Workplace Drama - page 2

so i don’t get why people can be so rude at work. i mean, all these managers are supposed to be examples of leadership but they just treat everyone like dirt. like, you’d think it wouldn’t be that hard to just treat people with some basic kindness and respect, right?

every day there’s a new thing someone has done or said that just makes me question humanity. last week, one of the higher-ups yelled at my friend over something small and, honestly, it wasn’t even her fault! i know stuff gets stressful but man... have some decency.

just yesterday, another manager brushed off my concerns without even listening. they act like they're too busy to bother with us mere mortals. it's annoying how folks in charge can be so out of touch with the reality on the ground. guess that’s why i’m here ranting about it.

feeling unappreciated at work has been an ongoing struggle for me. i put in the hours, deliver quality results, and consistently go above and beyond my job description. yet, despite my efforts, there's a stagnant ceiling that blocks any upward movement within the company. it’s frustrating to pour so much energy into a place and not see any professional growth or recognition for it! i mean, how hard is it to acknowledge someone's hard work???

my skills are constantly overlooked while others with less experience seem to shoot up the ranks effortlessly. it's like management has blinders on when it comes to actual contribution versus who can talk the most in meetings... 🙄 my contributions speak volumes in terms of both efficiency and innovation. still, those who play politics better get recognized instead!!!! this leaves me questioning why i continue to invest so much of myself here when appreciation seems reserved for a select few... it's demotivating being stuck in the same position with no chance to develop further.

I never thought work could affect my sleep this much, but here I am. Insomnia has become a nightly ritual lately, with me tossing and turning. It's like trying to solve a puzzle that doesn't want to be solved?! 😴 The pressure at work is relentless; it's like a tidal wave of tasks that keeps crashing over me every single day... I try to keep up, I really do, but the stress is immense? And now, sleepless nights have become an unwanted companion in my life.

My days blend into each other: meeting after meeting, deadline after deadline. But it's not just the workload! The constant fear of falling behind and underperforming lingers over me like a thundercloud. Times where I should be resting are filled with anxieties about what awaits tomorrow at the office: an endless cycle that seems impossible to break free from!!!

Have you ever tried counting sheep? Doesn't work for me. In fact, it makes things worse sometimes because it gives my mind more time to wander off into all the wrong places; thinking about what could go wrong next day... 🙃 Instead of finding relief and refuge in sleep, I'm left staring at the ceiling until dawn breaks.

There's hope though... I believe there always is!! I've started listening to some relaxation tapes before bed which help a bit. Plus talking it through with friends (bless them) who remind me that everyone faces rough patches; "This too shall pass", as they say... So chin up! I'll find a way out eventually even if it takes some new strategies or habits along the way.

If anyone out there shares this struggle then let's remember: Remain positive and resilient! Let's tackle one thing at a time 😉 Cultivating patience and taking little steps may lead us back to restful nights sooner than we anticipate.

This is the kind of thing where any possible solution proposed leads to a complaint or a reason why it won't work - as far as I know. I don't know how to deal with having trapped myself in an impossible situation. I know I have to just do something I dont want to, but I dont know what thing will make me the least unhappy I guess.

I make 50k and I live in LA so I can't afford my own 1br. I've given up on a house entirely, I just want an apartment. But they START at $1700 and I just cant realistically do that and have a savings account. Some options and issues:

1. Move - i like living here. I like my friends, the racial diversity, the more liberal politics, the weather, and the variety of things to do. Also my job is here and the job market is garbage everywhere.

2. Get a higher paying job - I was trying to. Had 2 3rd round interviews. One company chose someone else because I had a long commute and they didnt want the role to be remote anymore. The other company paused hiring. I've since stopped applying as I'm having some health issues and don't want my insurance paused right now. But it's always scary to start again. What if those interviews were a fluke and I go back to having to endure this market? What if i get laid off again (less likely at current job as they already laid off everyone but me so I'm holding the ship together on my own)? What if i don't like the new role? What if what happened last time happens again and the pay raise can't keep up with rising housing costs?

3. Be self employed - this is what I most want to do. I've started a business and it's slowly growing. Key word is slowly. I'm hoping it'll be a livable wage in 4 years. But how do I manage my feelings of failure and frustration until then? And what if it never gets there?

4. Sales - i hate talking to people

5. Invest - I do. I dont make enough to invest for FIRE anytime in the next few decadss. I've considered day trading but really feel like I'm walking into a get rich quick scheme.

