My superior is driving my nuts
The story
So I've recently joined a new workplace, and it's a hotel. NGL, I got the job because I know the General Manager and was offered an opening due to my circumstances. Even though I have no prior experience in the industry, I did have experience with customer service and I'm totally willing to learn along the way.
Granted, it's six-day work-week and lower payment for me, but I get meals, a uniform with laundry benefits and a travel allowance. The best part is that it's close to my place and pretty safe for me to work in.
Also, everyone's been really friendly towards me.
This issue is that, despite being offered the job TWICE, once I finally accepted (I was reluctant because I didn't want take advantage of knowing the Manager, it felt.... I dunno, weird to me. But my situation made me accept), I find out that they don't have a workstation available for me. Not even a laptop. They were ok to have ME bring my own laptop and convert it to be used only with their applications, but wouldn't get me my own. They wouldn't repair a desktop they had literally sitting outside the Manager's office. And I'd brought it up multiple times, including to the Manager but after some half-hearted checking, it went back to the default of "You need to adjust". Nevermind that that new guy who came after me got them working on a setup for him (I wondered for a moment if it's because I'm a female that I was ignored)!
Additionally, the ones who've been assigned to supervise me/ use my talents have no idea what to do with me.
One of my supervisors is a lady who's so used to working alone that she absolutely won't budge or co-operate with me to get work done.
A major part of her reporting is extracted from an Excel sheet she uses to keep track of her work. She assigned me the task of helping her using that same sheet. That's on her computer. That can't be used by 2 different users at once.
Ok.... SO, I made a copy of the same sheet in Google sheets and shared the access with her. Her response? "I can't use this. I'll just use my Excel sheet".
............... Brilliant.
Ok, attempt #2 - I copy her sheet into a shared folder and update THAT for her. All she needed to do was use Ctrl+ A + C in the copy sheet and then paste the data into her own Excel sheet in her computer. Easy right?
Not for her! She said it's "double work" for her and she doesn't have the time.
I've asked her MULTIPLE times to give me just 5 minutes with her sheet to update it (I used the Google sheet version, so I can access it on her system.
She keeps refusing, saying she has too much work to do. BUT THEN, she complains that the sheet isn't being updated.
It is. Just on my Google sheets.
She only leaves the system when she's at a meeting with the Manager or at lunch. I've tried accessing her system then, but multiple times have been interrupted by guests and by the time they move on, she's back and I'm evicted.
As for my other supervisor, he had me working in the restaurant in the mornings, (nothing bad, just some waiter stuff that I was ok with) and wanted me to acquire feedback and contacts from event guests (pretty tough as I hadn't gotten the uniform then). BUT THEN, he said he wanted ME - a lone female - to go on what's called "sales/marketing calls" here. Basically, I've got to drum up new clients by visiting businesses in-person, like a door-to-door salesman. But alone.
I wasn't comfortable with this and I've repeatedly told him that I had no experience with such things (being raised abroad in a different culture, I didn't even have the language down pat). I couldn't outright tell him I didn't want to do it or even know HOW to do it, because it would bring trouble to the Manager. As usual, my concern was ignored and I nwas just given an EXTREMELY basic, almost Cliffnotes style instructions on what to do. When I asked to accompany one of the employees who actually does it as part of their job, I was rejected with a lame excuse. I was even told by multiple people that sales calls weren't supposed to be part of my work.
But, hey, no-one who was actually in charge of my work cared. So I stopped caring.
One time when I asked for access the excel for my female supervisor ( I framed it I her as taking a 15 min break while I updated the sheet) her response was she can't give it because her work keeps her at the office upto 2 hrs past her shift end, but if I was willing to work extra time, she'll give my the system.
I just "Ok" and walked away.
She's been upset about my choice to leave on time as much as possible ever since she sprang an overtime request on me and I informed her that I had other plans and couldn't work late. Even though I ended up cancelling the plans because she asked, she was sour about it, asking why I was there after my shift end, and I had to point out that SHE asked ME to stay behind to help her..... And it wasn't even for anything that urgent. It was a task that could have been easily solved with a simple message forward. Even she knew everyone else had gone, but still wanted me to stay back.
