tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-174490742024-03-08T16:01:16.560+00:00Always bored at workI get paid to come to work - but I come to work and I do nothing.Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-27241086927990472562008-02-07T14:49:00.000+00:002008-02-07T15:02:12.165+00:00Employment Agencies<span style="font-family: arial;">Employment agencies are like the angel and the devil combined. They are like a dog with a bone when they get your details. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I woke up early today and emailed my CV to a number of agencies and already my mobile has turned into the Bat Phone. It's good, I know its good, because every call is a step closer to getting a new job... But it's the sell, sell, sell nature of the calls which makes me feel slightly uneasy. I guess that's what they are after all - Sales people. Unfortunately I just want to be gently eased into a nice new job, being sold one feels a little overly aggressive to me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, the good news is that they like my CV. The bad news, if there is some, is that I am going to have to go and buy a suit because it looks like I am going to have quite a few interviews to go to! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I wish that the jobs were for a journalist / novelist / earth mother because then I might actually have some natural enthusiasm. As they are actually going to be for a well paid but corporate monkey I am going to have to work a bit on my attitude before I go to the interviews.</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-66391234222716226852008-02-07T14:43:00.000+00:002008-02-07T14:48:54.418+00:00The joy of sickies<span style="font-family: arial;">I did not show up to work today all present and correct. In fact, I did not turn up for work today at all. <br /><br />I could not face it. <br /><br />I said that I had not been able to sleep last night for some reason, I had been tossing and turning all night, but must have eventually fallen asleep because I woke up this morning with a banging headache. <br /><br />It's actually true... <br /><br />...Although I had already decided, on the horrific walk of shame from my boss' boss' office back to my desk yesterday that I would not be showing my face at work today.</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-63520292711291494602008-02-07T09:50:00.000+00:002008-02-07T09:52:34.508+00:00New Job<span style="font-family: arial;">Whichever way I look at it, I do need one. Unless of course I win £95 million on the Euro Millions Lottery tomorrow. I think I might, but just in case...</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-82900078548720065162008-02-07T09:26:00.000+00:002008-02-07T09:48:19.193+00:00Disinterested<span style="font-family: arial;">Since being dragged into my boss' boss' office yesterday and finding myself being threatened with disciplinary action for discussing my salary with others (which I haven't) and being randomly accused of being "ageist" (which I wasn't, I clearly haven't mentioned anybody's age in my email) I have realised that I can no longer remain in my current position. It may seem like a rash decision, but I do not see that I have a choice. They told me that they would not be taking the issue to HR on this occasion and expected me to be grateful.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The problem is (other than being bullied and slandered), I spent the evening yesterday and the morning today trawling through Banking jobs in London websites and I could not be more disinterested if I tried. Reading the words "FX, Derivatives, Settlements, Reconciliations, Prestigious Financial Institution" makes me want to wake up find myself in a different kind of institution all together!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I am fed up making the rich richer. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-50116608485281886142008-02-02T15:44:00.000+00:002008-02-03T19:45:50.094+00:00"Reward and Recognition - A question and a complaint"<span style="font-family:arial;">That's what I called my email. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And this is what it said:</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Mr. Pratt*,</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">I was going to request a meeting with you regarding my promotion/pay rise situation but I realise it will be a fruitless exercise.<span> </span>I do however feel the need to express my feeling of disappointment <span>and distress </span>at the position in which I have found myself.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Firstly, I was wondering whether you are able to provide me with some clarification on the criteria that must be met in order to achieve a promotion at this time of year?<span> </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">To me<span> (and others in the Account Bank team)</span>, it seems that I could have done <u>all</u> of the following and still would have been promoted:<span> </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family:Wingdings;"></span></span></p><ul><li><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Arrive at least five minutes late for work every day.<span> </span>Repeatedly not apologise for my tardiness.</span></span></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Arrive late to team meetings, showing a great lack of respect for the rest of the team, simply because I have stopped off to get a coffee before hand.</span></span></li></ul> <ul><li><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Frequently send embarrassing and inaccurate emails to clients in <span>'</span>pigeon<span>'</span> English which no one can understand - even those who are fully briefed on the subject to which the email refers.