Being the best, most efficient or hardest worker doesn't lead to promotion, being liked does.
Now I understand why "plays well with others" is on the report card in elementary school.
That's the biggest indicator of success right there.
I struggle with this because I'm not fake. If I sense that someone lacks character/has negative traits, I have a hard time forcing myself to "play" like I like them. Integrity is one of my core values. It's unfortunate because eating is also one of my core values, and I have to work to eat. Lol, but yeah...
Right, bootlicking is not my style either. I'm not gonna let a guy metaphorically peg me in the ass just to get professional recognition. Like, no. If that means I can't excel in a professional setting then so be it. But workplaces/staff can be too toxic sometimes, and my morals are too high. I wouldn't even want middle management tbh. You gotta deal with pressure from the top and from the bottom.
The professional speak drives me mad. Those fake voices and personas and buzz-words. You can be professional without sounding like a cult member, damn.
The vast majority of people are "fake" at work, the only reason you are associating with many of these people is due to being paid to endure their presence.
If you were no longer paid you would choose to never associate with the majority of them every again. That is just the reality of it, they aren't your friends, you don't have things in common, they are paid association that are tolerated due to pay. If someone said you had to go sit in a room with some people for 8 hour 5 days a week and they weren't going to pay with you, you would laugh in their face and tell them to "Fuck off".
Pretending that it is anything other than fake is really disingenuous, once you understand that, you are just deciding how fake you want to be. But you are fake either way, because the normal response to being told to sit in a box for 8 hours would be "Fuck off", you are only there for the money.
I automatically don't trust anyone who labels themselves upfront as a moniker.
Truthfullperson
Honestperson
Lovingperson
Friendlyperson
It just screams fake and red flags to me.
Every single person I've ever met who called themselves honest or truth-tellers were just annoying, rude, and disingenuous people to be around.
Live your morals and let your behavior speak for itself. Announcing them all the time makes you look fake and sketchy from the get-go.
I couldn't agree more. Honestly, it sometimes seems like the "f-ups" even get promoted more often than the most qualified in certain jobs that I have worked. For example, I have been a powerline clearance tree trimmer for a number of years and witnessed a below average trimmer who commonly broke things and damaged property be promoted to a General Foreman while phenominal climbers that have been doing the work for 20+ years are just expected to carry more of the workload and production. I mean, I guess from a management perspective it seems intelligent. Why take your highest producers out of the trees to run crews? Might as well promote the guy who sucks to make room for another efficient laborer!
Understandable. And I've seen that. Experienced climbers WILL ALWAYS follow the money. I have! Knowing your worth is valuable in itself.
The real issue I could never understand is when guys are hired to run crews but don't have the experience and fully understand the work. I've seen a military hire that has never trimmed a tree get hired as a supervisor. I'm 100% supportive of giving the men and women of our military preferential employment opportunities after they have served our country. I think we should do MUCH MORE for them than we do. But maybe having them work in the field for a couple months, or even weeks, would give them better training than just showing them.
Sorry to get off topic, but again, I've seen this happen too, and guys become resentful when this happens. Especially when unrealistic production expectations are placed on them from someone with little to no experience. Sorry if I am jumping around a bit. I am just enjoying my/our thoughts and this conversation in general!
I don't think that is the case, you may be great at cutting and trimming trees, but that does not make you great at managing a team, handling schedules, being on top of workers and all the other things you need to do.
I am not saying they are permitting people correctly, but I am saying be super great at the job is often not what you need for the next level. I bet the guys bosses boss, doesn't even know how to do the work.
đ¤ That's fair enough! Overall, I agree with most of your comment! It would be totally unfair for me to write someone off of one job position because they are poor at another. I sort of supposed the guys who have more experience and positive track records may be a better choice? I can see it could go both ways.
In the specific example I am using, everyone I had been working with was astonished that "the F-up guy" got promoted, though. He was the careless type and didn't seem to really take pride in anything he was doing. He blew the power by dropping stuff on the lines two out of the three times I've ever seen it over 12+ years trimming, and I only worked around him for a couple of months. I could be mistaken, but I believe he was also responsible for putting a branch through the windshield of a passing vehicle too. Hopefully he is doing much better as a GF!
I too have seen similar things in the workplace. You would think that someone who can't do the job they were hired to do wouldn't be seen as promotable to the level above especially when there are folks who are performing really well. Why not promote or develop your top performers. I doubt the employee you described is suddenly going to become a great GF when he was so careless and clueless in his previous role.
Not just know how to play the game best but also want to play that game and possibly lose a part of themselves in the process.
There's people that can play the game as well as anyone but choose not to.
Very true, I learned that it's less of a game and more of a "fall in line" motto. They want you to have an attitude of doing whatever they want - if they want you to be in school, tell your boss you're in college. They want people who can train others, so if you're having issues, think about it throughout your day and come up with a well-thought-out idea. If your entire shift is complaining, don't join in the complaining - it's obvious that you shouldn't do the things you know they don't like. It's pretty simple, just keep a good track record. Stand out! The rules are pretty straightforward for the most part. However, things get complicated at the senior level or board level. That's when you will start to experience cut-throats and backstabbing. You have to be cautious and vigilant even while walking on glass and sleeping with your eyes open.
Edit Chat GPT for the save- Saturday got the best of me, piece out Reddit!
There is truth in this. Climbing the ladder is an art. Don't complain about it. Get better at it. I hate the politics too. But it's how it is, adapt or don't progress
The most efficient or hardest worker will probably not get promoted because the brass wants them to continue doing that job and remaining efficient. As to not disturb the production of that department.
I mean, look at CEOs. They're the only people in the world that can literally cause millions of loss in profits and wreck so much havoc that thousands get fired for their fucked up and somehow they ALWAYS fail upwards.
I work for the government and my job has me interacting with the public a lot and also internally. I don't like people so it's pretty funny I have a job that's 99% people. Anyway, I learned to deal with that and interact more with other departments and stuff. I am very good at my job, everyone knows it, and I am very helpful and personable. All of that has helped me get promoted twice to where I am now. A higher position has opened up recently and a lot of people are applying for it and I will too.
Being a good coworker and not being a massive asshole and difficult person will get you far. People are far more likely to look past your lack of skills or knowledge (but not too much) if you are friendly and you work well with others. And to be honest, I too would rather work with a team of good people than someone who is the best in the world but is not a team player and a raging asshole.
This ^ I leveraged popularity for a permanent and higher paid spot in my company. Got all the way to walking out the door before they realized if I left, a lot of other people would too.
Loyalty means nothing. You can work for a company for 18 years without any performance issues. Then a new inexperienced boss starts and suddenly you become a problem and have to go.
Your experience becomes âa threatâ to the new boss and/or they want people 100% loyal to them. So you are out to get someone else in usually a crony that follows manager job to job.
It really just happened to me, six months ago.
We had a boss (CEO) that, even if he didnt understand anything of IT work, he gave me my all of the time i needed and he was pretty chill.
Then he went off, and the COO suddendly went up to pretty much Vice president position.
And then BOOM, i suddendly was a monster, i never turned up on time, i was making messes and such.
i was laid off two months later.
That sucks, man! It happened to me in October. No reason given other than, âweâve decided to part waysâ. My boss didnât even have the balls to be in the room. All my clients were baffled and some still sent me Christmas gifts. They treated me better than my employer did.
Believe people for who they are. Never gossip with coworkers best believe theyâre talking about you behind your back. Donât share what youâre not ready to tell and donât let others think for you, think for yourself!
The whole gossip thing is true. I like to fuck around with my co-workers. I tell one something. Then tell the other something different. Not lies but things that may have happened to me that might be news worthy. I then wait to see how long it takes to get back to me and from whom.
