Dreading work tomorrow what should i do?

QueenBee1

I am dreading work tomorrow. I work in a call centre and there are 3 more girls along with me which all started together a few months ago. Then in another area of the office are 3 more members of the team, one of the girls i do not get on with and the supervisor is aware we do not get on but there is no issue with us working together and has no impact on the job. On Friday morning I was asked to move desk at the end of the day because there is someone new starting tomorrow and the boss wanted to put him in with the girls and out me in the other area with everyone else in the office. He said it would be good for me to see how everyone else works and see how the organisation is run, but I said no. I am happy where I am based I am working well and getting on well with the team and feel if I moved I would not work as well and would not be happy. Then he said if I said no it would look like I had no interest in going further on to promotion if it were to arise. To me it sounds like bull and there is another hidden agenda so I said no. Now I am dreading the atmosphere tomorrow. Am I totally in the wrong or can anyone see my point? (please be nice)

freshpopcorn

Generally bosses like workers who are good and want to learn and progress in the company.

wirelessdude01

Honestly, you are employed to do a job and part of that is doing what your asked to do. This could be viewed as you thinking your better/above everyone else. You need to suck it up and get on with the job or else find a different company to work for. In every walk of life you will encounter people who you don't get on with. How you actually deal with that situation will be viewed by others around you especially those in positions of power or who dictate whether you get promoted or not.

QueenBee1

Can they sack me over this?

QueenBee1

I am honestly sick to the stomach over this

wirelessdude01

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Can they sack me over this?

Yes they can if you refuse to do what they want you to do. Just be sensible about things.

bee06

Are they making you sit next to the girl you don't get on with or just in the same area.

To be honest you're an adult in a professional workplace and you need to put personal issues aside and do your job as your employer expects. There have been a few people at my work I haven't got on with and actively disliked but when I comes to doing my job I put this aside and get on with what I need to do.

QueenBee1

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

Yes they can if you refuse to do what they want you to do. Just be sensible about things.

They did give me the choice though? They didn't say your moving that's it and then I said no I said from the off I wasn't happy about it and then they said it was up to me but would be constrewed in a way that I didn't want to progress?

Maura74

You have only been there 3 months and have shown that you are not flexible, this will not go well for any promotion and also reference if and when you leave.

You are assuming that it will not work well how do you know this?

Can they sack me over this?

What is would do is go and see you boss and explain that you are of course willing to move desk and it will not be a problem for you.

Tokyo

You're acting like a child who doesn't want to sit beside the other girl in school, rather than like an adult in a workplace environment.

Your boss has asked you to do something, well within the scope of what is reasonable to ask an employee, and his reasoning to me makes perfect sense. You are there to do a job, and getting paid for it. I really don't see why you feel that this should be up for debate.

You go to work, and you do the job that you are being paid to do. If that's such a big problem, then you find another job....

QueenBee1

Maura74 wrote: »

You have only been there 3 months and have shown that you are not flexible.

I have been there 2 years but started in this particular area 5 months ago with a new team

Tokyo

QueenBee1 wrote: »

I have been there 2 years but started in this particular area 5 months ago with a new team

Look at it from a bosses perspective for a second.


New girl is coming in - he's putting her in with the experienced people so they can show her the ropes. Obviously he has to make space for her, so he's moving the girl with two years experience out to her own desk because he knows that she is well able to work on her own.

You're turning this into a big deal here, where really there is none. Work isn't a place you go to gather round the desks with your mates and have a chat - you go there to do the job that you get paid for, quite simply. He's being a reasonable boss in asking you to move desks - you are being quite unreasonable (and quite childish) as an employee by saying no.

QueenBee1

mike_ie wrote: »

Look at it from a bosses perspective for a second.


New girl is coming in - he's putting her in with the experienced people so they can show her the ropes. Obviously he has to make space for her, so he's moving the girl with two years experience out to her own desk because he knows that she is well able to work on her own.

You're turning this into a big deal here, where really there is none. Work isn't a place you go to gather round the desks with your mates and have a chat - you go there to do the job that you get paid for, quite simply. He's being a reasonable boss in asking you to move desks - you are being quite unreasonable (and quite childish) as an employee by saying no.

