| Topic Name: |
All I want is a thank you... |
| Message Name: |
Try relaxing a little! |
| Date Posted: |
03/26/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
I just started a new job. But with the way the economy is, I'm walking on eggshells, thinking that if I mess up, I'm out the door with nary a bat of the eye.
I'm basically an assistant to a hyper-powered entertainment executive who rarely says a kind word, barely a thank you. I can't gage the quality of my work because all I get are criticisms. There's virtually no training program here so I'm forced to learn everything the hard way, as everybody is too busy to lend a hand. Inevitably, I mess up, and I'm super hard on myself whenever this happens.
I have a steely work ethic. I'm serious. Educated. Easy to get along with. I've put in 36 hours in three days, taking only smoke breaks and no lunches. I'm the first one in the office, and the last to leave.
I just feel like without the positive reinforcement I'm going to be constantly paranoid about losing my new job. I've asked my boss if there are areas I could improve in, and he was noncommital in the conversation and vague. So I'm definitely making an effort.
I love the people I work with and am excited about the industry I'm in. I'm just trying to figure out if there's anything I can do about the situation or if I should brush all this off as simply having to pay my dues. Help!
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| Message: |
First of all, NO ONE'S job is secure right now; you could lose your job tomorrow if the company for which you work is having financial difficulties.
Secondly, you might actually be driving your boss and co-workers crazy with your insecurity.
Thirdly, it's very common for bosses to not recognize the value of a "thank you" -- who knows why they aren't trained to show appreciation, or why, if they are so trained, they forget about it. But the point is, they DON'T always say "thanks" or "good job" or anything of that nature. It sounds like your boss is one who will only tell you if something goes wrong.
The one thing you might discuss with your boss is the lack of training -- if you can identify specific skills you need to learn to adequately do your job, let him know you need training in these areas. Don't just run to your co-workers; make it HIS priority so he lets them know they must take time to train you.
Other than that, you might try taking some fitness classes to work off some of your stress. Best of luck!
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