answer 3

First of all, realize that no matter where you work the primary topic of conversation is often gossip about co-workers. I've worked in companies large and small, where the immediate social context was predominantly men and predominantly women, and the drift toward gossip is prevelant in each of these settings.

It is interesting that the nature of gossip with predominantly female groups differs significantly in the very personal nature of talk - with men I have found (and this is just anecdotally, I don't mean to imply this is always true with women vs. men) the talk surrounds topics that are more achievement-based and accomplishment-based.

That being said, my second suggestion is to resolve to not get dragged into it. Don't despise your co-workers, because inevitably the day will come when you'll need them - even if you just can't picture that today. But don't get mired into the low-level gossip - people will quietly notice, and you'll eventually earn their silent respect.

Best to you.

Answer 4

Sadly a lot of people are like this. It is best to just do your job and say nothing critical about anyone else. As you probably already have figured out, if people will talk about everyone else in your presence, they will talk about you to others. Your coworkers are immature, no matter what their ages. I have seen immature adults. Be yourself, do your job well, in time look for a better job in your spare time, give your notice and move onto something better. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Hi Lynn, that can be a challenging experience, or you can allow it to be a stepping stone. You seem to be a strong person and confronting the issue head on, suggesting you don't like talking about others and you don't like that this could happen to you, so you choose not to play...

If you want to really play with their minds, work on your own. Refuse to engage in the backbiting, and selecting empowering statements that make you feel good-- about you or others.

I wrote about this notion in a career blog, but the logic applies here too.. that being:

1. Our thoughts create our reality.
2. What we think, feel or do whether aware or not, creates our results.
3. We can make better choices!

http://hfcn.blogspot.com/2006/12/keywords-create-value-image-and.html

Answer 6

I think the best thing to do is try to block out the bad things people say about your other co-workers. I know how you feel, im 18 and I work with so many immature people, and the sad thing is they're usually older women like 40.

Answer 7

I understand and you will find that at every job, you just have to stay away from those kind of people there bored they don't have better things to do then talk about people. Focus on your job and yourself don't worry about them they are not worth your time right?

Answer 8

as you get older you will find out this is your "new life" the people you work with have been stuck in that place for years. it's not like high school or collage. you gotta just deal with it, do your job try not to join them

Answer 9

Start Filling out applications.

Answer 10

ah join in have some fun.....i used to work for superfresh....and the same stuff went on ...i was sleeping with everyone in the store according to the rumors about me..but i thought it was funny because its so untrue...i just partake in it all and have a Lil fun