6. Go back to school for x lucrative career - same issues as #2. Also, the job market is TRASH. Do you really think I haven't done a UX boot camp, gotten my PMP, and considered 3 different master's degrees by now? Pivoting only works if it works and right now nothing works.

7. Social media - tried youtube for 10 years. Nothing. Have a tiktok for my business now that has 1k followers. Maybe if it keeps growing I can get on the creator program one of these centuries. For right now, it's a skill I seem to not have.

8. Stop wanting money - well. I'm trying. I just can't shake the feeling that a grown adult working full time should be able to have their own space at SOME POINT.

I'm just so tired of thinking about this. Tired of trying things for a bit or really committing to something and either way coming up empty handed. Tired of the 1000s of job applications. Tired of WAITING to be able to live how I want. It's not just the apartment. I want a garden, to be able to live abroad for a while, to save for early retirement so I dont have to do this crap forever, free time to enjoy my life. I don't even care about a job - i just want money and everything is conspiring against me to keep me from it. It's so discouraging having no options.

I have been actively seeking an entry-level position for nearly two years now, and it feels as though every door in my chosen field is firmly shut. Despite countless applications and attending networking events, the job market in my area remains stagnant. Every rejection email or lack of response chips away at my confidence, leaving me questioning my capabilities and professional worth. I have pursued roles relevant to my degree but finding opportunities that match my skill set within a realistic commuting distance has proven to be increasingly elusive.

Living with my parents at this stage of life seems like a continuous loop; there is an inherent pressure that comes with the feeling of not moving forward. Their support means the world to me, yet I crave independence: both financially and emotionally. Obtaining employment would allow me to contribute to household expenses and ultimately move out, something I've longed for but can't quite achieve without a stable income.

The job descriptions often reflect ideal candidates having several years of experience, which inherently disqualifies recent graduates such as myself. Nevertheless I submit tailored cover letters hoping they see potential in who I am rather than just previous roles held by others. Nonetheless these numerous trials appear futile given there is no feedback on what areas require improvement or clarity regarding their selection processes.

Without tangible progressions or feedback loops provided by prospective employers, motivation dwindles since continued persistence doesn't ensure success under such unpredictable circumstances;. This situation leaves one feeling disillusioned about personal competencies and career trajectory, especially when peers celebrate milestones like securing jobs or promotions.

I have lost all hope of making something of my life...

in this world, you gotta be kind, right? that's what everyone keeps telling me... kindness is overrated though! at work, people are just slacking off left and right. they're too busy pretending to be friends than actually doing their damn job; i'm trying to keep everything in line and get stuff done, but now my manager's on my case because he says i'm not nice enough... i didn't realize our paychecks come from being popular with colleagues!

i try to stay focused. i've got a ton of issues with how things run around here—they're stupid, the projects are late, there's always some excuse like 'oh, we were bonding' or whatever nonsense that means. nobody wants to step up and lead. everyone waits for someone else: when did doing your job become optional? i see all these folks chatting it up while deadlines fly by...

look, what's a guy like me supposed to do? keep a smile plastered on my face while productivity slips down the drain? no thanks, man. i'll take efficiency over constant small talk any day!

guess everyone's more comfortable being pretenders at a work-family; mod for kindness ain't nearly as effective as one might think—exclamation marks!!! 😅

i graduated last year and here i am still looking for my first job. it's not that i'm unqualified, but every time there's an interview lined up, the anxiety is unbearable. my heart races like it's about to jump out of my chest. some might say it's just nerves, but it feels way more than that. 😬 i mean, do they really need to ask those questions? those typical 'where do you see yourself in 5 years?' or 'what's your biggest weakness?'. they seem simple, yet they twist my brain into knots;

job hunting was never supposed to be easy, right? i read this quote somewhere: 'success is not the key to happiness; happiness is the key to success.' maybe if i could just get past this panic... but then again, these interviews are critical milestones in one's career trajectory. companies expect you to sell yourself at a moment's notice... feels like you're on trial sometimes. i know others struggle too but god it’s frustrating! 😤 why do i keep freezing up??

i guess industry lingo should help sound smarter or something; things like leveraging synergies or enhancing verticals. honestly though, will anyone buy that coming from someone who's never worked a day as a professional? even typing this out makes me question myself – why can't i just relax and let things flow naturally... or perhaps that's easier said than done?