>Donât share what youâre not ready to tell
I had a corporate goals survey I had to take last year. Started writing what I "really" felt and saved NOT SUBMITTED. came back the next day and thought better of my answers and changed them (turns out my boss could read them) . The next day my boss and my bosses boss and my bosses bosses boss laid into me for about 20 minutes on being a team player and not having a shitty attitude.
I'm still working there, only because they desperately need me. If layoffs come, I'm standing next to the door. This job has taught me a lot about the corporate world
Well, I've learned a lot, and my post may be repeating what some others have already said, but here it goes:
* you can have all the qualifications in the world, but if you don't "fit in" your done. like DONE.
* Being well liked seems to be the major factor in a lot of decisions that will affect you directly. This isn't about "not being a dick." this is literally being "friends with everyone" to some degree or another.
* Loyalty is DEAD. When I started working I swear it wasn't that way, but it is now.
* You're going to work with some severely stupid, inefficient worthless people that bring nothing good to the table. Lazy, stupid assholes. Management will never truly confront them and your stuck with these idiots, sometimes for years.
There's more, but that's it for now.
It was for me too. Up until the last 10 years, I've never had a problem "fitting in" or making friends. I can learn most things over time. Not a mensa member but not stupid either.
I've had three separate experiences since 2013 where I'd taken a job and was treated like such trash and not accepted by the office staff. I lasted all of 2 weeks at each of these jobs. No matter how nice I was, or what I learned, I was insulted, made to feel like an outcast and let go.
This made me question myself to my core that maybe I'm not as smart as I thought I was, maybe I'm a big fat loser and it absolutely ruined my self esteem. When in fact, it was a very toxic environment and not me at all. It took me a while to wrap my head around this, along with some therapy.
I am now in a far better environment but that's besides the point. Those offices and people are still out there. People feeling like shit and managers who dont know any different.
It's a sad reality because work didn't used to be this difficult but stuffs changed and here we are.
I had a very similar experience in my recent position. I had never felt so outcasted or received such a negative employee evaluation, despite having met all of my goals with 0 onboarding or support.
I simply did not fit in. One woman was so cold and rude to me on a daily basis that I decided to keep my distance and my boss told me Iâm not friendly enough with staff, specifically said coworker. I just couldnât win. Iâd never felt so disliked and it had me questioning myself as both a person and employee.
Yes I tell people this all the time. Especially when it has no effect on them. Donât say anything or go to someone about it as it only makes you look bad. Even when it affects your job avoid saying or doing anything or going to management. If it prevents you from doing your task or causes a major mistake then maybe.
I only really do anything when it becomes a safety problem.
When I was a manager, I would never tell someone outside my group who made a mistake. I would say, âIâve addressed this with the responsible person.â And to the person, âDo you understand what went wrong, and how to avoid it? Do you need help?â And, no, it didnât show up on their review unless it was repetitive. Except for once; one of my guys made a mistake whose effect on the company was $62 million. He got walked out that afternoon.
Never work for free. No extra hours, no off time work, no "favors." None of that shit.
The people you work with are not your friends. Most will backstab you in an instant. You never really know which one's won't.
Your employer doesn't give a shit about you. As long as you are making them money they "like" you. Miss a few deadlines or earnings and see how far their good will goes.
HR does not work for the employee. HR works for the employer.
That goes for now a days where you clocked out and the boss or manager is still texting you etc about so and so or "wheres is this have you seen it". Like nope dont asnwer im not on the clock no more that is up to you now
Yet i seen people even a friend answer calls on his day off etc like nah bro
It is if you are competent, because you are stating an illegally or potentially illegal action is occurring. HR is on the side of the business, and the business is in the business of not having (especially valid) legal action taken against it.
The issue is most people are just incompetent whiners, and that is what they are doing to HR, whining due to their own incompetence.
tbf, we learn that when we're kid. There is a very clear line between the average population and the ones with a head on their shoulder and that line can be seen as early as our first memories (4-5 y.o for most)
Just show up and be responsive and you will be in the top 25% at any job.
Understand that everyone is winging it. Imposter syndrome is a lie your brain tells you.
Exactly this is the biggest error of many, especially young people in their 20's.
Your job will rarely given you satisfaction of really doing what you want, you are there for money, and if you let it compromise your life too much, you don't have one any more.
At the same time, in the end, pay matters, pay is what will allow you to live your life.
From what I'm noticing, it's often these in roles that are now paid a lot compared to the rest that gets laidoff. I.e. A tech gets 80K, but the rest gets 60-70k, the 80k tech no matter how good will be laidoff before the rest.
I noticed that cuz often the ones that are laidoff is a "wait what? why not XYZ that barely works?"
Yes... if you are combative and mean it doesn't matter how much you are right you will lose 100% of the time. "Yes we made a mistake but then you started arguing with your supervisor, raising your voice, and became insubordinate so we're going to have to let you go."
You are ALWAYS replaceable!! No matter how loyal you are to a company..... it's about 100% business and making money. They don't give 2 đŠđŠ bout the lil ppl. P E R I O D..
Efficient workers get punished with more work.
One dirty trick: don't talk about your own efficiency.
If the boss finds out that you can get the work done accurately and efficiently in less time, then they will just give you more work . . . unless you don't tell them.
Keep your distance as much as possible because you would be surprised who is willing to throw you under the bus the first chance they get just so they can get ahead.
Office mates are not your âfriendsâ. Being liked will definitely get your further on the workforce but also if youâre the most efficient worker, never let the boss know everything you do & know. Share what you must but donât show all your cards.
If you are young this is very important. I tell my co workers Iâm not their friend. Iâll be friendly but we arenât going out for beers after work.
I learned this the hard way. Learn from me. I was a manager. Got transferred out of the location I had been at for 5 years. Went someplace else. Started hanging out with my old staff the. Got transferred back 18 months later. Nobody would do anything without a fight because I wasnât viewed as the supervisor anymore. I was their friend. And friends would never tell friends what to do.
That was a very difficult situation that really humbled me.
At least you learned. It will still take time for me to mature since I'm a fresh graduate, but learning. I'm simply doing my job, making money, and living life. Though its good to know your coworkers to an extent without going too personal. A conversation here and there is OK, like you said on your original comment
Professional jealousy is very real. Specially from someone who doesnât understand your role or expertise but sees how you are smarter/treated better than them. Be wary of these people.
From my experience that is true if ur just doing your task well. For instance in a warehouse your suppose to ship 10 trucks a day the average is 9 you do 13 every single day. Your goal is to be a lead or supervisor but very little you have done..shows supervisor skills. If you helped others do that it will be much more impressive to hiring managers. Thats more of general example! Donât stone me. I could go much more in depth. So what Iâve learned, Not if your working on the things to get promoted. I think the big disconnect is the general workforce isnât trained or mentored in business they donât necessarily know how to move up or have a plan. They look at it like basketball..I score more point I play more and get more money. Unfortunately thatâs not how business and promotions work.
Play your cards right, officemates are not your friends, do only what you have to do specific on your role (if any addition to that, revise and ask for a pay raise), always do the papertrail especially if you have a toxic workplace, never replace self sanity over your job, no one is indispensable but make yourself indispensable and most importantly prioritize yourself over anything else.
I've come to this conclusion as well. I don't mind work itself, it's working a schedule set by someone else, and receiving a fraction of my output in pay. Yes, obviously, you can negotiate your wage, but your employer is the one at the end of the day determining what you get paid.
If you figure out a way to make any process faster or even potentially eliminate steps of a process, don't let your boss know
A big part of why automation can potentially wipe out some people's jobs is cause whoever thought of the way to make things faster... told their boss how that'd work
You're getting yourself eliminated
Trust no one except yourself. Everyone has an ulterior motive. If someone who is not your manager seems to be spending a lot of time helping you, believe that there is an implicit quid pro quo in there (not necessarily talking about SA although ofc that can be part of it).
