I have written under the same title a couple times. Today I decided to do so but focus in each post about a certain aspect of daily life.
We all have things to deal with at work.
Facts: I drive too far for what I get paid and I am expected to manage much more than was indicated when hired. Gee there are a couple surprises.
Fact: I like what I do. Only been on the job a couple months. The duties are exactly the type of work I was seeking. With my experience they are getting a hell of a deal for the wages they pay. I am not one to dilly-dally around so I just keep asking for more responsibility once I am comfortable with something else.
So what is the problem.....come on, we all know....it is The Jerk. There is one everywhere you work. It is a small building, small staff. Nowhere to escape The Jerk.
Fact: this guy is second in command. I think this is the root of his issues.
For the purpose of this post lets define Jerk. The guy who flaunts authority, enjoys putting people on the spot, dismisses me from his office by saying "you can go now" and makes comments like "i was waiting for you to finish my sentence for me, its a bad habit of yours". Sorry, but opening your mouth is a bad habit of yours! Demeaning = Jerk. Oh, lets not forget this one. He claims he rarely makes mistakes. Over confident = Jerk.
That one was a mistake as I had been fixing his mistakes. I was fixing them without mentioning them but not now. Each time I suspect an error I feel obligated to go to him, ask the question.....are you sure this is how you wanted to do this. Listening to his creative, bullshit explanations to cover up errors has become daily entertainment. He ain't very good at it but still refuses to call them mistakes. Arrogant = Jerk
He speaks to me as a child. He has had the audacity to comment with such dismissive undertones...." did you not hear what I said", I am not a child and definitely not his child. His daughter, by the way, ran away from home recently. Hmmmm, imagine that. Jerk.
This guy states he is the only one who can answer my questions. Then why do you have 12 incompetent people working there if they don't have a clue? Really? Jerk.
He reads all my correspondence, enjoys making me wait for answers, purposefully sets me up with little 'tests'. Jerk.
Last week he did the 20 question thing when my husband's Dr. appointment was changed last minute. I went in on Monday and told them Ron's appointment had been changed from 4:15 to 1:00 and I had to leave early. Felt like an inquisition. But, I asked each of his questions at the Dr.'s office and returned the next day with answers to each of his questions. So what does The Jerk say, 'Oh, it isn't any of my business, I was just curious'. Yeah. Un-huh. He felt foolish. That's good medicine for a Jerk sometimes.
My mouth got me fired from my last job so I have been biting my tongue, turning my back or staring him down. Not sure how much longer I can keep this up. I am good compeiton for a Jerk. I can be a bitch.
But, it is a part time job intended to get me out of the house, some cash flow, etc. I won't turn this into The Jerk and The Bitch show. I have decided I can be as childish as he treats me, I like toying around with his ego and I don't screw up much either. I've got a few years of experience playing this game, I intend to use it.
Word games are fun. Inuendos, half ass jokes that could go either way...joke or jab, excelling at my work, feeding his ego one minute, questioning it the next. Keep The Jerk guessing. If he wants to make it uncomfortable for me, I get to screw with his domain, too.
And, although it wouldn't be the best resolution, I don't have to work and I certainly do not have to work there. Pretty sure his options aren't that flexible. Being 60 has some advantages. So there! You jerk.