I'm 31 and I'm starting to wonder if there's truth in what my family and coworkers are saying. They call me a narcissist. It's not exactly something you want to hear from the people around you, but I guess it must be true if it's coming from all angles.

I've always been direct, sometimes rude even. This industry demands strong leadership skills, and I've tried to embody that. But apparently, that's translated into being self-centered according to them.

My wife says I make everything about myself. During conversations with friends or family, I used to think sharing my accomplishments was engaging but now I see it might have come off self-obsessed.

Work colleagues think I monopolize meetings. In my mind, I'm guiding projects efficiently, but maybe there is some merit to their feedback. Perhaps I've missed out on the value of collaboration because of my own doubt about others' capabilities.

I have a financial goal but no career goal to match. I'm interviewing for a job that could get me past my financial goal, but I don't care about it. I'm worried it'll be demanding but I'm a "clock out at 5 sharp" kind of person.

Pros that matter to me: 25k raise

Other pros: building a team/process from scratch so good for resume and snagging a senior position later. In the career direction that I "want".

Cons: I'll have to sacrifice my current job that's very chill where I do almost nothing, 1-2hr drive depending on traffic (only 2x per week), they may expect over 40hrs a week from me

I've always been motivated in the past. I always cared about my grades in school and what colleges i applied to and what clubs I did. Even early career I cared about moving up and had "dream jobs". But as time has gone on I've realized I don't like working. I've seen more of the reality of the situation and become my jaded and just don't care. Like my old dream job, art director, would require adhering to corporate whims, people and project management, limiting my creativity, and 10 years before that of getting paid dust in graphic design. I'm not interested. I see now that all jobs are jobs so I'm not ever going to truly CARE for any of them.

I wish I did still want more. But the motivation is gone. I'm running away from dissatisfaction instead of towards something. I'm frustrated with my current pay and know I'd feel better making more. I want to feel like I've achieved more, be able to save more, keep up with rising costs, and be able to have an apartment. I understand theoretically that I'm gonna keep wanting more as prices rise, so i have to keep trying in my career.

At my current job I'm very comfortable doing nothing all day and am kind of waiting on my boss to notice and get mad at me. I am hoping a new job with new tasks will at least give me enough motivation to not get fired but idk. I don't care. And it makes these interviews feel weird because i feel like I shouldnt feel this way. The recruiter said i need to be excited. I can fake it for an interview, but I'm not excited at all.

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I've read this is normal to some degree. A lot of people arent passionate about their jobs. So, what is that like? How did you build a career and get promotions and move up all while not giving one single damn? Am I willing to try at something I have no personal stake in? I'm not sure; never been in such a position. I could keep applying to try to find an easier, remote job that'll meet my income goal, but we all see this job market. I'm worried nothing better will come along. In months of applying I've only interviewed one other place and they paused hiring.

What would you do?

so here's the deal. i work in an office where it seems like nobody really wants to hang out with me. it's kind of weird, you know? like, when lunch rolls around, everyone scatters into their little groups but somehow, i'm not included in any of them 🤔. they talk to me during work, sure, when they really have to. but outside of the necessary stuff, it’s radio silence. i get it, maybe i’m different or i just don’t click with their vibe. but hey, does it always have to be this way? wouldn't it be nice if people tried to include everyone once in a while?

it's not like i’m unfriendly or anything. i mean, i smile, greet people in the hallway, and even say "good morning" hoping for a return. it's not like i've got a boomerang attitude or something that'll come back to bite them; but still, nada. it's like i’m invisible in the social scene here. sometimes, i wonder if there's something i could change or whether they even notice. do you ever think that maybe if we sat down for a meal, they’d discover we’ve got common interests? or is that wishful thinking on my end?

i think of all those quotes like, "if you want to make friends, be a friend," and try to apply it. i’ve initiated small talks and water cooler chats, but they seem just... obligatory. like, when monday rolls around and we do a quick weekend debrief, it's always just the essentials. nothing more. feels odd, right? maybe i'm not putting enough out there, or they’re just set in their routines. either way, i don’t hold it against them. everyone’s got their own thing going on. who knows? maybe in time things will change.

so here i am, trying to understand this whole situation while keeping it chill. it might not be an episode out of "The Office," but the hope is real. perhaps one day, i'll understand that a lot of people feel isolated in certain environments at times. and maybe, just maybe, i'll grab a lunch mate. i’m not gonna let this get me down. what’s that old saying? “good things come to those who wait?” so, i wait. we’ll see what happens.

