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Posted on 09/23/06 @ 12:41 pm
(Originally posted on Brain Dump on September 22, 2006.) I'm going to start applying for a new job starting this weekend. I know what you're thinking. "Karsh, didn't you just get a job?" Why yes, I did. And you know what? I think it was a blessing because I was able to get out of that festering cesspool of redundant policy and retarded co-workers known as "working for the government". But you know…I'm wondering if maybe I jumped the gun a bit. I say this because I really am starting not to like my new job, I'm still getting a mass silent treatment from folks and it's making me frustrated as hell. Yes, even with Check on Friday™! Today was hellish. The way that the setup at work goes is that you pull work from a pool which flows in continuously from our sales force. As you pull work, you claim it, complete the task, and then it's sent to QA for checking. The designers get their kudos by being able to pass through QA with at least 98% accuracy. I have no idea where my accuracy level is, but it damn sure ain't 98% since all the work I completed on yesterday came back from QA with a big fact REJECT across it. Thirty tasks, thirty rejects. And I really could kick myself in the ass, because the rejects were on things that I didn't know the designers had any control over…like content. Had I known we had to proof the text we receive, I could have so cut out like 20 of those rejects. The other rejects were on specifications I had no idea about since I have not been able to pin her down long enough to bend her ear on it. She's like management Teflon! I lob a question at her and — zwick — it's delegated to someone else. The other designers are still going out of their way not to speak to me. It's sad; I've been here a month and not even so much as a "hello" when passing them in the hall. I've now just relegated to keeping my gaze straightforward when walking past them. I figure if it's been this long and they're not speaking to me, I guess I could give them a reason. We also have some interns that are there working, and I tell you…they cart them up in front of the designers, everyone applauds and asks them questions, and all I can do is sit back and count the hours until I get off work. Yes, already! AND IT'S ONLY BEEN A MONTH! The designers take them to lunch and chat it up with them while I sit at my desk scarfing down a bowl of rice while reading over my coursework. I don't think any of them know I'm pursuing my Master's while they rest on their laurels with a $30K Associate's degree, but at this point, I couldn't possibly care less. (OK, that's a lie. I do care. That's the fuckin' problem. I was spoiled at my last job because I had people to talk to and socialize with; here, it's not the case. They don't care. I do. Problem identified.) Deep down, I wonder if it's me. My past two jobs were drone city, but people there loved them. They stayed in those humble, shitty occupations for years. Maybe it's because they had things to offset the tedium of their job, like family, friends or a pet or significant other. I know I could deal with not being spoken to for eight hours if I had someone to come home to and bitch about it with. But then again, I have all you lovely blog readers. Filed under: Jobs and Work Comments:
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Name's Karsh. 27. Country-born, city-raised, 
hey if those jerks wanna act like that all you can do is put your 8 hrs in and try not to let it get you down. eventually someone there will want to be nice and friendly, but even if they don't, you've got better things to think about. like up your accuracy rate! haha
Said by rpcjr — 09/23/2006 @ 3:46 pm
This is disheartening. I really thought this would be a great new start for you. I'm available to talk more about this offline.
Said by j. brotherlove — 09/23/2006 @ 6:19 pm
Karsh, sorry to hear about this. Could it be because it's a big company? which is why it's kind of impersonal?
Said by j_most — 09/24/2006 @ 8:12 am
I hear you. I also just recently started a new job, and I am not happy there. So I'm going to be looking again.
You've gotta do what's right for you. You've gotta do whatever it takes for your own happiness!
Said by Amber — 09/24/2006 @ 9:45 am
I wouldn't leave unless I found something really worthwhile. I'd also try to stick it out for as long as I could just for the learning experience. But, I do know how you feel about this whole "is it the job(s) or is it me" thing.
Said by Khandi — 09/24/2006 @ 2:22 pm
That sucks man, I was hoping this would be a fresh and exciting start. Everybody there cant be an asshole, somebody is bound to crack, plus ur still fairly new. Man push come to shove, FUCK BITCHES, GET MONEY!
