Co-workers?

Question

I have been at my job for nearly a year now. There are only four other people beside me, and we enjoyed a fairly close working relationship. However, that all changed about 2 weeks ago. Out of the blue I had two completely unrelated arguments with two different people...one of them my supervisor. Both arguments were non-work related, they were personal and I felt like attacks on me.

The one I really do not care about so much because he was a jerk but the one with my supervisor stings. I do not feel like I trust her anymore. She and I were pretty close, at least so I thought, and she said something pretty nasty that really hurt.

I am pretty young and still learning how to deal with people in the work force. By nature, once I trust somebody I am a friendly, open person. I feel like that backfired on me in this instance.

Do you have any advice on how I can make things better with my co-workers? I am trying to distance myself emotionally, but it is difficult.

Answer 1

I wouldn't recommend distancing yourself. You need interaction. Nobody is an island and trying to be one is dangerous. Here is a link that might help you.
http://nccsc.k12.in.us/avs/CLASS%20PRESENTATIONS/YOU,%20YOUR%20EMPLOYER,%20AND%20YOUR%20CO-WORKERS_files/frame.htm#slide0022.htm

Answer 2

Like you, I'm young and a very open, friendly person. I have had a job where the co-workers were really friendly, cool, and open, I had another where I wasn't respected because of my age, and then was also getting on grounds of being sexually harassed so I quit, now I'm at another job dealing directly with the public(which I love dealing with them) but I cannot stand my co-workers, they are unfriendly and rude. I know dealing with the public is hard and can make some people "hard", but two of these are high school kids! Howbeit, in your situation, I would ask the supervisor if I was in any wrong doing, if so, can it be corrected. However, if it is personal, I would ask the supervisor to let bygone's be bygone's and not mention it again. You shouldn't distance yourself, you are who you are, you brighten people's day, make people smile,and some(if your like me) just down right annoy for reasons we'll never know. Just stay cool, I have learned to stay quiet unless spoken to by co-workers, or occasionally ask, how they are, what's new, or some small chat, it goes a lot better and if they aren't responsive, that's ok, that's them! Wish you a lot of blessings, don't give up on your job, it just makes you stronger!

Answer 3

I have been burned way too many times with co-workers that I thought were my friends but stabbed me in the back, talked about me behind my back, etc. You know, you think you can trust them, they act like they are your friend, then bam, it all hits you.
I think the best thing in your situation is to continue to interact with them the way you were before. If the incident with your supervisor really bothers you, maybe you could talk with her after work and explain how you were hurt by her comments. Not only will you feel better for explaining your side, but it may also help clear the air.
I wish you the best of luck.