I'm 23, I'm a guy, and I honestly don't know what the hell I'm doing with my life. The stupid part is that I don't even have a dramatic excuse. I got a girlfriend who is good to me, a family that isn't messed up, friends who actually answer my messages, a roof over my head, food, all that basic stuff people say should make you happy. And yeah, I know I'm lucky. I know some people would tell me to shut up and stop whining because I have more than enough. They're probably right, too. But knowing that doesn't magically fix the feeling that I'm stuck like some useless dude watching life go on without him. I studied IT because everyone said it was the smart move. Computers, coding, support, networks, whatever. Stable future, good money, easy to find jobs, bla bla bla. Except now I can't find a damn junior position in my area. Every "junior" job wants two years experience, five tools, three frameworks, a car, a personality, and probably a blood sacrifice too??? How the hell am I supposed to get experience if nobody lets me start???

I send applications, I tweak my CV, I write those fake polite cover letters where you pretend you're passionate about helping some random company make more money. Nothing. Or I get some automatic rejection that says they found a candidate "more aligned with the role", which basically means "not you, mate". I try to stay objective about it, because maybe my CV is average, maybe my portfolio sucks, maybe the market is just packed, maybe I didn't study the right exact thing. Fine. I can accept that. But then what??? Am I supposed to just keep applying forever and wait until some HR person blesses me with a low paid helpdesk job like it's a gift from god??? I don't want to become one of those bitter guys who sits around blaming everything on the world, but it's hard not to feel like the whole thing is kinda rigged. People tell you to study, so you study. Then they tell you to get experience, but nobody gives you the first chance. Then they say network, improve yourself, learn more, keep grinding. Bro, at what point do we admit this advice is just copy paste bullshit???

Lately I've been thinking about learning a manual job, like plumber or electrician. Not because I always dreamed about pipes or wires, let's be honest, but because it seems real. People need toilets fixed. People need electricity. A blocked sink doesn't care about LinkedIn. That sounds better than sitting at a desk begging for an interview that will go nowhere. But then I think, okay, what if everyone my age has the same idea??? What if all the IT guys, office guys, and lost guys like me jump into trades because "manual jobs are the future" and then that market gets flooded too??? Then what??? We all spend years retraining just to be told there are too many apprentice electricians now??? Sounds dumb, but it's not impossible. Everyone runs to the same thing once they hear it's stable. I don't want to make another "smart choice" that turns into a dead end. So yeah, I have a girlfriend, family, friends, and I still feel like I'm floating around uselessly. I'm not suicidal or anything, I'm not saying my life is over, I'm just tired of pretending I have a plan. I don't. I'm 23 and already feel late, which is probably stupid, but it feels real. What would you do in my place??? Keep chasing IT and maybe waste more time??? Switch to a trade and risk starting from zero??? Or just accept that nobody really knows shit and we all act confident because being honest sounds pathetic???

ever catch yourself giving someone the stink eye at work and think, "ugh, why am I such a judgy jerk?" well, that's me, like, all the time, seriously. it's like, every day, I roll into work, and instead of focusing on my sh*t, I'm busy mentally dissecting everyone else's choices like I'm some kind of self-appointed expert on life decisions; 🙄 like, who made me the boss of everyone, right?

i mean, don't get me wrong, I don't actually hate my coworkers. they're alright, mostly just doing their jobs and trying to get through the day like everyone else. but for some reason, I'm always finding myself internally tearing them to shreds over the dumbest stuff. this one guy, john, he's always eating tuna salad sandwiches that smell like they were fished out of a sewer; drives me nuts. but do I really need to mentally critique his lunch habits every damn day? no, I don't, but here I am, internally screaming about the smell, as if my opinions really matter.

i know it's toxic, and I'm pretty sure it reflects more on me than on anyone else. it's just so freaking hard not to sit there and mentally tally up everyone else's perceived sh*tness. maybe it's because I'm dissatisfied with my current role or even with where I am in life? like, am I projecting my insecurities onto these people or what? 🤔 it's honestly tiring, always being in crit mode and feeling like nothing and no one around me is up to par. can't help but think back to when my old boss would say, "if you're pointing fingers, remember there are three fingers pointing back at you, kid." classic, huh?