Everything your saying is right. At the time I suppose I just freaked, he gave me just hours notice I took it personally that I was singled out and felt there was no need to move me and no point when I am doing the same work same everything etc. I will approach him in the morning and say I am willing to move and overreacted etc, but what if he says no then and it's too late damage is done?

Maura74

QueenBee1 wrote: »

I am dreading work tomorrow. I work in a call centre and there are 3 more girls along with me which all started together a few months ago. Then in another area of the office are 3 more members of the team, one of the girls i do not get on with and the supervisor is aware we do not get on but there is no issue with us working together and has no impact on the job. On Friday morning I was asked to move desk at the end of the day because there is someone new starting tomorrow and the boss wanted to put him in with the girls and out me in the other area with everyone else in the office. He said it would be good for me to see how everyone else works and see how the organisation is run, but I said no. I am happy where I am based I am working well and getting on well with the team and feel if I moved I would not work as well and would not be happy. Then he said if I said no it would look like I had no interest in going further on to promotion if it were to arise. To me it sounds like bull and there is another hidden agenda so I said no. Now I am dreading the atmosphere tomorrow. Am I totally in the wrong or can anyone see my point? (please be nice)

You are there to work and you do not have to love someone to work with them. Yes you seem to be totally wrong as you have made assumption that it will not work without even trying it out first.

username123

I don't understand? Your boss asks you to move desk so a new staff member can come in and learn the ropes and as an aside says that you moving desk will help you learn more and make for a better progression within the company and you say no? On what basis? It sounds childish, plus you are marking yourself out as a difficult employee, which is never a good thing. I just don't get your reasoning for not wanting to move? If you felt you were being isolated or demoted I'd get it, but you just 'feel' you won't work as well? Why not? Then you go on to talk about hidden agendas, why so paranoid? The truth is you ARE making yourself look like a difficult employee, and that won't bode well for future opportunities. You are saying you will only work on your own terms. Now you're worried about an atmosphere but if there us one, it is of your own creation. Maybe you could clarify why a desk move is bad for you because as stated it just comes off as though you are being awkward.

Tokyo

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Everything your saying is right. At the time I suppose I just freaked, he gave me just hours notice I took it personally that I was singled out and felt there was no need to move me and no point when I am doing the same work same everything etc. I will approach him in the morning and say I am willing to move and overreacted etc, but what if he says no then and it's too late damage is done?

All you do is go to him in the morning and say "sorry I was out of line on Friday when you asked me to move desks - it just came as a bit of a surprise at the time and thought that if I moved away from the team, I wouldn't work as well. But I'm happy to move desks and help train up the new girl if you need it."

If he's a decent boss, he'll appreciate the honesty.

QueenBee1

Thanks for the comments but while your all loving giving me a bashing over this can you also bear in mind that I did state please be nice and also said numerous times I am worries sick and feel bad enough as it is?

janvankul

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Generally bosses like workers who are good and want to learn and progress in the company.

It's a call centre. Doubt there's much opportunity for progression

QueenBee1

username123 wrote: »

I don't understand? Your boss asks you to move desk so a new staff member can come in and learn the ropes and as an aside says that you moving desk will help you learn more and make for a better progression within the company and you say no? On what basis? It sounds childish, plus you are marking yourself out as a difficult employee, which is never a good thing. I just don't get your reasoning for not wanting to move? If you felt you were being isolated or demoted I'd get it, but you just 'feel' you won't work as well? Why not? Then you go on to talk about hidden agendas, why so paranoid? The truth is you ARE making yourself look like a difficult employee, and that won't bode well for future opportunities. You are saying you will only work on your own terms. Now you're worried about an atmosphere but if there us one, it is of your own creation. Maybe you could clarify why a desk move is bad for you because as stated it just comes off as though you are being awkward.

Yes I will feel isolated at the minute I am beside 4 girls on a line and now I'm moved to a huge open plan a big desk on my own and into an atmosphere the feels like a morgue. I made friends with girls I am with and loved our friendship and banter because to be honest I don't have a life outside work I stay at home all weekend my only nights out are when work goes out. And if it was to benefit the new person then why aren't the moving anyone else beside me into the back for their benefit?

peckerhead

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Everything your saying is right (...) I will approach him in the morning and say I am willing to move and overreacted etc, but what if he says no then and it's too late damage is done?

