My workplace is toxic and negative?

PyschCentral_User25 · Jan 22, 2019 at 09:56 PM

Hi guys,

I recently just got a job while still being a high school student. I’ve discovered that there’s some gossiping and drama at work, and that not everyone is friendly and that my work environment is sort of negative and toxic.

On like the second or third day my manager got onto me for not doing something, but only because I was nervous and hesitant — while he wasn’t doing anything at all except cussing, having generic conversations with his “group of favorite employees” and using his phone.

I almost got pranked in a not so serious way, and was targeted picked on and was told how to clock out incorrectly. I found out later on had I done it that way, I wouldn’t have got my hours in to properly be paid.

I feel like my managers mock me — I try to be nice, polite, and smile. Our workplace needs some positivity. I try to thank everyone that works with me because I’m truly grateful for their help, and it’s just something a mature, and respectful person would do.

Does anyone have any advice or ideas about what I should?

Thanks.

Sorry that this was long.

Jan 22, 2019 at 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PyschCentral_User25

Hi guys,

I recently just got a job while still being a high school student. I’ve discovered that there’s some gossiping and drama at work, and that not everyone is friendly and that my work environment is sort of negative and toxic.

On like the second or third day my manager got onto me for not doing something, but only because I was nervous and hesitant — while he wasn’t doing anything at all except cussing, having generic conversations with his “group of favorite employees” and using his phone.

I almost got pranked in a not so serious way, and was targeted picked on and was told how to clock out incorrectly. I found out later on had I done it that way, I wouldn’t have got my hours in to properly be paid.

I feel like my managers mock me — I try to be nice, polite, and smile. Our workplace needs some positivity. I try to thank everyone that works with me because I’m truly grateful for their help, and it’s just something a mature, and respectful person would do.

Does anyone have any advice or ideas about what I should?

Thanks.

Sorry that this was long.

Is this a job you have to keep? My advice is to learn all you can - especially about how to manage in a toxic work environment because it’s everywhere. The better you can cope and navigate in this environment, the better off you’ll be in your long-term career because you will know how to get along with everybody... you’ll spot trouble a mile away and be able to avoid it. That’s my best advice. Sounds like you’re intelligent and will be able to get another job when you choose to... especially as you gain some work experience....so just learn how to deal with these toxic people. They’re not nearly as powerful as they seem...

PyschCentral_User25 · Jan 22, 2019 at 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sisabel

Is this a job you have to keep? My advice is to learn all you can - especially about how to manage in a toxic work environment because it’s everywhere. The better you can cope and navigate in this environment, the better off you’ll be in your long-term career because you will know how to get along with everybody... you’ll spot trouble a mile away and be able to avoid it. That’s my best advice. Sounds like you’re intelligent and will be able to get another job when you choose to... especially as you gain some work experience....so just learn how to deal with these toxic people. They’re not nearly as powerful as they seem...

Hey,

Thanks for replying so fast to me. Yeah — I’m trying to make it a positive experience. I have two managers I “like” and I feel I can sort of rely on and trust? This isn’t a job I have to keep, thankfully. It makes me scared that we live in such a nasty, dirty world. I mean like, I’m a teen and the fact that I feel I’m mature enough to respect people, yet I’m working with old, adults who are gossiping about people (from what I hear, I stay out of it) and complain — and then not appreciate the other employees work is hard.

I hope I can bring some positivity into the environment? I know it’s not my job, but I want to work in an environment that’s positive — and it’s just disgusting to be acting like that in such a low level job. I say that angrishly because I’m tired of how everyone treats each other, including me. And I know I sound harsh — but I’m tired of the times I’ve been mocked on, joked of, it’s crazy.

Thanks for your input, really — I appreciated it.

Jan 22, 2019 at 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PyschCentral_User25

Hey,

Thanks for replying so fast to me. Yeah — I’m trying to make it a positive experience. I have two managers I “like” and I feel I can sort of rely on and trust? This isn’t a job I have to keep, thankfully. It makes me scared that we live in such a nasty, dirty world. I mean like, I’m a teen and the fact that I feel I’m mature enough to respect people, yet I’m working with old, adults who are gossiping about people (from what I hear, I stay out of it) and complain — and then not appreciate the other employees work is hard.

