This topic does not involve swimming AT all ... sorry ... I cannot stand my co-worker! She drives me crazy. First of all, I work in a very small law firm. There a total of eight employees. Four attorneys (one is part time), two secretaries, an errand boy (aka the head partner’s son), and myself. We have an open office sans cubicles. So there is NO escape. Moving on ... we are a very busy firm. Normally we have a couple of law clerks but right now we don’t. So most of the extra work falls on me. We don’t really have carved out jobs really we all kind of do everything. Though we do all have things that only we do. The annoying co-worker complains non-stop all day long. Seriously. Either she doesn’t have enough to do or the guys ask her to do stuff and she flips out “I don’t have time for this. I can’t handle this right now.” She complains about everything she is asked to do. She complains and/or comments on every phone call she answers. She gets all snippy with me and has basically told me that if I keep eating the way I do (I snack on healthy things all day) that I am going to get fat, so I should enjoy it while I can get away with it. She talks endlessly about how her son is in marching band and how that is the most important thing EVER, how hard it is and how much time it takes up ... I want to yell, do you know how many hours a week I spent in a gym in high school? Like, 30! AH! I can’t take it. I seriously want to yell SHUT UP! Everyone is busy and no one cares. She is a drama queen to the max. She is ALWAYS in pain, her knee, her back, she has a headache, a stomach ache, a cold ... she hasn’t been here everyday all day for two weeks since I started in September. It drives me crazy. I am really afraid that one day I’ll just blurt out shut up you whiney wench! Gr! Do any of you have annoying co-workers and how do you deal with it? Thanks!
Usually, I am not a complainer I swear, and I do see the irony of complaining about someone complaining.
Holy Cow!
Kira, I've just caught myself up on this forum and I can't believe the level of immaturity this woman (as well as the initial response by the HR dept.) have!..
I'm sorry this is happening, No one should have to go to work fearful and uncomfortable around another employee. I wish I had some words of wisdom, but I have no idea what one should do in a situation like this. Sounds like everyone's advice so far is pretty good, just keep a cool head (if possible), and try not to let this woman get too far under your skin. (i know much easier said than done).
Anyway, keep us informed about how HR responds to this, I hope it all gets worked out!. Remember YOU'RE the one who's being an adult here..
good luck!
Jeanette.
Kira, I'm hoping things go well for you with Human Resources. This is unacceptable behavior anywhere.
If It were me running the place, I'd automatically terminate her contract with the agency. If someone fails to get along with others in the office and starts to threaten them, IT WILL BE STOPPED, I don't care how you were raised, IT WILL BE STOPPED.
However, I would like to add to Mark's reply: If push comes to shove, go to a law enforcement agency to help resolve this unacceptable behavior. I'd also have to agree with Leonard, carry a small can of pepper spray if in the event she decides to attack you in the parking lot, but MOST IMPORTANTLY, have a male co-worker escort you to your car. There's safety in numbers. If the girl in question attacks you in the parking lot, you will have an eye witness if it happens. If it does happen, immidiately document it, Date, Time, Name of agency you work for, co-worker's name in question AND elaboratively document what happened.
When at the Office: Carry a micro-cassette recorder to covertly document her verbal threats. Cassette Recorders NEVER lie.
Originally posted by Sonic Swimmer78
... If the girl in question attacks you in the parking lot, you will have an eye witness if it happens. If it does happen, immidiately document it, Date, Time, Name of agency you work for, co-worker's name in question AND elaboratively document what happened.If you are attacked, especially with witnesses, you have probable cause for you to visit your local local enforcement office. Once there, you have several options. In Maryland for a similar situation, you can swear out a warrant for her arrest and possible prosecution, swear out a criminal summons which would not be for an arrest, but for a court hearing or you could petition the court for a restraining order.
Be careful about using concealed tape recorders ... it might do you more harm in court. Live witnesses work equally well. Having (a) male colleague(s) escort you to the car cannot be underestimated.
Alas! The full moon has not risen this month, either!
IMHO
Kira,
I think you can take her!! Kidding :p
Pat just went swimming and will be home around 8:30. I'll have him read this thread and give you some suggestions. Or better yet- e-mail me your phone number (you're not on the roster) and I'll have him call you tonight (provided I get your number).
Okay, I wasn't aware of California's laws, although any type of documentation (as long as it's legal where you live) is okay. Live witnesses are just as good as Mark posted.
Please keep us posted with what happened at the office. Nobody should have to put up with such childish, yes, CHILDISH behavior.
I agree with Jeanette, you're truly being the adult here.
Kira, Dear, that sounds terrible. She's obviously a threat to you in the office. Speaking to the Office Admins was a good thing. I'm hoping they do something about it. As for a police report, I'd leave that as a last resort if and when things get really ugly, which I'm hoping doesn't happen.
Looking for employment elsewhere is also an option. Are there any other agencies close to home? She obviously has a beef with you if she's threatening to fight you in the parking lot.
Kira, please, keep us posted. Stuff like this is very concerning. I wouldn't want to see a fellow Masters Swimmer get hurt by a psychotic co-worker.
Kira, document EVERYTHING. Date, time, what happened, have witnesses do the same. Document, document, document.
I think you are past the stage of resolving this peacefully ... I'd report this to the president of the company ... go as high up as you can. Have them document everything. In the mean time, have someone walk you to your car everynight ...
Heather, that's great advice. I'd also suggest Kira have a male co-worker accompany her to the parking lot in the event things get ugly, he can subdue the girl in question.
This girl is obviously harrassing Kira in the office, which last I checked is against the law.
Kira -
Get one of those tiny containers of pepper spray for your key chain. Hopefully, it will never come to that, but it beats a fistfight in a parking garage any day.
-LBJ