all these late-night thoughts about my internal monologue being one endless critique session got me googling "how to stop being a judgy b*tch?" 😂 and okay, sure, there’s all this motivational stuff about self-awareness and mindfulness. but let's face it, who’s got time for meditating when all you want is a damn coffee break? there's this one article I read that said to switch focus and appreciate what's good about people instead of nit-picking their flaws. sure, sounds legit. but when you've been marinating in judgmental soup for years, turning that ship around feels like trying to convince a cat to take a bath.

so, here I am, asking y'all; does anyone else struggle with this judgy mindset? do you get lost in headspace that's all about what others are doing wrong while totally ignoring your own mess? it's almost like I need some sort of mental reboot. I think it would help if I could see everyone as multidimensional humans instead of one-dimensional punchlines for my inner critic's cheap jokes. any tips, tricks, or straight-up reality checks? maybe I need a mantra or some sh*t. anything that’d make the workplace feel less like a silent version of b*tchy reality show confessions. honestly, any advice or your own frustrating stories might help. can't be the only one facing this daily mental drain. looking forward to hearing from fellow judgers in recovery.

Honestly i wanna end it like honestly i feel like no one cares and even if they did i know id just be memory after a long time so it doesn’t even matter im going insane like idk dude i hear voices and audible and sometimes visual shit fucking terrifies me like dude and my low self worth thats in the negatives i hate my self i feel like im the cause of my fathers death and he died in front of me i seen him die when i was twelve and i was a failure as a child a disappointment i dont even see myself as human im just spare parts with a price tag lien the only thing worth is my organs eyes and whatever else like thats how worthless i am and no one ever chooses me and well im at the edge and idk anymore ima be honest ima keep botteling this up like samething with friends im not someone s best friend i just exist god sometimes i cant wait till i die and if i kill myself im gonna do it with life insurance so i could finally be able to do something for once in my life god

After a couple of months of dealing with unemployement I’ve found out a job. But it’s not truly what I’m looking for so my plan is to keep it until the end of the month and then look for something else. The only good thing is that I don’t hold any kind of debt.

I think that I wanna work like a freelance on my area under my own rules. But I’m not the kind of person to record a stupid TikTok or even create a site on ig or similar sites, lately I’ve been about my digital footprint too.

On the otherhand I really like to stick on a routine but when unemployement hits sometimes it’s hard to keep the track of it too. But I’m trying to do some kind of exercise, maybe run at least.

The funny thing is that from time to time I got some kind of migraine which is unbearable.

But life is full of hope and I believe in happier times again.

so, I've got this big presentation at work coming up, and man, the nerves are real. it's not exactly my forte, and honestly, public speaking just makes my palms sweat. anyone else feel like this? anyway, I figured I'd share some thoughts on how to maybe dial down that anxiety a bit. it’s been said, "practice makes perfect," and I guess there's no harm in practicing more than just once or twice.

let’s talk about preparation first. have you ever walked into a meeting and just winged it? yeah, me too. doesn't always end well. so this time, I've tried digging deep into the material. our industry’s got all sorts of jargon (synergy, KPI, fiscal projections.....) but really understanding the content can help. break it down into bite-sized chunks. for example, one might say, "start with a strong opening," then move into key points with clear examples and finish with something memorable.

another thing, and this might sound cliché, is rehearsing. have you tried talking to a mirror? it sounds awkward, but it can be quite effective. you get to see your expressions and body language. or, maybe pull a friend into it. they could provide feedback from an audience perspective. watch out for the filler words, you know? like, uh, um. we've all been there, right? treating your coworkers like they're keen supporters might change the game.

also, what about pacing and breathing? I’ve read somewhere, "take a deep breath," and it indeed helps. standing in front of an audience might feel like being in a hamster wheel, heart racing. ever tried pacing your speech? slower, measured words help not only calm the nerves but also make sure the message lands well. remember, it's not just the words but how they’re delivered. have you ever thought about how speaking can be an art form?

finally, the mindset shift is crucial. what's the worst that could happen? they might have questions you don’t know the answer to. and that’s okay, it happens. the key is to handle it with grace. maybe say, "that's an intriguing question; I'll have to get back to you on that." no harm in learning as you go. view the presentation as an opportunity, not a hurdle. it can indeed be a way to boost up that sometimes shaky confidence.

so yeah, that's the scoop. any other tips or tricks you've found helpful? I'd love to hear them. we’re all in this together, right? just gotta remember that at the end of the day, it's about sharing information and learning. isn’t that what makes this process worthwhile? here's to hoping the presentation goes smoothly.