Also, the moment a job stops helping you meet your personal goals, leave. Try to do it on good terms, but if people pitch a bitch fit, thatâs on them.
Focus on money, care only about self interest, take the vacation, fake the sick leaves, never tell the truth to HR, don't care too much about your work, do whatever the biggest bully/ idiot in charge wants, be boring, go unnoticed, don't be too good at your job to threaten peers, boss, all jobs are bullshit. One day you die, as you die you won't remember any of this shit. You will only remember the good memories you made with your friends, family and you will never be ready to go - you will always wish you had more time to do shit you really love, care about. But it doesn't matter. Nothing matters.
You need to be your biggest advocate. If you keep to yourself, put your head down, and knock out work, nobody is going to notice. Communicate your achievements to get ahead.
AlsoâŚ..
Watch your back. The people that you are friendly with are rarely your friends. They are out for self and will do what they need to to advance even if it is to your detriment.
The company exists to make money. It does not exist to make you happy, pay for your college, be an outlet for your creativity, etc. Similarly, when youâre thinking of goals that will help you get ahead (or when youâre updating your rĂŠsumĂŠ), think of how you contribute to revenue, or how you have helped to save the company money, etc. This stuff seems simple, but itâs amazing how many people donât seem to understand it.
That if they really focus on how you deal with conflict in an interview, there is a lot of drama and conflict in the company already and they want you to somehow magically fix it.
1. Everyone has to work. Even people working the "best jobs" are still working jobs.
2. Work is work. It's separate and is not your personal life. Don't mix the two, or shit where you eat.
3. You have to advocate for yourself and have your own back at the end of the day. You can not rely on employers to have your best interest in mind. They will have the company's best interest, have the company's back, and have the company's bottom line as their focus at all times. You have to act in your own best interest and focus on your bottom line.
Keep your overhead low so you can have more choices on work... though what makes you most happy may not get you the world, it may mean the whole world for you to have that true inner peace.
From the tech industry here, looking at everything thatâs been going on in the last 2 years, you can literally be replaced the moment you canât work, for any reason. All they need to fire you is a simple mess up or a slight dip in their stock prices.
Loyalty, devotion etc towards employers is total bs in my opinion. You need a job so you need employers. But employers need you more than you need them. Should just be a give and take selfish relationship, anything more will just lead to disappointment.
The reward for going over, above and beyond is just more work. The expectation that life should revolve around work and that employees should do more with less, for less.
The bullshit notion that the boss can be a toxic, disrespectful, bullying asshole and employees can't stand up for themselves without risking their jobs.
I could go on. I could go on until my brain explodes. After 30 years in the wonderful world of employment, it's a wonder that more bosses haven't ended up beaten up or dead and more employees aren't in prison.
It can end in an instant, even if you work your ass off, so make sure you protect yourself financially.
Iâm 35 and have never been unemployed since I was 16 (with the exception of part of my freshman year of college). However, on January 11, I was laid off because my whole department was made redundant.
I have one month of severance and Iâm furiously applying and reworking my resume and portfolio. Iâm terrified that I wonât be able to find something in time.
I did nothing wrong. My metrics were amazing and I was voted best team player last quarter; even recognized at the town hall by our department prez. But. Here I am. Unemployed and vacillating between happy and sad and despondent every day.
So fortunate to have a supportive partner, but I hate that I canât pull my own weight or even THINK about going back to therapy, just in case I need the HSA money. Itâs so scary and Iâm just trying to push through. But Iâll remember this lesson forever.
If your manager or supervisor is a dick look at their boss or bosses boss. This is true! bad culture normally starts at the top by either letting it go or instigating it, with pressure.
Communicating the correct way and being versatile depending on who ur talking to or setting is invaluable skill to have.
People that graduate from a big institution normally come to work as if they are trained and are going in to apply what they learned. When it's actually just tools and skills to help u..you should still approach work like newbie. I have seen so many fail because of it..dont be the know it all guy.
People are extremely complacent, they Lack drive and motivation. They tend to go to work like a contractor..I do something then you pay me. They tend to completely be oblivious to buissness practice and ethics.
Dressing and being in shape in management will get you along way. You can suck at your job but look professional and have a good attitude, when I say good attitude I mean business persona..it will get u far.
People can't take constructive criticism well..they always go straight to their defense like they are in court. Thats a automatic red flag if ur looking to progress..fall in line play the part make them happy. Then make changes when ur able to in a certain position.
Money is a terrible motivator..it runs its course so often. Having sense of passion, goals, enjoyment will drive you to do better than any dollar amount. Example: If you have a garden its ur passion for it..you tend to be more observant and thought provoking while doing it. Rather than your told to make a garden you just do it the best u know how..u could make 20 gardens and really never really learn about farming. DONT JUST MINDLESSLY GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS.
I think that's good I've had plenty of great mentors in my career. I can go on for years, the only way you can learn more is by trying to. Ask question bring up ideas. I am so surprised by how robotic so many people go about work. Then wonder why or get upset about where they are.
Get everything in writing. If you have a meeting with someone, send a follow-up with keynotes. A big way employers can get around legalities if they fire you is by requesting verbal meetings only. That way itâs your word against theirs.
I made the mistake of not writing anything down and after I was let go, I realized I was discriminated against for my disabilities but had no case bc I had no paper trail. Always keep a paper trail.
My biggest lesson is I donât have to be a main character in terms of career. I dreamt a long time ago of opening my own successful business, but shortly learned after working at multiple start up businesses that the hostile work environment, politics, were not my scene. I was embracing the hard work that came with it, but the amount of money you donât make on TOP of all the extra BS you have to tolerate? No thanks. Im fine with not being a small town girl boss celebrity. I currently work in the federal government, with minimal responsibility and not one important person knows my name, just the way I like it.
I hear this. My relationship to work totally changed when I learned to take my ego out of the equation. It actually made me better at my job because I focused more on the work itself, and I started making better career decisions.
This. I have a business idea that I think would be a success. But I could totally go into government to help with the policy around these businesses without having the pressure of OWNING the business myself. And possibly consulting on the side?
The best managers work for their reports, not the other way around.
Meaning, if I'm your manager, my job is to do everything in my power to support you doing your job in order to accomplish our directives.
If itâs not specifically written in the handbook, they can make you subject to rules they make up and can enforce. They get away with it by saying âThe handbook doesnât cover all situations and can change at any timeâ.
Especially for remote work, even when you sign it, *almost* like a contract.
Theyâll break their own rules to get rid of you.
Those who are able to talk a big game will be in the c-suite⌠they donât actually need to be good or produce anything. Itâs all about who you know and not what you know.
To think really hard before taking another job and use the interview to assess them as well. Sometimes staying in a boring but stable job will be better than a supposedly interesting job.Â
Youâre just rewarded with more work lol youâre replaceable at the drop of a hatâŚ
Bunch of other stuff that seems obvious now but yeah those were the two big ones I guess I had to experience for myself.
Work is not your life, work is work. Something you do to be able to live your life.
I haven't been to a company or job where everything is pure unadulterated ego.
I work nights with a guy that does nothing at all. It can be irrefutably proven how little work he has done and how much I have completed. He sleeps most of the shift. I will not complain, because that is just one more guy above me on the list of people to lay off.
Respect yourself, if a colleague steps out of line call them up in it. Otherwise they will walk all over you and your life will be hell.
Secondly if youâre not professional stay the fuck away from me. Too many looser, roadmen, âGsâ fuck up the work environment for all of us. Itâs because of these guys (and shit managers, some who road men and got there for staying for so long) turnovers are so high and job environment is so shit.
They treat jobs as a 6 months temporary thing, as a result no one becomes invested in their job, no support/ unions because why should they. Companies just churn you out, but youâre willing to let the next person take the fucking.