</span></span></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Pepper my nonsensical emails with bank jargon which I, and the recipients, cannot understand as it is used out of context.</span></span></li></ul> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Listen to music on my ipod at my desk the moment the boss moves away from their desk and whenever they have the day off.<span> </span>Then ignore John when he asks me politely to remove my headphones.</span></span></li></ul> <ul><li><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Upset the rest of the team by speaking to them in a condescending and unnecessarily aggressive manner.</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></span></li></ul> <ul><li><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Fail to show an ability to follow the simplest of instructions.</span></span></li></ul> <ul><li><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Lack basic listening skills.</span></span></li></ul> <ul><li><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Diminish team morale by creating an uncomfortable atmosphere when asked to help out with something that is not directly covered in my new role.</span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Be moved into said new role because my payment processing skills were slow and inaccurate and moreover, because I was not a team player.</span></span></li></ul> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The list continues...<span> </span>As you can <span>imagine</span>, I clearly feel that when someone who ticks all of the boxes above is also promoted it wholly demeans and devalues everything that I have worked for and achieved myself.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">I find it slightly unfortunate that I am unable to decline my 'promotion' at this time bearing in mind I have not received a <span>"</span>usual<span>"</span> <span>l</span>evel of remuneration.<span> </span>It is not even that I am <span>not being adequately</span> <span>compensated</span><span> -</span> I am not being <span>compensated</span> at all...<span> </span>I cannot decline the promotion as I have already been performing the role for the past 5 months.<span> </span>Perhaps this is </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:Arial;">why</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> the lack of pay rise is so difficult to accept.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /><span> </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">My one relief is that Nigel* can no longer tell me t<span>wo</span> or <span>three</span> times a <span>week</span> that I am <span>'</span>junior<span>'</span> to him - or indeed that he 'lets me do more work' than him because I am his junior and 'enjoy working through a big pile of work' while he does 'the tricky stuff' because he is more <span>'</span>senior<span>'</span>.<span> </span>Of course this is nonsense as I have been performing every function that he has for the past 5 months<span> (apart from booking deposits because I was not allowed the system)</span>.<span> </span>I am glad that he will no longer be able to use th<span>is</span> well worn Junior vs. Senior excuse.<span> That said, in the interest of fairness, I do now feel the need to acknowledge the notable increase in the effort he has shown since he returned from his latest bout of sickness.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">This does not however soften the blow that I am now expected to work for another year on my entry level salary<span> (current remunerations are perceived as relative to National inflation)</span><span>, which I accidentally found out yesterday was less than anybody else on the team - including those with <u>far</u> <u>less</u> work experience and <u>far</u> <u>fewer</u> educational qualifications</span>.<span> <span>I think that this is a disgrace and </span></span>I fail to see how <span>it</span> can be considered at all acceptable.<span> </span>I wonder from where I am now supposed to draw any enthusiasm.<span> </span>All suggestions would be gratefully received at this time.<br /><br /><span> </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Currently I feel disenchanted, deeply disappointed, dissatisfied and deflated.<span> </span>If I were able to neglect my responsibilities - start the day at 9am for example, finish at 5pm, take a full hour for lunch and do the absolute bare minimum in between, perhaps I could draw some solace from this.<span> </span>Unfortunately I am conscientious by nature and would find it difficult to behave in such a way.<span> </span>My only option, as far as I can see, is to take some time for reflection and contemplation before making any hasty or steadfast decisions about my future.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">To sum up, I would like it known that I do not see any Reward or Recognition demonstrated in the promotions that were announced <span>last week</span>.<span> </span>Rather I see a negative message portrayed to those perhaps seeking promotions in the future and I envisage a damning impact on morale within the team as a result.<span> </span>I also do not believe that I have been rewarded in any sense of the word for my hard work and commitment over the past year.<span> </span>My unashamed disappointment makes it incredibly difficult for me to accept this.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Amy</span></span></p></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">*Names have been changed to create anonymity - <span style="font-style: italic;">Or have they?