I currently work as a maintenance worker for a state building in my area. My employer is partnered with a program that helps those with mental challenges and troubled backgrounds find employment.
I was warned about this when hired and asked if I had an issues or concerns working with Individuals with a history and background as aforementioned.
As an individual that grew up in an urban neighborhood plagued with drugs and violence, I felt comfortable knowing that I've had experiences and run-ins with these same people. Be it friends, family, colleagues, peers, or even strangers. And even if I didn't- for 19.75 I'd get comfortable
In addition to that, I had worked as a drug counselor for about a year before- so I was very familiar with the mood, mind, and behavior of this particular demographic; and during my time as a counselor I never had an issue relating to another individual.
My time spent as a counselor was the best job I ever had. I met some of the most talented, intelligent, and wisest people there. More often that not, I was always learning something new. And there was always some jewel of wisdom to take away from each day and interaction with those struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
I didn't realize that working as a counselor and working as a colleague, peer, or coworker would present me with a different interaction and experience than what I had before.
I never had a problem with talking/interacting with people. Regardless of the mood, mind, or background of the person. I normally don't take things personal or to heart. But! This environment has been eye – opening to say the least.
I didn't realize that despite some of my peers being 10 – 20 years my senior, they aren't as developed emotionally, and they lack the wisdom, experience, and sophistication that you would expect comes with their ae.
They are so spiteful, devious, and shortsighted that it's uncomfortable.
As I said before, we work as maintenance workers.
Our job isn't that complicated. It isn't that hard.
But the manager of the build, someone who had been with the program for over 30 years with no other experience or anything to cross reference in regards to being a manger, treats everything like it's a matter of grave urgency or act as if it's in a state of emergency..
With that said, she works and treats everyone lile they are a horse. They can't sit down. Take a break. Catch a breathe. Use the bathroom without it being a problem or counting every second of every minute
She makes the job more difficult than it is or needs to be.
The other day she left someone in charged that is just as inexperienced as her when it comes to being a supervisor, but worse when it comes to the task and management of the job/building.
Just yesterday, she(the substitute manager) asked one of my co-workers if she was going to use her full 15min break.
That was the nail on the head for me
I was flabbergasted.
Like wtf do you mean !?
Imagine if I said: Do I have to work my full 9hr shift!?