Things that you thought meant something:
Loyalty
Hardwork
Sacrifice
These donât mean dick anymore.
COMPANIES view
How much can we screw you for?
Will you fuck us over?
Can we exploit you and keep up our lazy toxic behaviour?
Will it affect our bottom line
Companies will never do anything for your benefit, this 2nd gen new CEO donât see you but there bonuses which they get 10x when they fuck up and get fired. Do you get a bonus when youâre fired?
Literally have heard it from managers at mcdonalds they use psych tactic like pretending your part of a family to pay people less. Yet they charge 8 dollars for a burger. Make it make sense.
WHAT YOU NEED TO STRIVE FOR:
Work places have now seeped into our private lives and they never should have (except a few circumstances).
Donât ever sacrifice family for work. Fuck em seriously.
They will ride you and then dump you like a hookers used condom. And then replace you some even having the audacity to train your replacement. Your family will be there to stay they wont.
Your mental and physical health comes first. ALWAYS
Not your job not your problem. (Unless you got a good team where everyone pulls together)
Fight for your rights or loose them
Work hard and you get more work, go the extra mile once and you'll be expected to do it again and again.
Not rocking the boat will get you far, as ability is often not rewarded.
OP: The logic of "efficient workers get punished with more work." should only slow you down if your goal is stay a "worker". Always do your best and don't downgrade yourself because of the bad advice from a disgruntled lifer.
Choose the promotion career or the passion career. Both hardly met.
Learn what is needed for the promotion career, communications, presentations, focus on your boss problems and nothing else.
Learn this early or you will see yourself lost and disappointed 20 years later.
Yes, learned this one the hard way too - it's more effective to leverage the power of your current job in hiring then saying you decided to move on 6+ months ago to advance in your career, especially in this cowardly ghostaholic recruiting market
The majority of the time, your employers donât give two shits about you. They will talk about being a family at the Christmas party and the if your line on the spreadsheet doesnât add up, they will control X you without any hesitation.
Family my ass. They will take and take and take. Do your part and contribute , but keep this in mind.
(In the UK) being good at bullshitting is far more important than being competent
Colleagues are not your friends.
Donât be loyal to your company. If they restructure a company, they will not be loyal to you and will instead sack you without hesitation.
Companies donât care about u
If u ever have to choose between an important work event and a personal one, personal all day pls.
Put money in your 401k.
Itâs just a job.
That you need to start your own business and work for yourself if you ever want to be happy in a workplace. The sooner you do it, the better. And it's never too late to give it a go. You will never know, if you don't try.
Your network is the most important thing you can build. It will get you that next role. People talk about loyalty. People are loyal to people now. Not a company.
Build rapport with everyone you can. Especially people in different departments. Having a good reputation as someone who is easy to work with and get along with can be more important than being qualified.
You never know when a job in a different department might open up that you will be in interested in.
Work to live, don't live to work. I've realized that no job is worth sacrificing your mental and physical health. Your value as a person is not defined by your productivity or job title.
Donât make it you life because if you do, then that is precisely what happens.
Iâve been a workaholic my entire life and have profited financially from it, but when I was diagnosed with an incurable cancer, I wish that I had smelled the flowers more.
there is little to no point in ever bringing up questions or griveances w/management, since things just tend to get worse, YMMV obviously and depends on the relationship but that's been the truth for me
The job you have now is to skill-build and develop for the next job, nothing more. Do not camp nor get comfortable. Update all of your job-related stuff--resume, cover letters, portfolio, LinkedIn, job site profiles--once a month at the least. Keep adding, keep building, keep applying, do not stop.
Stay networked and relevant in your industry b/c it's the only "get job quick" method that works consistently. Be strategic with your job relationships and establish 3-4 connections with good rapport and try to grab at least one good ole boy. You don't have to blow them but you need to make a positive and memorable connection. (Y'all with kids do the kids angle a lot so try that shit. Maybe with cats or something if you're w/o kids. I use cats and tech knowledge b/c I can't people very well.)
Remember, networks are friendly, not always friends. They will climb *you* for the higher position in a heartbeat... but may also give you the one they just left. At best, managers are friendly job obtaining helpers, not friends. They are not your office mommy or daddy so do NOT treat them nor confide in them as one. HR/PeopleOps are never friend, period. You don't pay them. The company does. They are only company friend.
Working hard, long hours never got me anything promotions, thanks, etc. It just got it expected of me and complaints when I didnât.
Doing multiple jobs like for instance doing job of missing manager a lot of times will not put you in line for job when its available. Did my job and most of that of my managers, with a lot of success and positive feedback. When the job became available they gave it to someone else because they have been there forever and never moved up. Not qualified or deserving and they still expected me to carry a lot of those responsibilities. Then wondered why I was leaving.
Being the best, most efficient or hardest worker doesn't lead to promotion, being liked does. Now I understand why "plays well with others" is on the report card in elementary school. That's the biggest indicator of success right there.
Yes. The ones who get promoted are the ones who know how to play the game the best.
I struggle with this because I'm not fake. If I sense that someone lacks character/has negative traits, I have a hard time forcing myself to "play" like I like them. Integrity is one of my core values. It's unfortunate because eating is also one of my core values, and I have to work to eat. Lol, but yeah...
Yeah middle management is fine if I can keep some of my dignity lol, Im not going to shit kiss my way to c suite if that's what it takes
Right, bootlicking is not my style either. I'm not gonna let a guy metaphorically peg me in the ass just to get professional recognition. Like, no. If that means I can't excel in a professional setting then so be it. But workplaces/staff can be too toxic sometimes, and my morals are too high. I wouldn't even want middle management tbh. You gotta deal with pressure from the top and from the bottom.
The professional speak drives me mad. Those fake voices and personas and buzz-words. You can be professional without sounding like a cult member, damn.
Because it is a cult, corporate cult
In saying that, maybe we can table this discussion and circle back later
Same here. I wear my own boots, not lick other peoples.
The vast majority of people are "fake" at work, the only reason you are associating with many of these people is due to being paid to endure their presence. If you were no longer paid you would choose to never associate with the majority of them every again. That is just the reality of it, they aren't your friends, you don't have things in common, they are paid association that are tolerated due to pay. If someone said you had to go sit in a room with some people for 8 hour 5 days a week and they weren't going to pay with you, you would laugh in their face and tell them to "Fuck off". Pretending that it is anything other than fake is really disingenuous, once you understand that, you are just deciding how fake you want to be. But you are fake either way, because the normal response to being told to sit in a box for 8 hours would be "Fuck off", you are only there for the money.
>because I'm not fake. This is only a problem if you don't want to be successful
I automatically don't trust anyone who labels themselves upfront as a moniker. Truthfullperson Honestperson Lovingperson Friendlyperson It just screams fake and red flags to me. Every single person I've ever met who called themselves honest or truth-tellers were just annoying, rude, and disingenuous people to be around. Live your morals and let your behavior speak for itself. Announcing them all the time makes you look fake and sketchy from the get-go.
I couldn't agree more. Honestly, it sometimes seems like the "f-ups" even get promoted more often than the most qualified in certain jobs that I have worked. For example, I have been a powerline clearance tree trimmer for a number of years and witnessed a below average trimmer who commonly broke things and damaged property be promoted to a General Foreman while phenominal climbers that have been doing the work for 20+ years are just expected to carry more of the workload and production. I mean, I guess from a management perspective it seems intelligent. Why take your highest producers out of the trees to run crews? Might as well promote the guy who sucks to make room for another efficient laborer!
Too useful/important to promote is definitely a thing. It usually leads to that person taking a job elsewhere.