Did you ever hear the expression "I've known catastrophes that have never happened"? You're anxious about the situation and over-projecting IMHO. Doing other people's thinking for them.

Relax. You can do this, and it will be far less of a big deal by tomorrow teatime.

freshpopcorn

janvankul wrote: »

It's a call centre. Doubt there's much opportunity for progression

I know of lots of people who progressed up the ladder working in call centres but that was because they were willing to learn.

freshpopcorn

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Thanks for the comments but while your all loving giving me a bashing over this can you also bear in mind that I did state please be nice and also said numerous times I am worries sick and feel bad enough as it is?

Better to be honest than to be nice at times. What people are saying is better than everyone telling you that your right/should have done what you did because this won't benefit you.

QueenBee1

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Better to be honest than to be nice at times. What people are saying is better than everyone telling you that your right/should have done what you did because this won't benefit you.

Yes I know but I asked for advice not be be branded childish and unreasonable over and over I'm literally crying while I'm writing this and didn't realise it was this bad until everyone started

wirelessdude01

OP, would you rather be told that it will be ok or be told the truth? Truth hurts sometimes. Suck it up, read the honest replies that people have given the time to type for you.

Now on a side point I have always held the opinion that work being the single focus of life is very bad for anyone. Get a life outside of work.

Meauldsegosha

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Yes I will feel isolated at the minute I am beside 4 girls on a line and now I'm moved to a huge open plan a big desk on my own and into an atmosphere the feels like a morgue. I made friends with girls I am with and loved our friendship and banter because to be honest I don't have a life outside work I stay at home all weekend my only nights out are when work goes out. And if it was to benefit the new person then why aren't the moving anyone else beside me into the back for their benefit?

It's never a good idea for your social life and work life to be so connected. Your boss told you that by moving it could help with promotions but you don't want to move because it means leaving your friends. Do you think if one of your friends had been asked to move that they would have refused? There is not a chance in hell they would have refused.

Go to your boss tomorrow and tell him you'll move. It shouldn't matter where you sit your friends will still be your friends.

mickdw

I don't know if I agree with everyone on thread.
I've seen numerous examples of where the employee who doesn't speak up gets trampled on while the bosses keep away from the more outspoken types just for an easy life.
If it's a case of having over reacted, fair enough you should go and tell the boss you are happy to move. If however you reasonably believe you are getting a bad deal, you are right to tell them that.

wirelessdude01

mickdw wrote: »

I don't know if I agree with everyone on thread.
I've seen numerous examples of where the employee who doesn't speak up gets trampled on while the bosses keep away from the more outspoken types just for an easy life.
If it's a case of having over reacted, fair enough you should go and tell the boss you are happy to move. If however you reasonably believe you are getting a bad deal, you are right to tell them that.

Where is the bad deal though from what the OP has posted? Seems to be more that she doesn't want to be seated away from her only friends in life.

Maura74

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Yes I will feel isolated at the minute I am beside 4 girls on a line and now I'm moved to a huge open plan a big desk on my own and into an atmosphere the feels like a morgue. I made friends with girls I am with and loved our friendship and banter because to be honest I don't have a life outside work I stay at home all weekend my only nights out are when work goes out. And if it was to benefit the new person then why aren't the moving anyone else beside me into the back for their benefit?

You need your job and need to be flexible, it is not like you can walk out of it and into anther one, it is an employers market today and also you need you employer for a good reference if and when you want to leave it for another more suitable job.

Perhaps you boss was not too keen on the banter with the friends that you made at work and he wants more focus on the job.

Anyway as mentioned you best bet is to go and speak to him tomorrow morning and say that you have no problems with moving to another part of the office.

username123

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Yes I will feel isolated at the minute I am beside 4 girls on a line and now I'm moved to a huge open plan a big desk on my own and into an atmosphere the feels like a morgue. I made friends with girls I am with and loved our friendship and banter because to be honest I don't have a life outside work I stay at home all weekend my only nights out are when work goes out. And if it was to benefit the new person then why aren't the moving anyone else beside me into the back for their benefit?