</span></span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-75273538376748439242008-02-02T15:28:00.000+00:002008-02-02T15:43:11.957+00:00Time for an email I think<span style="font-family: arial;">After stewing over my situation for a few days, I decided that I had to send an email to my boss. I had to let him know what I thought about my promotion and my subsequent lack of pay rise. I felt that I had to let him know what I think about his poor management skills. <br /><br />It was either that, or go a little stir crazy.</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-89221217064896886972008-02-02T14:27:00.000+00:002008-02-02T15:17:15.359+00:00"Comp Day"<span style="font-family: arial;">Last Wednesday was what is affectionately known as "Comp Day" at work. It is that day that all promotions / pay rises / bonuses are dramatically unveiled. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I work for a bank, a pretty damn big bank. I think that I can say that without giving too much away. I will have been there for two years in May and this "Comp Day" was the day for my hard work and commitment to be recognised (with a promotion and a pay rise). I knew that the promotion was in the bag as I have been performing a role above my grade for the past 5 months. The excitement for me was to find out how much of a pay rise the promotion would lead to. I had already accepted that I would not be receiving a bonus.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">However, my luck being my luck, when I was called into his office to be told what I was getting I was asked by my boss if I wanted the "good news" or the "slightly crappy news". I went for the slightly crappy news, already fully aware of what the supposed "good news" was. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">"The good news" he said, despite my request for the slightly crappy news first, "is..." he continued. Then, before uttering another word, he slid a letter across the table towards me. "Congratulations!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The letter said that I had been promoted to a Senior something or other. It ever so kindly thanked me for my commitment and said that they hoped that I would would continue to produce similarly impressive results in the year ahead. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I said "Oh", then thought about my reaction and thanked my boss.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">"Now here's the slightly crappy news" he continued.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Across came another piece of paper. This time minus the eye contact. The paper detailed my old salary, had a blank space for my new salary and a blank space for my bonus. I looked at it, in shock looked at it again. Fought the sudden need to swear at him or kick him in the face. And looked at my boss. Silence.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">"I know" he said. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course he knows. He's the one who decides who gets what. And he is the one who decided that I would get nothing. Of course he bloody well knows!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">"You got the promotion and that's the most important thing" he blurted out, quickly making things a million times worse, and increasing my blood pressure ten fold.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">He gave me the obvious spiel about there being a 'big pot'. The pot however, can only contain a certain amount of money. The money can only be shared out to a certain number of people. As my eyebrows raised and couldn't possibly raise any higher, I imagined pushing my boss backwards on his black wheelie chair with both my feet and all my rage, out the window and watching him fall 21 floors into the fountains below. Me waving as he fell, smiling and thanking him for all the wonderful opportunities he had offered me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">As I picked up my letters, very ready to leave, he dared tell me that the reason my salary will not be changing is because of the 'current state of the market' and said that all banks are in the same position at the moment. I couldn't have looked any more disinterested if I had tried. I thanked him (disappointed by my politeness) and I left.</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-25724427262435828042008-02-02T14:21:00.000+00:002008-02-02T14:27:11.102+00:00To bring you up to date...<span style="font-family: arial;">...as it has been a while. I no longer go to work and get paid to do nothing. I now go to work, am absurdly <span style="font-style: italic;">overworked</span> (believe it or not), and my new bug bare is that I don't get paid enough. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This is <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> much worse than going to work and getting paid to do nothing.</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-12805034312998812882007-06-30T16:22:00.000+00:002007-06-30T17:30:21.860+00:00We waved goodbye to one monster and another one raised her ugly head.Last Thursday should have been a joyous occasion. It was officially the Bully's last day. Unfortunately she's not gone far - just a few floors lower, but at least I'll not have to listen to her incessant whining any longer.