[Mountaindewed]

I started my new job on Friday. When I walked into the break room, I was very nervous. I also had been up since 12:20. I said hi to the women sitting at the table and she said to me”why are you so dull?” I had never been talked to like that by one of my coworkers so I was taken aback. I worked with her a few minutes later, and she was very friendly and helpful.

It’s just a different atmosphere then my last job. The last job was at a high end retail store. This job is at a reduced funiture and other stuff store. I just have to get used to it.

I work in the back and everyone swears and is loud and laughs a lot. The work is easier then my last job so I understand the work and I caught on to things quickly

It’s just the social part I’m struggling with. I think it’s noticeable too. At break one of my coworkers said “when people are around us who are not used to us they act kind of stupid” I think it was directed to me, but I’m not sure. I’m the only new person.

How do I deal with the social part of this job? Should I just loosen up? How do I do that?

At $10 an hour and 20-30 hours a week, this job is what I want and need. I am just worried I won’t be accepted.

[Foo Fighter]

Wow....they need to cut you some slack because you are new and you don't know the social ins and outs quite yet. What that coworker said was very rude, you're new and trying to adjust socially, it isn't easy. Try to avoid that coworker as much as you can ( they sound horrid and if you can't really avoid them, don't give them material they could use against you). Is there a co worker who you feel a bit more comfortable around? If there is try and seek them out for advice. Also do your very best at your job (I know you are doing this already but keep it up, this will help). Best of wishes.

[reb569]

It sounds more like they have an issue, not you. I don't think you need to change what you are doing. You've tried to communicate, their response is strange. You've already learned the job and it's a job that gives you what you need. I'd say just see how it goes over time. Maybe there isn't a lot of turnover there and they just aren't sure how to relate to new employees.

[rechu]

I agree, it sounds like they have the issues not you. I'd say just try to be polite and focus on doing your job well.

For my current job I had to work in the office for 3 months to train and I found it very cliqueish. I mean, the people in the press section really seemed to think they were superior and barely would say hi to those of us who are researchers, even though we're all part of the content department. I'd never really seen that before and didn't ever get used to it. At least I work from home now, so I don't have to deal with that these days.

[seesaw]

Wow. I agree with Rechu and Reb that they have a problem, not you. You are absolutely correct that they are weird coworkers. What those two said to you was downright rude and offensive. That's not how you greet a new co-worker. You are just getting the lay of the land and learning people's personalities, so no, you aren't swearing and making untasteful jokes.

If I was in that situation, I would just ignore them, do my work, and just be polite and congenial but not attempt any kind of friendship. Those are the kind of people that will talk about you behind your back and cause all sorts of drama, and stab you in the back.

It sounds like otherwise, it's a good job for you, so just focus on doing your work and making your supervisor happy and to hell with those moron coworkers.

Seesaw

[Mountaindewed]

Things went better today. I think we just have to get used to eachother.

There are a lot of people in other departments who have introduced them self’s and have told me to ask them if I have any questions. The managers are really nice too.

I have a problem with dwelling on the 1 or 2 people who I “think” don’t like me, instead of focusing on the tons of people who are nice and helpful.

[reb569]

Originally Posted by Bozdickens

Things went better today. I think we just have to get used to eachother.

There are a lot of people in other departments who have introduced them self’s and have told me to ask them if I have any questions. The managers are really nice too.

I have a problem with dwelling on the 1 or 2 people who I “think” don’t like me, instead of focusing on the tons of people who are nice and helpful.

New jobs are always hectic and stressful at first. Just keep doing what you are doing and everything will work out.

[William Munny]

My co-workers pick on me all the time. I try to ignore it but it's gotten to the point I can't work at my job anymore. It's hard because I can't deny what they say about me.
Makes me something of an outcast.

I've gotten pretty far in life without being called out for being crazy/wierd. But now I face it everyday at work.

I'm praying I can leave with my head held high. I'm afraid it might be too late for that.

Good luck with your co-workers, I'm running away from mine.

[reb569]

Originally Posted by William Munny

My co-workers pick on me all the time. I try to ignore it but it's gotten to the point I can't work at my job anymore. It's hard because I can't deny what they say about me.
Makes me something of an outcast.

I've gotten pretty far in life without being called out for being crazy/wierd. But now I face it everyday at work.

I'm praying I can leave with my head held high. I'm afraid it might be too late for that.

Good luck with your co-workers, I'm running away from mine.

That really sucks. It sounds like your co-workers need some tough life lessons. Does your supervisor know this is going on?

[William Munny]

Yea, My supervisor hears it. won't do **** all about it unless I complain. but If I do, It'd be worse for me there. The best thing for me to do is leave. find something else. hopefully better people.

[Mountaindewed]

Things have been MUCH better this week. On the other hand, I’ve been by myself all afternoon and evening everyday this week. So maybe it’s just because I’ve been by myself. I was a little pissed at the start of the week because I was by myself and everyone else was getting ready to leave or had been long gone, but it wasn’t bad. I finished everything I was assigned, and it was pretty peaceful.

[reb569]

Originally Posted by William Munny

Yea, My supervisor hears it. won't do **** all about it unless I complain. but If I do, It'd be worse for me there. The best thing for me to do is leave. find something else. hopefully better people.

I'm sorry to hear that. Some supervisors have no business being supervisors.

[William Munny]

Thanks Reb, but I don't blame the supervisor, He's a good guy.

And If it weren't for jerks like my co-worker, I'd still be living with the dysfunction I had for 15 years. I'm much happier and healthier now. And I owe that to a guy I hate.

[Pandasia]

I'm in a similar position, having started back at work about a year ago feeling very new and isolated at the time. You will find bonds with similar people as yourself as time goes by. For now just learn the job well, keep the boss happy and you'll be fine ☺

[Mountaindewed]

I don’t know. Tonight was weird. What I think might be going on is that they are trying to include me in there group, and I need to lighten up. They were all making fun of each other and not only me. And they were including me in there odd activities and behaviors. I think they might just be trying to include me, but in a strange way.