The friendship and banter in work might not be such a good idea. A bit of it, sure. But possibly the boss wants to break up that kind of thing because it can create a perception of giggly schoolgirls and not enough work being done, not saying this is how it is, but could be perceived that way.

Personally I keep work and friendships separate, it can lead to problems to entwine social and work life. Obviously some friendships develop, but an over reliance on work mates can be a problem. Plus, it's not your bosses problem if your only friends are work friends. He isn't there to entertain your social life. That's a different matter. I am bit unsympathetic to your plight, but you cannot expect your boss to keep you in a particular spot because it suits you socially.

Huge open plan and big desk to yourself sounds like a step up the ladder if I'm honest. Morgue atmosphere, yeah, my office can be a bit morgue like sometimes, it's just people being busy and professional. It really does sound like you are being given an opportunity to progress here.

Perhaps you were singled out for positive reasons, you are bring offered a good opportunity, despite you perceiving it as bad.

Just go in and say 'Look I'd a lot on my mind on Friday and was taken aback when you asked me to move desk. I shouldn't have said no, I am happy to move if you still want me to'.

If he says yes, then just move. If he says no just say, ok thanks, and carry on.

username123

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Yes I know but I asked for advice not be be branded childish and unreasonable over and over I'm literally crying while I'm writing this and didn't realise it was this bad until everyone started

People are just trying to show you how this may have been perceived by the boss. It's really better to hear it this way, from anonymous strangers than get called up by HR and told it in work.

Maura74

Also you will not get the sack as they got to give you warnings first and then after that in writing before you can be fired.

QueenBee1

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

Where is the bad deal though from what the OP has posted? Seems to be more that she doesn't want to be seated away from her only friends in life.

Last sentence bit harsh don't you think? I never said they were my ONLY friends did I

wirelessdude01

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Last sentence bit harsh don't you think? I never said they were my ONLY friends did I

Possibly a little harsh but then again you did say 'this to be honest I don't have a life outside work I stay at home all weekend my only nights out are when work goes out'.

Anyway you need to get some form of a life outside of work. What happens when you leave that company and don't see the girls anymore or perhaps you end up being their boss in work? Friendships sometimes don't last when the dynamic changes. Have you not stayed friends with the people you went to school with? My best mates are those I grew up with even though we all went to different colleges, some traveled the world, some living at home, some in different parts of Ireland and some in other countries.

Take up some hobbies or do some classes to try and create a life outside of work for yourself.

ratracer

QueenBee1 wrote: »

Last sentence bit harsh don't you think? I never said they were my ONLY friends did I

Actually I think you did: ' I made friends with girls I am with and loved our friendship and banter because to be honest I don't have a life outside work I stay at home all weekend my only nights out are when work goes out.'

People aren't trying to be bitchy here, most comments have been very honest and well intended. You are simply not wanting to hear it because it isn't what you want to hear.

Tokyo

To be fair, it might be worth all of our while taking a step back and realising that the OP came here for advice on a very particular work situation, not a complete analysis of her life and friendships. Just saying....

Stavro Mueller

OP, I manage staff in my office and if someone did what you just did there, I'd be taking a dim view too. I sometimes have to ask members of my team to do things along the lines of what you've refused to do there. It's my job to manage and if that means having to ask someone to move desks or drop what they're doing and pick up a different job of work, that's what I have to do. What your manager asked you wasn't unreasonable and your refusal to move may have messed up his plans. He didn't ask you for the fun of it - there was probably a very solid management reason behind it and you've sent him back to the drawing board.

I've got someone on my team who's a bit like you - if I had a choice they'd be gone long ago (and that's a whole other story lol). Because of the way this person behaves, I prefer to approach other more amenable staff members when things need to be done. It makes a world of difference to be able to go to someone, ask them to do something and know there won't be any hassle. And if the opportunity for promotion comes up and I've a say in it, guess who'll be on the back foot?

Honestly OP, you need to grow up. It's not as if your boss has just asked you to start cleaning the toilets or something. You're behaving childishly and this sort of behaviour will come back to bite you in the long term.

Stavro Mueller

Maura74 wrote: »

Perhaps you boss was not too keen on the banter with the friends that you made at work and he wants more focus on the job.