<br /><br />It was great. She invited the whole floor (that's about 200 people, probably more - it's amazing how many battery hens you can fit into a single barn) to her leaving do's. Both of them. Pub at lunch and then pub after work to 'carry on drinking'. I've not exactly had a dilemma as to whether or not to go. I simply knew that I wouldn't be. Everyone else knew that I wouldn't be too. It's not a secret that the Bully made my life hell - although I am by far not the only person she chose to speak to like a child/animal/retard* depending on her mood. I am however, quite possibly the only person to openly express my distaste in being treated in such a way. When asked whether I would be going by my supervisor who had no choice but to go by way of the unspoken rules of 'playing the game', and who was attempting to black mail me into going by making me feel sorry for the Bully who perhaps would feel embarrassed when no one turned up, and when that failed, tried to make me feel sorry for her because she <span style="font-style: italic;">had </span>to to go, I replied, loudly:<br /><br />"I didn't intend on going, no"<br /><br />(Which I thought was a fairly concise answer)<br /><br />"Don't you feel bad that no one is going?" (She tried again in vain)<br /><br />"No, not really" I said, slightly showing off now, as I knew that I had an audience and I knew that I was about to jump up on my soap box. "She has been really quite mean to me in the year that I have been on this desk" I continued "and really, if she hadn't behaved like such a monster she wouldn't be in this situation. If she hadn't been such a beast..."<br /><br />Everyone around was trying to stifle their laughter as I carried on in a similar vein...<br /><br />So anyway. The big day arrived and she went to the pub at lunch. I have no idea if anyone turned up at all, but I do know that no one from my team went (which is the team she has worked on for the past seven years). Instead, I went to the canteen and read my book for an hour. For the evening do the turn out was... I can't even bring myself to say it (because, believe it or not, totally against my better judgment I do feel a bit bad)... Four people! Four people went to the Bully's leaving do and one of those was the Bully herself!!!<br /><br />Also, and this is funny. Our manager, the big boss, had asked her in advance what she would like as a leaving present. I think he knew that the task would fall on him as he has known her the longest (and is the only one who, somehow, is blind to her true hideousness). Rather than having to traipse around looking for something meaningful/funny/quirky he decided it easier and quicker to let her chose her present herself. Not cheaper unfortunately, as she chose an £80 pen. He obviously briefly did the sums in his head (1 card x 200 people x even just a £1 donation each = plenty of money for an £80 pen) so he went ahead and ordered it. The problem was, once he got the card back and counted up the bounty it had collected on it's rounds, the pot only added up to a grand total of £19! He had bought the pen out of his own money in advance and now found himself £60 out of pocket!<br /><br />After he had checked and double checked the envelope (I guess to make sure there weren't a few £10 notes stuck in there, wedged into the corner) I honestly thought that he was going to explode. His face went red, his brow started sweating, he started swearing... <span style="font-style: italic;">We started laughing.</span> And then he went around the entire floor again - Had you put money in? Yes? How much? Do you want to put some more in? No?? How very dare you, now put some money in! I don't know if he managed to bridge the difference at all, but I very much doubt it. Unfortunately I have no sympathy. He has managed to overlook the fact that six people that I know of have explicitly mentioned the Bully as their reason for leaving in the exit interviews, because they simply couldn't deal with her anymore. He chose not to see her vicious, petty, embarrassing and vulgar behavior, so he could deal with the consequences. There was a wave of hushed - 'oh well, what goes around comes around' and 'if she had been a nicer person it would have been reflected in the collection' that flew around the office... Not much comfort for the boss, but plenty of joy in it for me!<br /><br />I know I probably sound really bitter and twisted in my behavior towards the Bully, and that's probably because I hate her. I could be having a perfectly pleasant day and with one sly move, one loud condescending rant - loud enough of course, for everyone else to hear so that not only did I have to somehow deal with being treated like a five year old, but I had to also deal with the small problem of public humiliation. It almost became a ritual public humiliation. 'Oh look, Amy seems to be having an average, ok day - time to suck that out of her and cast a dose of public shame upon her instead'.<br /><br />I thought that that would have come to an end now that she had left in a blaze of, urm, <span style="font-style: italic;">glory</span>.<br /><br />Unfortunately not so...<br /><br />...Because my supervisor, aka The Bitch, said to me yesterday (shouting across a couple of desks of course) "I think that this is wrong Amy" (referring to something I must have undoubtedly done wrong on purpose because I derive great satisfaction out of getting things wrong don't you know. I do it for kicks even. Yep, yep, yep, I'll do it wrong for the heck of it, what the hell...) "Did I?" I replied "I thought that that was how you are supposed to do it"... I said honestly. I turned and looked at her "Well It's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Not</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Is</span> It Amy, It's Wrong" she said. And it's not just what she said, and not just <span style="font-style: italic;">how</span> she said it, but it was the smug look on her patronising, smiling face. It was the Bully all over again.<br /><br />Don't you just <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> work?<br /><br />*Couldn't think of any other word, apologies for any offense caused. None intended.Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-44789704086882857782007-05-08T19:41:00.000+00:002007-05-08T20:20:45.827+00:00I'm back!<span style="font-family:arial;">I feel that that statement was in need of an exclamation mark, although I don't think that being back here, moaning about my job is necessarily something I should be excited about...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I hate my job.