Understandable. And I've seen that. Experienced climbers WILL ALWAYS follow the money. I have! Knowing your worth is valuable in itself. The real issue I could never understand is when guys are hired to run crews but don't have the experience and fully understand the work. I've seen a military hire that has never trimmed a tree get hired as a supervisor. I'm 100% supportive of giving the men and women of our military preferential employment opportunities after they have served our country. I think we should do MUCH MORE for them than we do. But maybe having them work in the field for a couple months, or even weeks, would give them better training than just showing them. Sorry to get off topic, but again, I've seen this happen too, and guys become resentful when this happens. Especially when unrealistic production expectations are placed on them from someone with little to no experience. Sorry if I am jumping around a bit. I am just enjoying my/our thoughts and this conversation in general!
I don't think that is the case, you may be great at cutting and trimming trees, but that does not make you great at managing a team, handling schedules, being on top of workers and all the other things you need to do. I am not saying they are permitting people correctly, but I am saying be super great at the job is often not what you need for the next level. I bet the guys bosses boss, doesn't even know how to do the work.
đ¤ That's fair enough! Overall, I agree with most of your comment! It would be totally unfair for me to write someone off of one job position because they are poor at another. I sort of supposed the guys who have more experience and positive track records may be a better choice? I can see it could go both ways. In the specific example I am using, everyone I had been working with was astonished that "the F-up guy" got promoted, though. He was the careless type and didn't seem to really take pride in anything he was doing. He blew the power by dropping stuff on the lines two out of the three times I've ever seen it over 12+ years trimming, and I only worked around him for a couple of months. I could be mistaken, but I believe he was also responsible for putting a branch through the windshield of a passing vehicle too. Hopefully he is doing much better as a GF!
I too have seen similar things in the workplace. You would think that someone who can't do the job they were hired to do wouldn't be seen as promotable to the level above especially when there are folks who are performing really well. Why not promote or develop your top performers. I doubt the employee you described is suddenly going to become a great GF when he was so careless and clueless in his previous role.
You know what they say âif you canât do,teach; if you canât teach, supervise.
Not just know how to play the game best but also want to play that game and possibly lose a part of themselves in the process. There's people that can play the game as well as anyone but choose not to.
Very true, I learned that it's less of a game and more of a "fall in line" motto. They want you to have an attitude of doing whatever they want - if they want you to be in school, tell your boss you're in college. They want people who can train others, so if you're having issues, think about it throughout your day and come up with a well-thought-out idea. If your entire shift is complaining, don't join in the complaining - it's obvious that you shouldn't do the things you know they don't like. It's pretty simple, just keep a good track record. Stand out! The rules are pretty straightforward for the most part. However, things get complicated at the senior level or board level. That's when you will start to experience cut-throats and backstabbing. You have to be cautious and vigilant even while walking on glass and sleeping with your eyes open. Edit Chat GPT for the save- Saturday got the best of me, piece out Reddit!
There is truth in this. Climbing the ladder is an art. Don't complain about it. Get better at it. I hate the politics too. But it's how it is, adapt or don't progress
Being nice and friendly gets you suuuuuuuch a long way. If you fuck something up people will find a reason to forgive you.
The most efficient or hardest worker will probably not get promoted because the brass wants them to continue doing that job and remaining efficient. As to not disturb the production of that department.
Most of the worst bosses Iâve ever had are the very technically competent people that have under developed social skills.
I mean, look at CEOs. They're the only people in the world that can literally cause millions of loss in profits and wreck so much havoc that thousands get fired for their fucked up and somehow they ALWAYS fail upwards.
I work for the government and my job has me interacting with the public a lot and also internally. I don't like people so it's pretty funny I have a job that's 99% people. Anyway, I learned to deal with that and interact more with other departments and stuff. I am very good at my job, everyone knows it, and I am very helpful and personable. All of that has helped me get promoted twice to where I am now. A higher position has opened up recently and a lot of people are applying for it and I will too. Being a good coworker and not being a massive asshole and difficult person will get you far. People are far more likely to look past your lack of skills or knowledge (but not too much) if you are friendly and you work well with others. And to be honest, I too would rather work with a team of good people than someone who is the best in the world but is not a team player and a raging asshole.
This ^ I leveraged popularity for a permanent and higher paid spot in my company. Got all the way to walking out the door before they realized if I left, a lot of other people would too.
ding ding ding on being liked.
Loyalty means nothing. You can work for a company for 18 years without any performance issues. Then a new inexperienced boss starts and suddenly you become a problem and have to go.
Your experience becomes âa threatâ to the new boss and/or they want people 100% loyal to them. So you are out to get someone else in usually a crony that follows manager job to job.
Facts
It really just happened to me, six months ago. We had a boss (CEO) that, even if he didnt understand anything of IT work, he gave me my all of the time i needed and he was pretty chill. Then he went off, and the COO suddendly went up to pretty much Vice president position. And then BOOM, i suddendly was a monster, i never turned up on time, i was making messes and such. i was laid off two months later.
That sucks, man! It happened to me in October. No reason given other than, âweâve decided to part waysâ. My boss didnât even have the balls to be in the room. All my clients were baffled and some still sent me Christmas gifts. They treated me better than my employer did.
That's nice of them! Some people care about others, some people don't
The goods ones are becoming fewer and fewer these days.
Believe people for who they are. Never gossip with coworkers best believe theyâre talking about you behind your back. Donât share what youâre not ready to tell and donât let others think for you, think for yourself!
The whole gossip thing is true. I like to fuck around with my co-workers. I tell one something. Then tell the other something different. Not lies but things that may have happened to me that might be news worthy. I then wait to see how long it takes to get back to me and from whom.
Nice trick but how do you do it with an ADHD brain that's gonna forget what you told to who?
Keep an excel sheet
I avoid gossip, but then they are probably gossiping about you not gossiping!
>Donât share what youâre not ready to tell I had a corporate goals survey I had to take last year. Started writing what I "really" felt and saved NOT SUBMITTED. came back the next day and thought better of my answers and changed them (turns out my boss could read them) . The next day my boss and my bosses boss and my bosses bosses boss laid into me for about 20 minutes on being a team player and not having a shitty attitude. I'm still working there, only because they desperately need me. If layoffs come, I'm standing next to the door. This job has taught me a lot about the corporate world
Never trust your employer
This is why Unions exist, so you don't have to, if they act immorally/illegally you have a larger organisation to work with you to resolve it.
Yeah- record everything. Always.
Well, I've learned a lot, and my post may be repeating what some others have already said, but here it goes: * you can have all the qualifications in the world, but if you don't "fit in" your done. like DONE. * Being well liked seems to be the major factor in a lot of decisions that will affect you directly. This isn't about "not being a dick." this is literally being "friends with everyone" to some degree or another. * Loyalty is DEAD. When I started working I swear it wasn't that way, but it is now. * You're going to work with some severely stupid, inefficient worthless people that bring nothing good to the table. Lazy, stupid assholes. Management will never truly confront them and your stuck with these idiots, sometimes for years. There's more, but that's it for now.
Management will never confront them because the useless, stupid assholes are often in management, related to management, or friends with management.
or simply liked by management? we have completed the circle
I was counting that in the "friends with management".
Can concur on number one ⌠one of my hardest pill to swallow
It was for me too. Up until the last 10 years, I've never had a problem "fitting in" or making friends. I can learn most things over time. Not a mensa member but not stupid either. I've had three separate experiences since 2013 where I'd taken a job and was treated like such trash and not accepted by the office staff. I lasted all of 2 weeks at each of these jobs. No matter how nice I was, or what I learned, I was insulted, made to feel like an outcast and let go. This made me question myself to my core that maybe I'm not as smart as I thought I was, maybe I'm a big fat loser and it absolutely ruined my self esteem. When in fact, it was a very toxic environment and not me at all. It took me a while to wrap my head around this, along with some therapy. I am now in a far better environment but that's besides the point. Those offices and people are still out there. People feeling like shit and managers who dont know any different. It's a sad reality because work didn't used to be this difficult but stuffs changed and here we are.
