Forum Post05/11/09 14:29Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA | Gabby the Clown  To say that we all need to rant about work is an understatement. We can't always rant to our co-workers because this has a nasty way of coming back to bite you in the rear. That is why bars were created. ~~
Most of us are very happy to have the jobs we have, especially given the economy, so why all the discontent at work? 90% has to do with irritating co-workers and bosses. I don't advocate drowning your sorrows at the local pubs every time you have a bad day at work, but I can see the value of it sometimes. I want something more immediate and not as expensive (both to your wallet and your physical healthy). So what to do? Let's talk about it and help get each other through. Maybe some of us will even learn things here, like things we thought we nothing but are perceived as a big deal to our co-workers. Others will just be able to vent it and release it to the wind. That can really help.
Here is my rant for today - see if you agree...
Gabby the Clown - defined as an otherwise competent employee, who spends way too much time on their cell phone that it is embarrassing. People, if you have to bring your phone charger to work to keep your phone charged because you are on it so much that the battery wears down over an 8-hour shift, that should be a clue to you that you may need to check yourself. If your co-workers know your ring tones and complain that the song is stuck in their head all day, there is another clue. Nothing wrong with having your cell at work, and taking the occasional personal call, if your work is getting done and important work issues are not being ignored. We all have to do it.
Maybe it is a generational thing. I hate to put it this way, but it tends to be the young, fresh out of college professionals who are the worst offenders. So, you have a decent supervisor who believes your job is about more than "ass-in-seat time", and if you are giving otherwise good results and optimum performance, cell use at work is not an issue - until it is way too much and now out of hand. This brings to mind "give them an inch and they take a mile".
Good supervisor talks to you about using the cell less at work, taking private calls away from the cubicle area - say the break room - and still manages to compliment you on your otherwise great performance. Then you get a serious case of the ass - not unlike a child throwing a tantrum along the lines of "Mommy, I'm not talking to you anymore and am going to run away." Pout with lip stuck out. Grow up and own your fault. It is your boss talking to you, not your Mommy. Mommy won't fire you. Mommy won't use it in your next performance evaluation. Realize that you are fortunate that you are allowed cell phone use while at work and treat it as a perk, not an entitlement.
What's your rant? |
