# Workplace griping, anyone? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 12, 2010, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401 "2010-11-12T06:39:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 415
**Author:** ![Dunkelheit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dunkelheit/32/248_2.png) [@Dunkelheit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunkelheit)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2014, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8282 "2014-08-29T07:45:59Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > I’m sorry to hear that your job is making you so unhappy, **Dunkelheit**. I don’t have any specific advice to give you, but I do hope things get better for you real soon. Thanks for your support, it does help to be able to commisserate. I am looking for a way to shift my project to a new and more stable home, so that I don’t have to abandon it, but if that doesn’t prove feasible, I’ll have to look for something else entirely. It’s difficult to feel capable of performing any other job when I’m so traumatized\* by this one, though I KNOW (intellectually) that once I’m out of this environment I will feel better and more capable. Right now, I just want to go on indefinite stress leave. \*not hyperbole, but I don’t want to go into detail here. ---
**Author:** ![Cinnamon\_Imp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58956e/32.png) [@Cinnamon\_Imp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cinnamon_Imp)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2014, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8283 "2014-08-29T09:00:33Z")
> [@Dunkelheit](#): > > The job itself isn’t so bad, it’s rewarding and the bits that are difficult for me wouldn’t be insurmountable with proper support. The problem is the toxic work environment, mainly down to one person who has all the power and is never held accountable for their behaviour. Their extremely unprofessional, inappropriate behaviour. Sadly, that reminds me of a Red Dwarf quote: "Rimmer shook his head. ‘There’s always one, isn’t there? One wag. One clown. One imbecile.’ ‘Yes, sir,’ Lister agreed, ‘but he’s not usually in charge, sir.’ " _Red Dwarf: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers, Copyright © 1989 Rob Grant and Doug Naylor_ ---
**Author:** ![Eureka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/74df32/32.png) [@Eureka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eureka)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2014, 9:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8284 "2014-08-29T09:22:30Z")
> [@Dunkelheit](#): > > It’s difficult to feel capable of performing any other job when I’m so traumatized\* by this one, though I KNOW (intellectually) that once I’m out of this environment I will feel better and more capable. Right now, I just want to go on indefinite stress leave. > > \*not hyperbole, but I don’t want to go into detail here. I sooo get this. I’m not sure I’d use the word traumatized in my case but I absolutely relate to feeling less capable than you know you are. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2014, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8285 "2014-08-29T14:34:38Z")
Editing an email for a colleague, which will - this is relevant - go out to mostly women: > [@](#): > > What time of the month would be best for you guys at the {{ office }} ? Just … no. ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2014, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8286 "2014-08-29T16:06:48Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > Good luck, **Mister Rik**. “The first thing we need to do in order to improve is know where we have problems”. Now that you know there is a problem, you can fix it. And hopefully there will be less stress in your future! That happens so much around here that it’s just considered part of the background noise. Thanks for fixing that. It’s only been broken for a month. Did anyone report it? No one had the time. :rolleyes: Yes, we do have equipment that reports in when it’s breaking down, but right now it’s just the umpteen thousand dollar servers. It hasn’t made it’s way down to ten dollar keyboards and five dollar mice. ---
**Author:** ![Eureka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/74df32/32.png) [@Eureka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eureka)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2014, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8287 "2014-08-29T21:35:40Z")
I have seen next week’s schedule and it is DIRE. That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right? ---
**Author:** ![MrDewiggins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@MrDewiggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDewiggins)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2014, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8288 "2014-08-29T23:31:19Z")
Hey boss, Since a coworker brought her two dogs to the office today, can I bring my three cats in tomorrow? ---
**Author:** ![7e42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/7/51bf81/32.png) [@7e42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/7e42)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8289 "2014-08-30T00:23:47Z")
> [@Cinnamon\_Imp](#): > > That’s a long time to be out of work. HUH? I said I been working since 1993 ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8290 "2014-08-30T00:35:23Z")
> [@7e42](#): > > HUH? I said I been working since 1993 Relax, it’s a joke. It made me laugh. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8291 "2014-08-30T01:59:37Z")
> [@7e42](#): > > HUH? I said I been working since 1993 Actually, if you read the words that are actually there, it should be clear that you only implied it. It’s like if I said I haven’t disliked any oyster I’ve eaten since 1993, it leaves open the possibility that I haven’t eaten an oyster since 1993. Which I haven’t, because they’re not made out of food. Also, this: > [@Leaffan](#): > > Relax, it’s a joke. It made me laugh. Me, too. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8292 "2014-08-30T02:27:03Z")
