I have a problem at work and don't know what to do anymore.?

Question

I work with males and females, but I'm having the most problems with the females. For some reason, they don't seem to like me. Maybe it's because I don't hang out in their "clicks." I keep to myself. And when I do say something, it's usually the truth that they don't like to hear. I have one woman who's always jumping down my throat. And another woman who has tried several times to get me into trouble with the boss. She has also threatened me several times. I had another woman recently accuse me of starting a rumor about her and it wasn't me. It was one of the male employees. But she doesn't like me, so she just wanted to blame me. I'm trying to ignore them but it isn't easy. I want to leave there because I'm tired of working in that kind of atmosphere, but I'm afraid I'm too old to get a steady job somewhere else. What do you think I should do? Don't tell me to talk to them because they're not the kind that will be reasonable. They'd rather fight.

Answer 1

Is it possible to get a transfer to a different branch or department? Depending on the severity of the problems, you might want to file complaints with your employer or the Dept. of Labor. Keep your eyes on the "help wanted" ads, at least. You might find something available that's up your alley & be able to leave the situation entirely.

Answer 2

Okay, I deal with that kind of issue almost everyday at work. Sadly, there are situations like that everywhere! And there's more and more....Some employees thinks that their employer pay them to gossip and make others life miserable at work.. When they work a little harder some days, they think they are doing the emplyer a favor. Thank goodness I am in a supervisory position so it's a little different from here. But it's a big headache all the same!

So first thing you want to do is to inform your supervisor of things as they happened. Don't complain. Approach her/him in a professional way with comments like, "I am concerned about an issue I have. I was wondering if you can help me explore some ways so it's a win-win situation.,,,," Elaborate but don't name names! Some examples are, "I heard it from the grapevine that this is what is going on and I know it's only rumors. However if I were to be approached, I like to handle it in a way that does not upset the other person more and make them see that it's not me."

Follow up and keep your supervisor posted on all that is going on so she can help you tackle these sticky situations as they come. He/ she will most be likly to support you and be more empathic to your situation. As long as you come across as wanting to improve working relationships and assisting with staffs' morale, your supervisor will be more than happy to work with you. If all else fails, there are other more progressive steps for you to take. Contact your HR personnel for further instructions if the situation doesn't improve and/or if your supervisor is not supportive. You always want to give your supervisor a chance to resolve the situation first before going to HR, of course.

No one should have to tolerate this kind of harressment in the workplace. It will compromise their efficiency and performance. It is also bad for staff morale. Good luck to you and don't give up! The grass isn't greener on the other side.

Answer 3

My mother was in the same situation a yr ago,and she's 47.
My mom ultimately decided to quit her job.It's hard to advise you what to do,because deep down you already know whats best for you.
Do you have money put away?Are you married?If so,then it wouldn't be so bad if you quit,you would just have to cut corners financially.

You could try and talk to them.Explain that you are not interested in participating/and or listening to work gossip.
But make it clear that you have nothing against any of them.
If this doesn't help your situation,then there isn't much else you can do.I suspect you are alot like my mom,you don't always speak up because you like to avoid conflict.But if I were you,I would say something.Even if it meant you would have to quit your job.There is only so much someone can tolerate.Good luck.

Answer 4

Remember that you have friends that do not work there. Just smile and be respectful. Don't be resentful. Turn the situation to your advantage. Remember that Dilbert made a multimillionaire out of someone who hated their job. Plan how you are going to turn this situation to your advantage. It has been my experience that quiet people who say little in a work environment soon have people seeking them out. This will make life somewhat more pleasant but do not lose the silent, thoughtful, persona. Remember that you are being a different person for 40 hours a week for money. Work on turning everything that happens to you to your advantage. Set a goal - be it a new job - working for yourself - or writing the great American novel. Each time something unpleasant happens to you at work think about how this is one more small step toward your goal.
You are much too good to be friends with all those people at work anyway. Find good friends who work elsewhere and always smile at your co-workers. The smile of someone who is going places.

Answer 5

First of all where exactly do u work???
I would recommend speaking with human resources.. No one needs to work in such a horrible work environment as u put it. and just to let you know in the u.s. you´re never to Old to work elsewhere.
believe me since living in Spain ( For the last 5 months) I have seen and noticed that if you´re over a certain age that they overlook you... I´m 29 and happily working in the tourism industry as i was doing in Chicago ( My home town).. But I fell in love with a Spaniard three yrs ago and finally decided to make the big move in December... Its great, I love it.. ( I went to school two semesters abroad here during College) but anyway back to your message..
I think that you should just over look those people, life is to short to be miserable at work ( its suppose to be like your second home, or so they say) so. take my advice, speak with H.R or with a Manager and if that doesn`t work, just leave and look else where...

Enjoy your holiday weekend! and take care

Bcn_Mimosa from Barcelona, Spain

Answer 6

Well this happens to me at my college, but after months of depression and anxiety, I realized that I ALLOWED them to hurt me. This is a different situation and these people are trying to get you in trouble. Don't let them see that it's getting to you. IGNORE THEM!!!! I hate clicky groups. They are upset because they are jealous of you. They think that they are the best people in the world and that everyone needs to join their little click. They live in their own small little world. See them as characters. They entertain you. If they try to get you fired, you just work hard and keep going. be honest.

Answer 7

Well if you have enough experience at one job it should be easier to get another which seems like you should do. I have customers ask me all the time to come work where they work cause ive been at my current job for almost 8 year and they know im not a flake out but im happy where im at.

Answer 8

You really need to talk to your boss or Human Resources. There are protections for employees suffering in a "hostile work environment" which include harassment and threats.

Answer 9

You are a KIND person! These people know that and they are running all over you! They do not want you there because they are jealous of you or they want you to get fired so one of their friends can get your job.

Answer 10

Don't talk to them and avoid them. If they still try to harass you, I would report them to the boss. And let him handle the problem with them. That's what I did on my job,when I was harass. My boss warned the woman who was harassing me that if she didn't stop she would be fined.