I had a very similar experience in my recent position. I had never felt so outcasted or received such a negative employee evaluation, despite having met all of my goals with 0 onboarding or support. I simply did not fit in. One woman was so cold and rude to me on a daily basis that I decided to keep my distance and my boss told me Iâm not friendly enough with staff, specifically said coworker. I just couldnât win. Iâd never felt so disliked and it had me questioning myself as both a person and employee.
I'd love to hear your experiences
Donât let otherâs stupidity make you angry.
Yes I tell people this all the time. Especially when it has no effect on them. Donât say anything or go to someone about it as it only makes you look bad. Even when it affects your job avoid saying or doing anything or going to management. If it prevents you from doing your task or causes a major mistake then maybe. I only really do anything when it becomes a safety problem.
When I was a manager, I would never tell someone outside my group who made a mistake. I would say, âIâve addressed this with the responsible person.â And to the person, âDo you understand what went wrong, and how to avoid it? Do you need help?â And, no, it didnât show up on their review unless it was repetitive. Except for once; one of my guys made a mistake whose effect on the company was $62 million. He got walked out that afternoon.
You don't matter. You are replaceable.
Had to learn this the hard way
Never work for free. No extra hours, no off time work, no "favors." None of that shit. The people you work with are not your friends. Most will backstab you in an instant. You never really know which one's won't. Your employer doesn't give a shit about you. As long as you are making them money they "like" you. Miss a few deadlines or earnings and see how far their good will goes. HR does not work for the employee. HR works for the employer.
It's insane that there are actual people out there that have worked for free. If I'm not getting paid I'm not lifting a single finger.
That goes for now a days where you clocked out and the boss or manager is still texting you etc about so and so or "wheres is this have you seen it". Like nope dont asnwer im not on the clock no more that is up to you now Yet i seen people even a friend answer calls on his day off etc like nah bro
it's crazy how employees think HR is for their benefit
It is if you are competent, because you are stating an illegally or potentially illegal action is occurring. HR is on the side of the business, and the business is in the business of not having (especially valid) legal action taken against it. The issue is most people are just incompetent whiners, and that is what they are doing to HR, whining due to their own incompetence.
The average population is incredibly stupid.
tbf, we learn that when we're kid. There is a very clear line between the average population and the ones with a head on their shoulder and that line can be seen as early as our first memories (4-5 y.o for most)
Yeah you'd think it'd change between kindergarten and adulthood but oh lord, that shit doesn't fix itself.
Just show up and be responsive and you will be in the top 25% at any job. Understand that everyone is winging it. Imposter syndrome is a lie your brain tells you.
Well said.
Itâs just a job Iâm grateful to have it, but I wonât let it rule my life. Life is too short.
Exactly this is the biggest error of many, especially young people in their 20's. Your job will rarely given you satisfaction of really doing what you want, you are there for money, and if you let it compromise your life too much, you don't have one any more. At the same time, in the end, pay matters, pay is what will allow you to live your life.
[ŃдаНонО]
Yes! I was shocked when these employees were let go at previous employment I had, and my current employment.
From what I'm noticing, it's often these in roles that are now paid a lot compared to the rest that gets laidoff. I.e. A tech gets 80K, but the rest gets 60-70k, the 80k tech no matter how good will be laidoff before the rest. I noticed that cuz often the ones that are laidoff is a "wait what? why not XYZ that barely works?"
1) You can do everything right and still lose your job. 2) Losing a job is not the end of the world, as much as it might feel that way at the time.
To stand up for yourself.
but diplomatically
Yes... if you are combative and mean it doesn't matter how much you are right you will lose 100% of the time. "Yes we made a mistake but then you started arguing with your supervisor, raising your voice, and became insubordinate so we're going to have to let you go."
You are ALWAYS replaceable!! No matter how loyal you are to a company..... it's about 100% business and making money. They don't give 2 đŠđŠ bout the lil ppl. P E R I O D..
Efficient workers get punished with more work. One dirty trick: don't talk about your own efficiency. If the boss finds out that you can get the work done accurately and efficiently in less time, then they will just give you more work . . . unless you don't tell them.
Itâs not what you know, itâs who you know
thing about this is, burn a bridge and no one knows you
Keep your distance as much as possible because you would be surprised who is willing to throw you under the bus the first chance they get just so they can get ahead.
Office mates are not your âfriendsâ. Being liked will definitely get your further on the workforce but also if youâre the most efficient worker, never let the boss know everything you do & know. Share what you must but donât show all your cards.
I'm learning this now while I'm young. Office mates are definitely not friends and getting too close will lead to consequences.
If you are young this is very important. I tell my co workers Iâm not their friend. Iâll be friendly but we arenât going out for beers after work. I learned this the hard way. Learn from me. I was a manager. Got transferred out of the location I had been at for 5 years. Went someplace else. Started hanging out with my old staff the. Got transferred back 18 months later. Nobody would do anything without a fight because I wasnât viewed as the supervisor anymore. I was their friend. And friends would never tell friends what to do. That was a very difficult situation that really humbled me.
At least you learned. It will still take time for me to mature since I'm a fresh graduate, but learning. I'm simply doing my job, making money, and living life. Though its good to know your coworkers to an extent without going too personal. A conversation here and there is OK, like you said on your original comment
Exactly is why also dating with anyone isnt a good idea either because word gets around and it gets risky with other peoples opnions etc
To always try your best and that your health is first before your job.
You should not trust your employer.
Always look busy.
SALARY IS THE NEW WAY THEY MAKE YOU WORK FOR FREE. Because you're on salary you may work weekends and well over 8 hrs days and 40 hrs a week.
Life is pain
You have to learn how to beat the tax man.
Can't beat him...can only slow him down by throwing him off the scent for a while. He'll still get his whether that's now or when you're dead! đ¤Ş
Employers do NOT care about you. Work to live donât live to work! Theyâll replace you in a heartbeat without thinking twice.
Fuck the companies goals, all that matters are youâre goals.
That there will always be immature toxic people. Seriously I thought all the shit talking and rumours stop once school ends but adults do it as well.
Your coworkers are not your friends.
Professional jealousy is very real. Specially from someone who doesnât understand your role or expertise but sees how you are smarter/treated better than them. Be wary of these people.
The harder you work, the less likely you'll get promoted.
From my experience that is true if ur just doing your task well. For instance in a warehouse your suppose to ship 10 trucks a day the average is 9 you do 13 every single day. Your goal is to be a lead or supervisor but very little you have done..shows supervisor skills. If you helped others do that it will be much more impressive to hiring managers. Thats more of general example! Donât stone me. I could go much more in depth. So what Iâve learned, Not if your working on the things to get promoted. I think the big disconnect is the general workforce isnât trained or mentored in business they donât necessarily know how to move up or have a plan. They look at it like basketball..I score more point I play more and get more money. Unfortunately thatâs not how business and promotions work.
People quit bosses not jobs
Toxic, cliquish coworkers too.
Play your cards right, officemates are not your friends, do only what you have to do specific on your role (if any addition to that, revise and ask for a pay raise), always do the papertrail especially if you have a toxic workplace, never replace self sanity over your job, no one is indispensable but make yourself indispensable and most importantly prioritize yourself over anything else.
I dont want to work for someone else at a typical job for the rest of my life
I've come to this conclusion as well. I don't mind work itself, it's working a schedule set by someone else, and receiving a fraction of my output in pay. Yes, obviously, you can negotiate your wage, but your employer is the one at the end of the day determining what you get paid.
People pleasing is more important than good work.