Said by Koncious Kaos — 09/25/2006 @ 12:09 pm
damn only a month? i think you have a bit of the wanderlust…
however since i have had 5 jobs in the past year and a half i am so not qualified to give you advice on what to do. but i will say that perhaps the position you have had a previous high turnover rate. maybe they don't want to get too invested before you leave (which is what you're thinking anyway)
i'd say give it another 5 months and see where you are. if the situation doesn't change, then may i suggest looking for another job. but remember how long it took you to get this one.
Said by kristen — 09/25/2006 @ 5:28 pm
That really sucks. I'm weird when it comes to isolation. I only want it on my own terms. Give it a couple more months. Keep your head up.
Said by pineapple thief — 09/25/2006 @ 7:41 pm
My advice: start looking right away. There is no upside to putting in time just because. If it's not working, it's not working. Cut your losses and move on.
But spend a lot of time giving serious consideration to the things you need out of the next job and make those targeted questions to ask during any job interview. Too many people accept jobs because the company their interviewing with is interested in them. It's a too way street. You need to find out everything you need to know in order to determine if this is also the place for you.
Draw up your list of criteria–company size, work environment, management styles, team interaction, level of supervision and support, hours, leave policy, benefits, professional development opportunities, etc.–and go find the position that fits YOUR needs.
Said by Bernie — 09/25/2006 @ 10:44 pm
Hey Karsh
Bernie has it right. Some of my friends have finally found worthy employment and they all say the same thing, interview THEM during your interview.
I know it's been a while since we last chatted, and we havent really been able to complete a conversation. There's a a lot going on, some good and some not so good. We will talk later.
It sounds like all of my jobs woes have now been pased on to you at your new job, except the art dept at my job is much smaller (there are two of us). I deal with the same crap tho (why am I proof reading?… the client should be responsible for that before they send their work in).
Fortunately, things have been smoothing out now that I have been here for almost 6 months. I've learned the lingo, so to speak. Maybe the problem you are having is with procedure. Sounds like you don't have any place to turn to get answers. If you can break through that, then it might turn out to be okay.
As for the isolation… you may be intimidating. I know that you are the nicest guy on the planet and all, but it might not be so obvious at first. Bring in some donuts one day, just to break the ice. Let everyone know that they are welcome to them. If it doesn't work, then you only lose a few bucks.
Said by Stephen — 09/27/2006 @ 4:36 pm
it is usually in that first month this type of thing happens you learn what is bad about a job. either it gets alittle better or you learn how to deal with it so that it works out for you. one job i had as a designer it was a big company and the first few months i got this same treatment as you. but i just didnt let it bother me and i would just lock eye contact and say good morning or hello and smile. eventually when you learn the ropes people will begin to talk to you depend on you and like you. but it takes time. at least let yourself learn the ropes and not get the rejects on your work. to me it seems they want you to learn on your own learn from your mistakes and how you will handle the rejects and silent treatment. think of it as hazing. give it a few more months and instead of going to the person that hired you to ask questions on this or that ask the other designers just go up to them introduce yourself and tell them you have a question… people love to show how smart they are and love feeling like they can help someone with things that are actually simple and everyday to them…. believe me they see you and they know you are there but they are feeling you out to to see how you can handle it… so wait a few more months before deciding they aint shit and moving on cause where every you go (working for others) you will always run into something that makes you want to look for the next best thing.. so until you are ready to commit to starting your own business completely just give this place a couple more months at least until you improve those rejects… good luck and stay sweet.
Said by versatilestyle — 09/28/2006 @ 12:50 pm
[...] With work, y'all know what the deal is. The silent treatment has still been going on, but I am at least starting to get some answers from people. Like Stephen pointed to in my last entry, my problem is the procedure (aside from a specs sheet as long as my arm, the policies change very frequently). I think I've been getting into a groove now, even though none of the other designers will show me how to pull overtime. I guess it's every pixel pusher for themselves. Besides, I do like that I can be at home from work at 4:00 p.m., or even that I can do things after work now that I can frequent businesses during their normal 9-5 hours. [...]
Pingbacked by BlackGayBlogger.com » In Other News — 09/29/2006 @ 7:21 pm