So here I am. Trapped and trying very hard not to muddy the waters of my existence. While everyone's polite and friendly (upto a point) , I don't have any actual friends here or anyone who even understands me.
I'm just looking for advice o. How to survive working here without having a breakdown or pissing someone off till I get a better job.
Stories in the same category
Points of view
sounds like a pretty tough situation you've got there; but hey, it's all part of the learning curve in the hospitality sector, right? 🏨 i think it's important to remember that everyone faces obstacles when starting in a new field, but adapting and persevering will certainly build character. i understand the frustration with outdated office systems and uncooperative colleagues, but maybe there's a chance to showcase your innovative approach to problem-solving by finding workarounds.
in terms of your supervisors, hospitality jobs can often involve tasks that don’t strictly fit your job description. it’s like in any service industry role where flexibility becomes your best friend. plus, developing these new skills can open doors for future opportunities. and the sales calls? i totally get the anxiety it can cause, but maybe approaching it like any other customer service interaction could lessen the discomfort.
so try to focus on the benefits – proximity to home, the safety of the workplace, and the potential to upskill. who knows, you might find your people there soon enough! stay hopeful and keep your head held high because every professional challenge is a stepping stone towards growth.
wow, your situation sounds super frustrating, and it's totally understandable to feel overwhelmed. 😓 i've been in similar situations where i was expected to 'adjust' without the right resources too, and it's never easy. when you mentioned, "You need to adjust," it reminded me of when I had to juggle multiple tasks without the right tools, and it's really tough to manage expectations in such circumstances.
the whole thing about not having a proper workstation set up for you is not cool—especially when others seem to be getting what they need. it's like you're being asked to do a job with one hand tied behind your back. the lack of support from your colleagues, especially with the excel sheet, is a classic case of outdated practices holding back potential efficiency. sometimes, people are just stuck in their ways and don't realize there's a better way to do things.
as for the sales calls, i get why that would be nerve-wracking. stepping into a role or task that you're not comfortable with can be intimidating. i think you're doing great by acknowledging your discomfort and trying to address it. maybe see this as a temporary stepping stone, something that will eventually lead to better opportunities where your skillset will be truly valued.
stay positive, you're learning a lot through this experience, and it'll make you more resilient and adaptable. hang in there; sometimes the best opportunities come when you least expect them!
honestly, it sounds like you're overthinking things. yeah, it's not perfect, but welcome to the hospitality industry; it's all about adapting. bringing your own laptop isn't the end of the world, and complaining about not having a dedicated workstation seems a bit much. "You need to adjust" is a common phrase for a reason. regarding the excel sheet, maybe try finding another solution instead of griping about her unwillingness to change—people can be stubborn, but that's life.
as for the sales calls, maybe tough it out and gain some valuable experience? we've all been out of our comfort zones. being a lone female shouldn’t automatically mean you can’t handle the task. plus, no job aligns perfectly with its description in hospitality. focus on the benefits you mentioned: meals, travel allowance, and the close proximity to your place. sounds like you've got some good things going amidst your complaints. get over it and make the most out of the opportunities you're given. 🤷♂️
Wow, that sounds rough. I totally agree with you, this setup seems quite unprofessional. not providing basic equipment like a workstation is pretty unacceptable in today's workplace. It makes it difficult to do your job efficiently and can definitely feel like you're being overlooked. And the situation with your supervisors is frustrating too. it's like they're not interested in promoting effective collaboration or providing clear guidance.
I've experienced something similar where tasks were dumped on me with no resources, and it's exhausting. It's understandable why you'd feel hesitant about those sales calls. working alone in unfamiliar territory without proper language skills adds unnecessary pressure and anxiety.
I can see why you'd feel trapped. The benefits you mentioned are nice, but they don't make up for the lack of support and resources. Hang in there, but keep looking for something better. You deserve a workplace that values your contributions and sets you up for success.