<br /><br />Really hate it.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I felt sick this morning because I didn't want to go but knew that I had to... It's a very unpleasant feeling in One's gut in case you have managed somehow never to have experienced it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">'Are you bored there?' I hear you ask. The answer would be a short but resounding yes. But now I find I have grown bored of the monotony of the constant, overbearing and demanding workload, rather than because of a lack of a workload altogether!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It's not the boredom thing this time though, that has made this job quite so unbearable for me. I now have infinitely more painful things to deal with, far more depressing than not having anything to do all day. Namely, these problems are... My colleagues.<br /><br />The 'things' of nightmares. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">May I introduce you to the people that I have the utmost displeasure of spending up to eleven constant hours a day with, for five long days a week*.<br /><br />There is (in alphabetical order to show no <span style="font-style: italic;">favouritism</span>):<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Bully</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Bitch</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Snake</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Complete Pratt</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Teenage Oracle<br /><br />These names may not seem particularly imaginative upon first sight, but as you will soon come to realise, they are perfectly matched to their owners.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I have a distinct feeling you will get to know these people incredibly well in the days and weeks to come.<span style="font-size:78%;">.. </span></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><br />*<span style="font-family:arial;">that is a LOT of hours, especially considering that I am only paid for 7 of them per day.</span></span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1145302589883652652006-04-17T19:27:00.000+00:002006-04-17T19:36:29.900+00:00The End...<span style="font-family: arial;">...Or is it the beginning?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I have a good job now. Very busy, well paid, not at all boring (I hope i'm not tempting fate here), and it even has a few handsome looking prospects (one, two, three, oooohhhh)! Unfortunately that means that I have no time for writing at work anymore (boo), and I can no longer say I get paid to do nothing, so I fear the time has come to put this blog to bed.</span> <span style="font-family: arial;">That's ok though, it only reminds me of the dark days anyway... (Kidding)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">All is not lost though, as I now have a new blog so that I can continue writing from home. I have a new lap top (very swanky), some funny stories banked (they make me laugh) and I am ready to go!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Be sure to have a look some time, i'm at www.and-then-this-happened.blogspot.com</span> <span style="font-family: arial;">and i'm looking forward to sharing my woes and joys (most probably in that order!)</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1142007619862034372006-03-10T16:14:00.000+00:002006-03-10T16:28:35.126+00:00A Grand Plan. A Plan of Action...<span style="font-family:arial;">...that's what I need now.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Or a plan B...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">...Or to win the national Lottery - that could <em>be </em>my 'plan B' That reminds me, it's a double roll over this weekend so I must buy a ticket! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Then I could start up my own company and work my long little fingers to the bones. I'll be damned if i'm going to pay myself to be to be bored all day at work that's for sure!</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1142001481909779312006-03-10T14:23:00.000+00:002006-03-10T14:49:53.946+00:00And as you can also probably guess...<span style="font-family:arial;">...I am feeling slightly down hearted with regards to the whole work thing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When I went to the interview for my <em>wonderful</em> new job I was 100% honest about why I was leaving my old job (ie, terminal boredom) and what I was looking for in a new role (a challenge) so I really, really, REALLY don't know why she hired me - concidering the actual workload of the position in which I unwittingly found myself was non-existant. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The first week, the official excuse for my lack of work was that no one knew that I had started.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The official excuse of the second week was that my new team were bunking off as it was half term and they wanted to be with their children.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The official excuse of the third week was... Well, there wasn't one. They didn't even bother making one up! </span><span style="font-family:arial;">That was the week when when all the<em> fake</em> work came trickling in. I started being asked to do totally pointless tasks - tasks which I knew were beneficial to no one and would never have an eye cast upon them again once I had completed them. Reports and such like, gathering pointless information. I could have been gathering information about cowboys and indians or compiling a list of most popular large zoo animals for all they knew because of course my reports and statistics would never actually be looked at! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">One quite sunny day I decided that I would be strong, hang in there and give it a go. Just sit quitely for a while and see if it picked up. I thought that I could do that seeing as was being paid good money to sit and wait. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">However... After an unbareably long day, and another WHOLE NINE HOURS of waiting for something to do I completely changed my mind and decided that I couldn't cope! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">That was it. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">My mind was <strong>definitely</strong> made up this time. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I told them I was leaving and it felt great!</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1142000529280655162006-03-10T14:19:00.000+00:002006-03-10T14:22:09.280+00:00As you can probably guess...<span style="font-family:arial;">...My new job was rubbish. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Rubbish, rubbish, rubbish.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So rubbish in fact that I have left.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Already. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I just couldn't cope with doing nothing AGAIN for nine hours a day, even though I was actually being paid <em>more</em> to do nothing than I was before...</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1142000354409777132006-03-10T14:18:00.000+00:002006-03-10T14:49:09.480+00:00Going round and round in circles?<span style="font-family:arial;">...feels like it!</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1142000311843880602006-03-10T14:17:00.001+00:002006-03-10T14:18:31.843+00:00New beginnings?<span style="font-family:arial;">Not that you'd know it...</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1142000256869061622006-03-10T14:17:00.000+00:002006-03-10T14:17:36.870+00:00Fresh Start?<span style="font-family:arial;">Not really...</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1142000211847090332006-03-10T14:15:00.000+00:002006-03-10T14:16:51.870+00:00One month and ten days has passed since I left my old boring job. What's happened since then?<span style="font-family:arial;">Good question!...</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1138364001662771352006-01-27T12:11:00.000+00:002006-03-10T15:43:48.306+00:00Leaving email<span style="font-family:arial;">I've just been cc'd in an email sent by Tim letting everyone know that I am off today, advising them to send me a farewell email before it's too late - such a cheeky fiend!<br /><br />I was really hoping to slip out quietly today. That doesn't look like it is going to happen now! Ah well, it'll be nice to say goodbye to the nice people that work here and good riddance to those of a slightly more sinister nature!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I have a well rehearsed leaving speech but I think i'll keep that to myself now that that time is actually here to share it...* </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">So long, farewell, good bye (and all that jazz). It's been fun.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;">*I'm chicken. All talk and no action, that's me!</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1138363758791712472006-01-27T12:03:00.000+00:002006-01-27T12:09:18.826+00:00Last day (maybe)<span style="font-family:arial;">My official last day is next Tuesday.<br /><br />I think I'm going to make my actual last day today.<br /><br />I've taught all that needs to be taught. It's truly hideous sitting here doing nothing with someone else who is also sitting here doing nothing...<br /><br />...And it feels great knowing that I may not be coming back so... I think I may as well as I have nothing to loose!<br /><br />The word seems to have spread like wild fire that it's my last day today - even though I was trying to keep it quiet. It's a good thing because it means that I can properly say goodbye to those I want to say good bye to, and I won't just be slinking off. It also means I will have a proper end to this weird chapter of my life that has been characterised by my being 'always bored at work'!</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1137766785608168582006-01-20T14:11:00.000+00:002006-01-20T14:19:45.610+00:00Oh. Dear. Lord.<span style="font-family:arial;">What have I done that is so bad I deserve this?...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It has been decided that although I do not leave until the 31st of January, the new girl should start on Monday which means...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">...I can't bring myself to say it...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">...I have to do a SEVEN day handover! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This cannot be right. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When I started I had a two hour hand over and that was an ample amount of time.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We are going to end up ripping eachother's hair out. We can't both sit here for eight hours a day surfing the net together. We can't both just sit here doing nothing all day side by side. It's going to be horrible and awkward and I bet she will hate it so much she won't even make it through until </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Wednesday. I'd even put money on it (if I had any that is!)</span><br /><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Horrible, horrible, horrible.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">What a joke. </span></p>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1137766150257815432006-01-20T13:56:00.001+00:002006-01-20T14:09:10.270+00:00The New Receptionist<span style="font-family:arial;">Yesterday a lady came in to the office and asked for [the lady that's not my boss but kind of watches over me]. I said that she was in a meeting but should be out soon. That was at 2:05pm, her appointment was at 2:30pm.