> [@Cinnamon\_Imp](#): > > That’s a long time to be out of work. > [@7e42](#): > > HUH? I said I been working since 1993 Let me try: Since everybody in this thread has a gripe about their job, if you don’t hate yours, then you probably don’t have one. It’s a joke, Son! Ah say, it’s a joke! (Nice boy, but he’s ‘bout as sharp as a bowlin’ ball.) ---
**Author:** ![7e42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/7/51bf81/32.png) [@7e42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/7e42)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8293 "2014-08-30T02:29:48Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > Let me try: Since everybody in this thread has a gripe about their job, if you don’t hate yours, then you probably don’t have one. > > It’s a joke, Son! Ah say, it’s a joke! > > (Nice boy, but he’s ‘bout as sharp as a bowlin’ ball.) Log out for me:D ---
**Author:** ![Hung\_Mung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@Hung\_Mung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hung_Mung)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8294 "2014-08-30T03:06:47Z")
> [@MrDewiggins](#): > > Hey boss, > > Since a coworker brought her two dogs to the office today, can I bring my three cats in tomorrow? Dear employee, No. We have double standards to uphold. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8295 "2014-08-30T03:26:26Z")
> [@7e42](#): > > Log out for me:D I had a clever comeback prepared for you, but I’m not going to since I’m now convinced you’re a troll. So, I’m just going to step aside and let these good people continue with their rants. I apologize for the hijack, everybody. ---
**Author:** ![GrumpyBunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bc8723/32.png) [@GrumpyBunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrumpyBunny)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8296 "2014-08-30T03:34:58Z")
Dear Product Developer, Thanks for getting the test results to me, the BA for the Clinical Team, today. At 1 pm. On a Friday. Before a long weekend. Unfortunately, we will not be able to review the result by Tuesday, because we have ONE clinician left on the team, and he is on leave today. And the four emails cc’ing the project manager and my boss about how we’ve done this before, and we’re a barrier, aren’t going to change a damned thing. I need an MD to look at this output. I am not an MD. The MD is out of the office until Tuesday. End of fucking story. We’ll look at it Tuesday. When people are at work. Signed, GrumpyBunny ---
**Author:** ![7e42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/7/51bf81/32.png) [@7e42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/7e42)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8297 "2014-08-30T03:53:24Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > I had a clever comeback prepared for you, but I’m not going to since I’m now convinced you’re a troll. So, I’m just going to step aside and let these good people continue with their rants. > > I apologize for the hijack, everybody. You was joking with me and I can’t joke with you? ---
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8298 "2014-08-30T10:42:34Z")
> [@MrDewiggins](#): > > Hey boss, > > Since a coworker brought her two dogs to the office today, can I bring my three cats in tomorrow? What? Really? Someone brought their pets to work? Ok, my brother was a software developer and they allowed him to bring his dog to work but she stayed at his feet in his cubicle. ---
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8299 "2014-08-30T10:55:15Z")
> [@Mister\_Rik](#): > > I’m planning, at the next monthly staff meeting, to stand up and make a public apology to my coworkers. I dont know much about head cooks except from what I see watching Gordon Ramsey but I’d guess their is a fine line between being over the top and the very requirement of the job to be a strong, take charge leader. An idea - before you make the announcement say “I have an announcement to make but before I do that I want to serve you all something I cooked up” and you serve some sort of treat for everyone. Your a cook. Let the power of food calm people down and put a smile on everyones face. Only after they are smiling and complimenting you on the treat do you apologize. ---
**Author:** ![Hung\_Mung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@Hung\_Mung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hung_Mung)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8300 "2014-08-30T14:26:00Z")
> [@Urbanredneck](#): > > I dont know much about head cooks except from what I see watching Gordon Ramsey but I’d guess their is a fine line between being over the top and the very requirement of the job to be a strong, take charge leader. > > An idea - before you make the announcement say “I have an announcement to make but before I do that I want to serve you all something I cooked up” and you serve some sort of treat for everyone. Your a cook. Let the power of food calm people down and put a smile on everyones face. Only after they are smiling and complimenting you on the treat do you apologize. This is a great idea. Kill them (metaphorically) with brownies, then apologize. If that doesn’t win you some points, I don’t know what will. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Girlfriend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.girlfriend/32/193_2.png) [@Dr.Girlfriend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Girlfriend)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/8301 "2014-08-30T17:37:43Z")
> [@Dunkelheit](#): > > The job itself isn’t so bad, it’s rewarding and the bits that are difficult for me wouldn’t be insurmountable with proper support. The problem is the toxic work environment, mainly down to one person who has all the power and is never held accountable for their behaviour. Their extremely unprofessional, inappropriate behaviour. Ugh, I know that feeling all too well. Bitch away, that’s what we’re here for! This thread helped me when I was in a bad situation, I’m here with a digital shoulder if you need one. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401.md?page=414) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401.md?page=416)