I hope I can bring some positivity into the environment? I know it’s not my job, but I want to work in an environment that’s positive — and it’s just disgusting to be acting like that in such a low level job. I say that angrishly because I’m tired of how everyone treats each other, including me. And I know I sound harsh — but I’m tired of the times I’ve been mocked on, joked of, it’s crazy.

Thanks for your input, really — I appreciated it.

You’re very welcome. You’re already ahead of the game because you’ve figured out how it’s played and that it’s ugly and pointless. Keep being positive for your own sake but don’t worry if nobody else appreciates your positivity - they might and they might not. It’s good for you though. Good job already and you’re just getting started.

PyschCentral_User25 · Jan 23, 2019 at 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sisabel

You’re very welcome. You’re already ahead of the game because you’ve figured out how it’s played and that it’s ugly and pointless. Keep being positive for your own sake but don’t worry if nobody else appreciates your positivity - they might and they might not. It’s good for you though. Good job already and you’re just getting started.

Yeah -- you know, I have to be honest. I think I may have overthought some things. Like the first day my manager did use slang words with me, it's just when he "jokes" or "talks" his tone comes off as intimidating or rude if that makes any sense? Maybe my perception has changed as I reflect back? Again, or maybe he was being just straight up rude? I shouldn't assume since he hasn't straight up said things like "I don't like you". It's just things he's done or said that I feel makes it as he doesn't like me, therefore I feel like it's a negative work environment.

I'm trying to stay positive about things, I'm trying to spread positivity. I like to say thank you, I greet people by their names because I heard it's good, I smile at people. But I also feel doing that too much may make me come off vulnerable? Especially because I apologize a lot -- out of habit, it's also quick to say, and I genuinely feel sorry, like a lot haha.

But yeah, I hope things work out for me. But thanks for your input on this, I appreciate your time for reading over this.

Medusax · Jan 24, 2019 at 07:07 AM

Welcome to hell. I am a 53 year old woman and I work with many others my age or there around, and it is no different. There is more drama, "ganging up", and vicious gossip than there was in HS in my opinion. Just yesterday, two people who speak a different language were talking about me right in front of me. And neither one of them know me. Then later on one of them was trying to play and joke around with me. Today, I am going to confront her about it.

sarahsweets · Jan 24, 2019 at 07:35 AM

Are you still in HS? There are some pretty strict child labor laws that can protect you. If you are not still in HS can you see your HR department for workplace bullying?

BonsaiGuy · Jan 25, 2019 at 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PyschCentral_User25

Hi guys,

I recently just got a job while still being a high school student. I’ve discovered that there’s some gossiping and drama at work, and that not everyone is friendly and that my work environment is sort of negative and toxic.

On like the second or third day my manager got onto me for not doing something, but only because I was nervous and hesitant — while he wasn’t doing anything at all except cussing, having generic conversations with his “group of favorite employees” and using his phone.

I almost got pranked in a not so serious way, and was targeted picked on and was told how to clock out incorrectly. I found out later on had I done it that way, I wouldn’t have got my hours in to properly be paid.

I feel like my managers mock me — I try to be nice, polite, and smile. Our workplace needs some positivity. I try to thank everyone that works with me because I’m truly grateful for their help, and it’s just something a mature, and respectful person would do.

Does anyone have any advice or ideas about what I should?

Thanks.

Sorry that this was long.

Sounds like it may be time to get out of there. If it's as bad as you say and the managers are behaving like that, then it probably will not be getting better anytime soon.

You're in high school still. It may not seem like it, but you have plenty of opportunities to better you situation. Even if your current workplace is sinking, you don't have to go down with the ship. Consider this a lesson learned and get out of there to some place that makes you feel content.

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sarahsweets Threadtastic Postaholic Member Since Dec 2018 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,006 (SuperPoster!) 5 192 hugs given	Jan 24, 2019 at 07:35 AM #7 Are you still in HS? There are some pretty strict child labor laws that can protect you. If you are not still in HS can you see your HR department for workplace bullying? __________________ "I carried a watermelon?" President of the no F's given society.
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