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2:30pm came and went and she waited, and waited and waited.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As it is now common knowledge that I am leaving, someone came to my desk to get the goss on why I'm going and when my last day is etc. Then the girl waiting in reception enquired as to whether this was my proper job or not. I told her that yes it was, but I had handed my notice in and would be 'outta here' in a week and a bit. Probably a tad unprofessional, but to be honest I'm way past caring. Anyway, as the time approached 3pm with still no sign of Niffy* we were in full flow having a really good chat. I was explaining exactly why I was wanting to move on, what I was looking for and what this 'job' lacks... </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3:15pm and the visitor decided to tell me that she was actually here to be interviewed for my position.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Oops.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I didn't bother to back peddle too much, as she seemed really nice and I didn't want her to find herself in such a horrible, depressing role. As I got to know her a bit better though, I realized that she may actually be prefect for the role. She is traveling so isn't looking for any kind of responsibility or progression. She just wants to earn good money so she can see Europe at the weekends. Perfect! I told her so also and she seemed pretty keen. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Niffy* finally came out of her meeting at 3:40pm, she didn't seem to keen that me and the new girl seemed so pally, but it looks like the sucker who's job it will be to replace me has been recruited!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">*The name of the lady who isn't my boss but kind of watches over me has been changed. Although I almost feel it is time to name and shame the evil dictator!</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1137765326660125692006-01-20T13:51:00.000+00:002006-01-20T13:55:26.673+00:00So busy<span style="font-family:arial;">I can't understand it, since i've handed my notice in i've been really busy. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I can't imagine what it is that I am doing, but I don't seem to have had a moment to myself. I know that I was bored doing nothing, and that was my main reason for wanting to leave, but i've gotten quite used to it over the past six months and all this running around is starting to get on my nerves!</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1136905520780231982006-01-10T15:01:00.000+00:002006-01-10T15:16:47.556+00:00And here's my resignation letter..<span style="font-family:arial;">(I was asked to offer an explanation, otherwise it would have been a single line saying i was off!)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span>-----<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Dear Ian,<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Kindly be advised that I wish to offer my resignation as of today (10/01/06). I would very much appreciate it if my last day could be set for Tuesday 31st January 2006.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />I would like to offer a brief explanation of the circumstances which have led to my decision. These may help you when filling the position (or a position of a similar nature) in the future.<br /><br />When I came for the interview, although the job title given was ‘Receptionist’ and I was told that I would be based on the front desk, I was advised that the role would be far more diverse than a simple reception role. I was led to believe that I would be more involved in the day to day running of the office (in all manner of ways), would be more involved in the PA side of things and most importantly, that it would be a busy and varied role. Unfortunately for me this has not been the case.<br /><br />The reception at [the office] is incredibly quiet. I often go a whole day with nothing to do. I am not allowed to accept work from any of the PAs or other staff, so regularly find myself sitting around idly. Quite simply, this position is not suitable for someone of my age, at this stage of their ‘career’ (as it were) as it offers very little. There is nothing to learn and there is very little one can contribute.<br /><br />I originally signed a 6 month contract and, by working to the end of January, I will have duly honoured that contract. I do not feel that I can continue working in this position any longer than that because I am in desperate need of a challenge. I am looking for a role in a busy working environment, for a position which holds some level of responsibility, that has a view to progression and, looking to the future, I need a role that has a positive influence on my career. Unfortunately my current position fulfils none of the aspects that I am searching for, hence my wanting to leave.<br /><br />I hope that this explanation, although brief, is sufficient. If you require any further information with regards to my decision I will be happy to elaborate.<br /><br />With Kind Regards,</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Amy Knight</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17449074.post-1136905159916330052006-01-10T14:57:00.000+00:002006-01-10T14:59:19.926+00:00I've done it!...<span style="font-family:arial;">...I've handed my notice in!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I feel great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;">*(Definitely in need of excessive exclamations!!!!)</span>Amy Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14192195354783120193noreply@blogger.com0