[Aviza]

I have something to address. Sorry, I've really have been trying to wait for you to return from your vacation. But I need to bring this up. I have a problem with how I'm being treated, and feel it's related to my age. As really that is the main difference I have determined between me and my co-workers.

You see in my eyes, training has been favored toward Megan (not her real name) who started the same day, yet I have not been allowed to develop my skills as readily. I really had to do a lot of learning on my own, or jumping into something without being truly shown the correct way to go about it. Work duty for example, read the sheet was the answer I was given when I asked how to do it.

I do understand Megan is a genius, and learns more quickly. But the favoritism I've been seeing is challenging me. I've never experienced a work environment like this, and I have worked with all ages , intellects, and cultures.

As far as the duties, once I figured out what to do it's much smoother, still have questions but I've essentially given up asking. I know there's more to learn, and I want to be learning it, but I am getting frustrated. Yes I may have been shown something once but sometimes you have to ask twice to fully grasp a concept.

Not having access to look up things, relying on others for information is a hard thing for me. Lost two clients I can remember because they wanted information NOW, I couldn't look them up to see their form and they hung up refusing to answer questions for a call back.

Sorry to interrupt your trip. I just feel this needs to be brought to your attention.

*Removed obvious signs of work.

So should I inform boss or just bite my tongue?

[hvert]

I would wait for the boss to get back and have a conversation.

[Perna]

I would talk to the boss rather than give him a note, too. I would try to think of more specific questions I had also. I would try to make myself "How to do X" sheets of instructions if that is what you want; "read the sheet" and write specific questions you still have and then ask those questions of whomever. Don't think about the clients you have lost being new and unsure how to look things up; think of it as now knowing some of the sorts of questions clients might ask so you can familiarize yourself with the information for the next client.

It could be that Megan needs more help than you do, not that she's so smart or able. It could be because of your age they think you can figure things out better, you have had more experience in life/this line of work? Megan could be making even more mistakes than you are.

[Aviza]

Megan is getting advanced training, and I'm being told I have to basically be perfect before I can advance. Whereas she's far from perfect. I feel age discrimination is occurring and looking into it they advise bringing it to HR (no clue if they have one only 25 people work there), or your supervisor, don't have one of those either (new guy is starting as supervisor in a week).

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Note, bad, bad idea, marks you out as a wee bit odd, but by all means make some private notes to get things straight in your head before speaking to the gaffer.

Have a talk with the guv'nor when they return. And make it positive along the lines of 'I have been thinking about how to develop my skills and knowledge, I would appreciate your guidance...' They may well have been wanting to say something to you so make it easy for them. You may not like what they say but so it goes, you just have grin and bear it.

It is tough (and poor management, but for heave's sake don't say that) when people have to learn as they go along. As well as the 'sheet' does your firm have brochures, written operating procedures and reports - read these so you have a good background knowledge and will be less likely to be caught out (and can ask better questions).

However you are clearly a person of experience and wisdom, so use those to get up with young Megan. Have a notebook, make your own notes along the lines of the very sound advice above from Perna, and then you won't have to ask twice.

[Aviza]

I haven't even been given basic supplies. However Megan's desk is fully suited. I brought my own pen cup, don't have drawers, no notepad or anything that I myself haven't provided. Since walking off the job is common there, I know the young trainer and others are pushing me to do the same.

The reason I'd rather do a note is I do better with writing than speaking my thoughts. I see this as age discrimination, not even to mention I have a disability.

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Since walking off the job is common there, I know the young trainer and others are pushing me to do the same. Why would they do that?

[pegasus]

Wait until your boss gets back and talk face to face. Do not compare yourself to others. You have very valid points but theses points need to be about you, not about someone else. Nothing wrong in asking for more training and not just from a bit of paper, that shows you have real interest in getting it right. Work on you.

[growlycat]

Try writing a version of this that does not mention "Megan". Your end goal really is to get training so ask for what you want and list how it will make you a better employee.

This letter may make them focus on the wrong thing and see you as the problem. If favoritism continues you can address this at a later date. I worry that the favoritism thing although most likely true, doesn't serve you well to bring it up.

It may work out better for you to just ask for what you want.

[growlycat]

and ps talk to a lawyer about the age discrimination but I wouldn't bring it up right away at work. Only at a later date if they don't respond to your legitimate requests