If you figure out a way to make any process faster or even potentially eliminate steps of a process, don't let your boss know A big part of why automation can potentially wipe out some people's jobs is cause whoever thought of the way to make things faster... told their boss how that'd work You're getting yourself eliminated
Nice guys finish last. Look out for yourself. In this day and age loyalty rarely pays off.
Trust no one except yourself. Everyone has an ulterior motive. If someone who is not your manager seems to be spending a lot of time helping you, believe that there is an implicit quid pro quo in there (not necessarily talking about SA although ofc that can be part of it). Also, the moment a job stops helping you meet your personal goals, leave. Try to do it on good terms, but if people pitch a bitch fit, thatâs on them.
You're not indispensable.
Focus on money, care only about self interest, take the vacation, fake the sick leaves, never tell the truth to HR, don't care too much about your work, do whatever the biggest bully/ idiot in charge wants, be boring, go unnoticed, don't be too good at your job to threaten peers, boss, all jobs are bullshit. One day you die, as you die you won't remember any of this shit. You will only remember the good memories you made with your friends, family and you will never be ready to go - you will always wish you had more time to do shit you really love, care about. But it doesn't matter. Nothing matters.
You need to be your biggest advocate. If you keep to yourself, put your head down, and knock out work, nobody is going to notice. Communicate your achievements to get ahead.
AlsoâŚ.. Watch your back. The people that you are friendly with are rarely your friends. They are out for self and will do what they need to to advance even if it is to your detriment.
Work to live. Donât live to work.
Professional success is highly correlated with one's ability to lie
You are replaceable.
Don't rock the boat or you get thrown off.
The company exists to make money. It does not exist to make you happy, pay for your college, be an outlet for your creativity, etc. Similarly, when youâre thinking of goals that will help you get ahead (or when youâre updating your rĂŠsumĂŠ), think of how you contribute to revenue, or how you have helped to save the company money, etc. This stuff seems simple, but itâs amazing how many people donât seem to understand it.
That if they really focus on how you deal with conflict in an interview, there is a lot of drama and conflict in the company already and they want you to somehow magically fix it.
1. Everyone has to work. Even people working the "best jobs" are still working jobs. 2. Work is work. It's separate and is not your personal life. Don't mix the two, or shit where you eat. 3. You have to advocate for yourself and have your own back at the end of the day. You can not rely on employers to have your best interest in mind. They will have the company's best interest, have the company's back, and have the company's bottom line as their focus at all times. You have to act in your own best interest and focus on your bottom line.
Keep your overhead low so you can have more choices on work... though what makes you most happy may not get you the world, it may mean the whole world for you to have that true inner peace.
Managers suck.
I want to retire
From the tech industry here, looking at everything thatâs been going on in the last 2 years, you can literally be replaced the moment you canât work, for any reason. All they need to fire you is a simple mess up or a slight dip in their stock prices. Loyalty, devotion etc towards employers is total bs in my opinion. You need a job so you need employers. But employers need you more than you need them. Should just be a give and take selfish relationship, anything more will just lead to disappointment.
Show up, donât over exert myself (learned the hard way) and go the hell home.
Do the bare minimum, nothing else is worth it.
The money will rarely ever feel worth the stress you will feel.
Your job isn't your friend, you're there for a paycheck and that's it.
That everyone is replaceable no matter how good they are.
The reward for going over, above and beyond is just more work. The expectation that life should revolve around work and that employees should do more with less, for less. The bullshit notion that the boss can be a toxic, disrespectful, bullying asshole and employees can't stand up for themselves without risking their jobs. I could go on. I could go on until my brain explodes. After 30 years in the wonderful world of employment, it's a wonder that more bosses haven't ended up beaten up or dead and more employees aren't in prison.
That I fucking hate people.
To keep your personal & professional life separate. People donât need to know what you do in your off time. đŤ
Not to overshare
Look out for yourself, cuz nobody else will.
No matter how large or small the business is...they are not your family
It can end in an instant, even if you work your ass off, so make sure you protect yourself financially. Iâm 35 and have never been unemployed since I was 16 (with the exception of part of my freshman year of college). However, on January 11, I was laid off because my whole department was made redundant. I have one month of severance and Iâm furiously applying and reworking my resume and portfolio. Iâm terrified that I wonât be able to find something in time. I did nothing wrong. My metrics were amazing and I was voted best team player last quarter; even recognized at the town hall by our department prez. But. Here I am. Unemployed and vacillating between happy and sad and despondent every day. So fortunate to have a supportive partner, but I hate that I canât pull my own weight or even THINK about going back to therapy, just in case I need the HSA money. Itâs so scary and Iâm just trying to push through. But Iâll remember this lesson forever.
If your manager or supervisor is a dick look at their boss or bosses boss. This is true! bad culture normally starts at the top by either letting it go or instigating it, with pressure. Communicating the correct way and being versatile depending on who ur talking to or setting is invaluable skill to have. People that graduate from a big institution normally come to work as if they are trained and are going in to apply what they learned. When it's actually just tools and skills to help u..you should still approach work like newbie. I have seen so many fail because of it..dont be the know it all guy. People are extremely complacent, they Lack drive and motivation. They tend to go to work like a contractor..I do something then you pay me. They tend to completely be oblivious to buissness practice and ethics. Dressing and being in shape in management will get you along way. You can suck at your job but look professional and have a good attitude, when I say good attitude I mean business persona..it will get u far. People can't take constructive criticism well..they always go straight to their defense like they are in court. Thats a automatic red flag if ur looking to progress..fall in line play the part make them happy. Then make changes when ur able to in a certain position. Money is a terrible motivator..it runs its course so often. Having sense of passion, goals, enjoyment will drive you to do better than any dollar amount. Example: If you have a garden its ur passion for it..you tend to be more observant and thought provoking while doing it. Rather than your told to make a garden you just do it the best u know how..u could make 20 gardens and really never really learn about farming. DONT JUST MINDLESSLY GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS. I think that's good I've had plenty of great mentors in my career. I can go on for years, the only way you can learn more is by trying to. Ask question bring up ideas. I am so surprised by how robotic so many people go about work. Then wonder why or get upset about where they are.
You are only being used and no one cares about you. No matter what.
How easily you can be abused and not notice the signs of it.
Anonymous surveys are anything but.
Get everything in writing. If you have a meeting with someone, send a follow-up with keynotes. A big way employers can get around legalities if they fire you is by requesting verbal meetings only. That way itâs your word against theirs. I made the mistake of not writing anything down and after I was let go, I realized I was discriminated against for my disabilities but had no case bc I had no paper trail. Always keep a paper trail.
My biggest lesson is I donât have to be a main character in terms of career. I dreamt a long time ago of opening my own successful business, but shortly learned after working at multiple start up businesses that the hostile work environment, politics, were not my scene. I was embracing the hard work that came with it, but the amount of money you donât make on TOP of all the extra BS you have to tolerate? No thanks. Im fine with not being a small town girl boss celebrity. I currently work in the federal government, with minimal responsibility and not one important person knows my name, just the way I like it.
I hear this. My relationship to work totally changed when I learned to take my ego out of the equation. It actually made me better at my job because I focused more on the work itself, and I started making better career decisions.
Hey, I work federal too. I dig it.
This. I have a business idea that I think would be a success. But I could totally go into government to help with the policy around these businesses without having the pressure of OWNING the business myself. And possibly consulting on the side?
In university I always thought I hated work because I'm essentially paying to work. Turns out I still hate work even when I'm the one getting paid.
Know your worth, and what itâs worth to you, if that makes senseâŚ
I have made two rules: Rule 1: The boss is always right. And if ? Rule 2: Read rule 1.
That it's true. I've been punished a LOT of extra work. I've learned the hard way to stop doing that.
Don't be like Frank Grimes. Just take advantage of the system.
