Overload

I haven’t posted here in ages, because I’ve simply been overloaded with work. I’m someone who likes to work and is happy to work hard, but sometimes I feel as though certain bosses and colleagues like to pass on all their work to other people (preferably junior members of staff). It just seems so unfair and it’s really exhausting. And they don’t care if those new employees burn out, because there are plenty of other people who would love to get that job.

--Curly

Union Man

I’m in the union at my job. I think it’s important to make sure we are all treated fairly. But quite a few of my colleagues aren’t in the union and act as though it’s a strange concept. In fact, one colleague (admittedly a difficult one anyway) mocked me for being in the union and for being a union rep.

How can anyone think being unionized is wrong?

--Curly

Priceless

Prices keep going up, but I am getting no salary increase this year to match the higher cost of living. This has to do with where I work and how it is funded, but nevertheless, it is annoying to see how I retain less and less of what I work very hard to earn.

--Curly

Work Doesn’t Do a Body Good

This is such a boring rant, but my work is stressing me out beyond belief. I have one particularly difficult colleague who doesn’t seem to like me and who makes things difficult for me. And I also have an awful lot of work to do. Some days I wish things were different at work, even though ultimately I know I’m lucky to have the job I do.

--Curly

Ranting about Students: Part 6

I thought I would take a break from ranting about students, but as the summer is getting on and students are looking for jobs and/or are applying for the next level of education, I have more to rant about.

Some students tell you they’ve used you as a reference after the fact; i.e., they casually mention that they’ve put you down as a reference after they’ve already submitted their applications. Some don’t even tell you that much, so that sometimes you end up getting asked questions about a student or asked for a reference and you aren’t prepared for it at all.

If you are going to use someone as a reference, I think you should ask for permission first. Then, with the person’s approval, list his/her contact details, not before.

--Curly

Property Mismanagement

I moved into my current place in October. I found then that one of the toilet seats was not put on properly, so I complained about it. It’s March and I’m still waiting for someone to come fix it! When I complained yet again, I was told to fix it myself! How is this “customer service” and “property management”?

--Curly

Cashier, Not Inquisitor

I understand that perhaps working at a cash register is not the most enjoyable job out there (on a tangent, what *is* the most enjoyable job out there?), but that doesn’t mean check-out people should comment on customers’ purchases.

I routinely hear cashiers at the grocery story ask people buying wine either “Having a party, are you?” or “Have a bad day?” The customer often laughs uncomfortably. This kind of question seems rather awkward and inappropriate.

Meanwhile, I usually get comments about my purchases, because my shopping trolley is noticeably missing meat. Cashiers like to ask about my “vegetarian lifestyle” or tell me what I should eat, as though I need their input.

This isn’t just true of grocery stores, either. I get asked questions at other stores, too, such as whether what I am buying is a present (and no, they don’t always ask because they wonder about gift-wrapping) or what I am planning to do with the item. Why is it any of their business?

--Curly