| Topic Name: |
All I want is a thank you... |
| Message Name: |
All I want is a thank you |
| 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!
|
| Message: |
I had a similar experience to yours early in my career. I accepted a job working for a "hyperpowered executive" who was very much of a TYPE A personality. I quickly learned that our personalities were a mismatch and that the job was not the right fit for me, basically because our personalities were not compatible. Eventually, I transferred to a different boss within the same department and was much happier. Your boss may be so consumed with what he is doing that he is unaware of his lack of appreciation for your efforts. Continue to do the job to the best of your ability, try to improve in areas where you are weak, and ask for feedback. But if you are really miserable, come to terms with it. Have a candid but polite discussion with your boss. If things aren't working out, see if there is another area in the company where your talents and skills can be used. Trust me, life is too short to be miserable in a job and it won't work unless you can have a good working relationship with your boss. I wish you all the best.
|
|