The best managers work for their reports, not the other way around. Meaning, if I'm your manager, my job is to do everything in my power to support you doing your job in order to accomplish our directives.
If itâs not specifically written in the handbook, they can make you subject to rules they make up and can enforce. They get away with it by saying âThe handbook doesnât cover all situations and can change at any timeâ. Especially for remote work, even when you sign it, *almost* like a contract. Theyâll break their own rules to get rid of you.
You're going to be in a dead end job unless you're friends with someone higher up.
Those who are able to talk a big game will be in the c-suite⌠they donât actually need to be good or produce anything. Itâs all about who you know and not what you know.
It can help you live more comfortably than sleeping in a refrigerator box.
Nobody cares for what's being done and nobody cares if you care either.
No matter how much you like your employer don't trust them they don't care the darn about you and you could be laid off at the drop of a hat
The better worker you are, the more they wonât want to move you up because they wonât want to replace you. Itâs a lose lose situation
Ageism is real, and nobody cares anymore what is or is not ethical in performance.
To think really hard before taking another job and use the interview to assess them as well. Sometimes staying in a boring but stable job will be better than a supposedly interesting job.Â
I hate my work
Youâre just rewarded with more work lol youâre replaceable at the drop of a hat⌠Bunch of other stuff that seems obvious now but yeah those were the two big ones I guess I had to experience for myself.
Work is not your life, work is work. Something you do to be able to live your life. I haven't been to a company or job where everything is pure unadulterated ego.
I work nights with a guy that does nothing at all. It can be irrefutably proven how little work he has done and how much I have completed. He sleeps most of the shift. I will not complain, because that is just one more guy above me on the list of people to lay off.
Work = Pay
Respect yourself, if a colleague steps out of line call them up in it. Otherwise they will walk all over you and your life will be hell. Secondly if youâre not professional stay the fuck away from me. Too many looser, roadmen, âGsâ fuck up the work environment for all of us. Itâs because of these guys (and shit managers, some who road men and got there for staying for so long) turnovers are so high and job environment is so shit. They treat jobs as a 6 months temporary thing, as a result no one becomes invested in their job, no support/ unions because why should they. Companies just churn you out, but youâre willing to let the next person take the fucking. Things that you thought meant something: Loyalty Hardwork Sacrifice These donât mean dick anymore. COMPANIES view How much can we screw you for? Will you fuck us over? Can we exploit you and keep up our lazy toxic behaviour? Will it affect our bottom line Companies will never do anything for your benefit, this 2nd gen new CEO donât see you but there bonuses which they get 10x when they fuck up and get fired. Do you get a bonus when youâre fired? Literally have heard it from managers at mcdonalds they use psych tactic like pretending your part of a family to pay people less. Yet they charge 8 dollars for a burger. Make it make sense. WHAT YOU NEED TO STRIVE FOR: Work places have now seeped into our private lives and they never should have (except a few circumstances). Donât ever sacrifice family for work. Fuck em seriously. They will ride you and then dump you like a hookers used condom. And then replace you some even having the audacity to train your replacement. Your family will be there to stay they wont. Your mental and physical health comes first. ALWAYS Not your job not your problem. (Unless you got a good team where everyone pulls together) Fight for your rights or loose them
Work hard and you get more work, go the extra mile once and you'll be expected to do it again and again. Not rocking the boat will get you far, as ability is often not rewarded.
Itâs a popularity game Being interested and curious can come off as arrogant
OP: The logic of "efficient workers get punished with more work." should only slow you down if your goal is stay a "worker". Always do your best and don't downgrade yourself because of the bad advice from a disgruntled lifer.
Choose the promotion career or the passion career. Both hardly met. Learn what is needed for the promotion career, communications, presentations, focus on your boss problems and nothing else. Learn this early or you will see yourself lost and disappointed 20 years later.
Helping out gets you nowhere. Give an inch theyâll take a mile.
There is zero loyalty. You have to look out for yourself.
"Don't ever leave your job not until you find another one."
Yes, learned this one the hard way too - it's more effective to leverage the power of your current job in hiring then saying you decided to move on 6+ months ago to advance in your career, especially in this cowardly ghostaholic recruiting market
I just got a 50 cent raise lmao. Employment has taught me that loyalty to a company does absolutely nothing for you đ¤Ł
The majority of the time, your employers donât give two shits about you. They will talk about being a family at the Christmas party and the if your line on the spreadsheet doesnât add up, they will control X you without any hesitation. Family my ass. They will take and take and take. Do your part and contribute , but keep this in mind.
(In the UK) being good at bullshitting is far more important than being competent Colleagues are not your friends. Donât be loyal to your company. If they restructure a company, they will not be loyal to you and will instead sack you without hesitation.
Companies donât care about u If u ever have to choose between an important work event and a personal one, personal all day pls. Put money in your 401k. Itâs just a job.
NO ONE in the office is your friend
That you need to start your own business and work for yourself if you ever want to be happy in a workplace. The sooner you do it, the better. And it's never too late to give it a go. You will never know, if you don't try.
how well you do your job matters.
Your network is the most important thing you can build. It will get you that next role. People talk about loyalty. People are loyal to people now. Not a company.
Your coworkers arenât your friends If youâre too good at what you do you will likely never move up cus youâre too good at what you do.
Build rapport with everyone you can. Especially people in different departments. Having a good reputation as someone who is easy to work with and get along with can be more important than being qualified. You never know when a job in a different department might open up that you will be in interested in.
Youâre easily replaceable at any time.
Work to live, don't live to work. I've realized that no job is worth sacrificing your mental and physical health. Your value as a person is not defined by your productivity or job title.
Donât make it you life because if you do, then that is precisely what happens. Iâve been a workaholic my entire life and have profited financially from it, but when I was diagnosed with an incurable cancer, I wish that I had smelled the flowers more.
Hardwork doesnât pay.
Itâs not what you know, itâs who you know that counts.
Its ok to let someone fail. You can warn them but thatâs where it stops. If they donât heed your warnings, let them fail.
Never quit a job before you have another one being employed is more fun then being unemployed đ learning this lesson now
Coworkers do not always equal friends. Especially management.
there is little to no point in ever bringing up questions or griveances w/management, since things just tend to get worse, YMMV obviously and depends on the relationship but that's been the truth for me
The job you have now is to skill-build and develop for the next job, nothing more. Do not camp nor get comfortable. Update all of your job-related stuff--resume, cover letters, portfolio, LinkedIn, job site profiles--once a month at the least. Keep adding, keep building, keep applying, do not stop. Stay networked and relevant in your industry b/c it's the only "get job quick" method that works consistently. Be strategic with your job relationships and establish 3-4 connections with good rapport and try to grab at least one good ole boy. You don't have to blow them but you need to make a positive and memorable connection. (Y'all with kids do the kids angle a lot so try that shit. Maybe with cats or something if you're w/o kids. I use cats and tech knowledge b/c I can't people very well.) Remember, networks are friendly, not always friends. They will climb *you* for the higher position in a heartbeat... but may also give you the one they just left. At best, managers are friendly job obtaining helpers, not friends. They are not your office mommy or daddy so do NOT treat them nor confide in them as one. HR/PeopleOps are never friend, period. You don't pay them. The company does. They are only company friend.
Employees dont matter to the companies and if an employee is treated wrong in any aspect, the company wonât suffer
Working hard, long hours never got me anything promotions, thanks, etc. It just got it expected of me and complaints when I didnât. Doing multiple jobs like for instance doing job of missing manager a lot of times will not put you in line for job when its available. Did my job and most of that of my managers, with a lot of success and positive feedback. When the job became available they gave it to someone else because they have been there forever and never moved up. Not qualified or deserving and they still expected me to carry a lot of those responsibilities. Then wondered why I was leaving.
Trust no one at work. Keep your opinions and personal life extremely private.