Just to go back to this earlier post - this is correct. I don't mind people having a bit of banter and getting on well as people. Within reason. If I had a group of people on my floor whose banter was getting out of hand and distracting the others on the floor, I'd certainly be taking steps to call a halt to that. The same if these people weren't doing their job as well as they should. Splitting the group up would certainly be something I'd consider. You'd be surprised how noisy and distracting a few people who are chattering away can be.

Wanderer2010

But what long term damage could possibly be done from the OP refusing to move desks, regardless of whether you agree with the reasons or not? These kind of things happen in the workplace every day and its not the be all and end all for future promotions etc. The bosses in my job made awful mistakes over the years, from bullying others to screwing up deadlines and they all managed to become supervisors. I think some people here are vastly exaggerating the possible outcomes for the OP just for being a tad inflexible....its hardly the most unusual thing in a workplace is it?

Tokyo

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

But what long term damage could possibly be done from the OP refusing to move desks, regardless of whether you agree with the reasons or not? These kind of things happen in the workplace every day and its not the be all and end all for future promotions etc. The bosses in my job made awful mistakes over the years, from bullying others to screwing up deadlines and they all managed to become supervisors. I think some people here are vastly exaggerating the possible outcomes for the OP just for being a tad inflexible....its hardly the most unusual thing in a workplace is it?

Because as pointed out in the above posts, there's a major difference between "awful mistakes" and reasonable requests. Her immediate boss hasn't asked the OP to scrub out the toilets - he's asked her to free up her desk for the new girl and move to a desk further away, because she has 2 years experience under her belt and is more than capable of working alone. Not only is that a reasonable request, but it's seems to be a logical choice by the boss.

You're right - maybe there will be no outcome at all for the OP. But it doesn't take away from the fact that she is unreasonable by refusing to move desks when her boss asked, and even took the trouble to explain himself when he didn't really have to, which is what the OP asked advice on.

Wanderer2010

mike_ie wrote: »

Because as pointed out in the above posts, there's a major difference between "awful mistakes" and reasonable requests. Her immediate boss hasn't asked the OP to scrub out the toilets - he's asked her to free up her desk for the new girl and move to a desk further away, because she has 2 years experience under her belt and is more than capable of working alone. Not only is that a reasonable request, but it's seems to be a logical choice by the boss.

You're right - maybe there will be no outcome at all for the OP. But it doesn't take away from the fact that she is unreasonable by refusing to move desks when her boss asked, and even took the trouble to explain himself when he didn't really have to, which is what the OP asked advice on.

I agree with some of what you are saying but from the OPs point of view they are now in a situation where they are dreading work and all because of a refusal to do a certain task. Will there be repercussions down the road? Who knows, but certainly I have worked in enough places to know that being a bit inflexible doesnt mean the end of the world, its just one aspect of a worker, look at all the awful bosses out there, they certainly still got their positions despite their many flaws.

A few posts here are infused with drama and doom "ooooh you didnt do this then so they will hold it against you in the future" which is rubbish in many cases. Workplaces arent operated by robots who never make mistakes (well in most case!). People are human, they form bonds and in many ways that can help the workplace move more smoothly. Moving the OP would upset the flow for the workplace is there is banter and the place is running ok as it is. I have a degree of sympathy for the Op here.

username123

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

I have a degree of sympathy for the Op here.

I've loads of sympathy for the OP, but in the real world of work you need you be smart enough to pick your battles. Moving desk is not a big deal. Refusing to move makes her look awkward and difficult. Particularly if the reason is to transition in a new staff member.

You don't go to work to banter and socialise, you go to get the job done. It's nice if you get along with the people, but the point of being there is to pay the bills.

Stavro Mueller

Yes you're right - Friday's events aren't going to lead to the OP coming into work to find a P45 on her desk. Context is everything. If this is just a minor blip in her career to date then life will go on. But if there have been other issues on and off, it'll just be helping to build a negative picture of her as an employee. She did allude in the first post to a colleague she doesn't get along with - the supervisor is aware of this. Don't forget either why the supervisor wanted her to move. It was so that someone new could be brought into the team. The OP refusing to move desks means that a Plan B has to be put into action - we don't know what sort of inconvenience that was for her supervisor.

