Re: Bruised Ego at Work

You're welcome, Raynbo. Regarding the parking space---when you were hired, did you get anything in writing about it? Something in the letter with the job offer? Or was it just given verbally? If it is the latter, then the boss could always lie and say he never said that.

For me, anyway, it's hard to give some good advice on what to say. The reason it's hard is that each office has its own personality when it comes to the BS of office politics. Think back to a time when you spoke up about something in this office you're presently in and how the boss reacted to what you said. It doesn't have to be something major---even his reaction to something minor would be very telling. If he reacted well and addressed your concerns, then you could think about bringing up the parking situation. However, if he tends to ignore your concerns or reacts badly, then it may be best not to say anything.

I remember one office I worked in where the other secretaries figured out that I got my work done on time. They, on the other hand, would spend their mornings socializing with each other and then in the afternoon complain to their bosses about how much work they had to do. Soon their bosses were coming to my boss and asking if I could help their secretaries with their work! After having enough of all this, I had a talk with my boss and told her what was going on. I also let her know that I'm glad to help out if someone is out sick or on vacation. However, it was different when people did nothing most of the day and then wanted help. My boss went to her boss and I stopped getting dumped on. But I paid the price for that. The senior secretary suddenly would "forget" to tell me about meetings or other important happenings. When I would ask her, she would play innocent "Oh, I didn't tell you? I'm sorry, I forgot!" Riiiight!

I once knew a woman in another work setting. She was 59 and working part-time not because she needed the money but for something to do. Her husband was retired and they were well off. She told me that at her age (I was in my 30s at the time) she didn't care about what people thought about her, she was just going to speak up if something at work bothered her. And she did speak up! Plus she never had any negative consequences for doing so. However, most of us can't do that because we work because we need the money.

I know this is long but I just wanted to give you some examples. If you think the boss would be receptive to hearing your concerns, then do talk to him. If you think he won't want to hear it or you think that speaking up will have negative consequences for you, then, IMO, it's best to say nothing. Just keeping doing a good job and watching the want ads. Even though times are tough right now, job openings do still come up. It sounds like you have lots of experience so that is a plus.

Good luck with everything. Do know you are not alone. Dealing with office politics is very stressful! Tweet