Starokan

Change for some people can be highly stressful ; even something like moving desk which to the majority of people would be a very small inconvenience is clearly causing a reaction In you which is way beyond what would be considered the norm. Try and figure out why this is .

If its due to fear of change thats something you need to work on as you will encounter change so many times in your life that you need to learn how to deal with it.

If its due to the person you do not see eye to eye with then I would suggest you ask your manager for a private word and explain this. I would advise this if you genuinely feel your work life will become unbearable by working in close proximity to this person, if explained properly your manager will understand and while it may be an inconvenience to them they will work around it

If its worry over losing your friends dont , your friends will always be your friends.

Most importantly stop stressing so much tonight your torturing yourself over something that has yet to even be implemented.


I feel for you ; ive seen this reaction in people on a number of occasions , nothing to be ashamed of, whats simple for others is difficult for you, do try work out why your feeling this way and work on the cause

All will be fine tomorrow

Maura74

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

I agree with some of what you are saying but from the OPs point of view they are now in a situation where they are dreading work and all because of a refusal to do a certain task. Will there be repercussions down the road? Who knows, but certainly I have worked in enough places to know that being a bit inflexible doesnt mean the end of the world, its just one aspect of a worker, look at all the awful bosses out there, they certainly still got their positions despite their many flaws.

A few posts here are infused with drama and doom "ooooh you didnt do this then so they will hold it against you in the future" which is rubbish in many cases. Workplaces arent operated by robots who never make mistakes (well in most case!). People are human, they form bonds and in many ways that can help the workplace move more smoothly. Moving the OP would upset the flow for the workplace is there is banter and the place is running ok as it is. I have a degree of sympathy for the Op here.

This may or may not be the case with some manager and indeed manager maybe taking instruction from a CEO of the company. If the OP does not get on in the new area when she will be situated or has problems with the person that she will be sitting next to her then she can complain to her manager with details and dates of events.

As as mentioned above everything will be OK tomorrow

Neyite

OP, I've 2 theories on this - the first would be along the lines of what Mike_ie is saying - that you are simply being moved to accommodate a new staffer.

I've worked in a similar environment and it was common to sit a newbie beside someone who did the job well, understood the role, was efficient and thorough. So in that case, I'd not see anything beyond it being a simple training issue.

However, some managers do target groups who are particularly friendly - especially if they feel a clique is forming,that may have the effect of isolating others, or if someone might be distracting others from their job. Sometimes someone gets moved simply to keep a closer eye on them. I don't know you, or your workplace, but do consider if one of these might be a factor. And if it is, it might mean that the supervisor does not feel that you are pulling your weight, or maybe are distracting the other two from doing their job.

From experience, its never good to have your best friends at work - sooner or later, a promotion or opportunity might arise, and friends that know your secrets can fight dirty. I do think that expanding your interests outside of work would be of great benefit to you. It puts it in perspective that its just a job.

Merkin

That was my first thought on reading it.The OP talks about all the banter and chatting they have it work and yet it's a customer service environment, presumably one that is phone based. He might feel that you're all far too chatty and it's detracting from your work.Under such circumstances, when asked to move by a line manager you move.

If I was you I'd go in tomorrow, say you were caught on the hop a little but that if they want you to move then you will do so.

I'm a firm believer in choosing your battles and I don't think this is one to go head to head with management over.

Ham Sambo

Look don't worry too much about it, just approach him first thing and talk it over with him.

robvam

Wow OP... you are getting a hard time in here!

Don't take it to heart, maybe these people didn't understand your simple request to (please be nice).

Big Bag of Chips

robvam, please take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with the Personal Issues Forum Charter if you intend to continue posting here. This is an advice forum, where you are expected to offer the OP advice. Also, by posting on a public forum posters cannot control how others respond to their posts, and quite often the advice an OP needs is not necessarily the advice they want (or delivered in the way they would like!)

As per the Charter above, if you have an issue with any post you may report it, and let the forum moderators make a call on it.

OP, as it is now Monday evening, I will assume that your issue was resolved one way or another this morning when you went to work, so I will lock your thread. If you need it reopened for further advice, please contact one of the PI Mods.