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Workplace Drama

specialk by specialk · Nov 3, 2004 · 335 views · Journal

Yesterday at work was hands down, one of the worst days ever for me. I'm still upset, so I'm gonna take this opportunity to vent and tell the story...
*WARNING....LONG STORY*

So there is this guy I work with. He's never been what I call my best friend, but I've always been nice to him, and he's pretty much been cordial to me. About a month ago, he made a crack at my religion, which upset me. He apologized, saying he's very sarcastic, and comes across as rude sometimes. I forgave him, and all was good. (I later found out that he was threatened with termination if he didn't apologize)
Since then, he's made a number of "muttered" remarks in my direction, and taken pot shots at me for no reason whatsoever. Last night was the straw that broke the camel's back. I was talking to the head chef, joking around and stuff. I made the comment "I was beginning to think you didn't like me", right as this guy (Greg) walked by. He said, loud enough so the chef and I could hear, "Don't think." I said back as he walked away, that that was a rude thing to say. His comment? "I'm just a rude kinda guy."
This upset me, but I tried to let it slide. Now enters Jeremy, the closing manager. He could see that I was upset, and apparently the chef had told him Greg made a rude comment to me, so he sat me down in the office to ask what was wrong. I didn't want to create tension, so I tried to act like all was good. Finally, I baically told him what was going on with Greg and me, and he was sympathetic, but at the same time, told me I needed to get thicker skin and not be so sensitive, or I'd never make it in this business. He also told me that he knows for a fact that Greg does not like me, because Greg is not as high up in the company as I am, and Greg doesn't think I deserve the position I'm in. I told him that I wasn't gonna let some jealous guy run me out of a job I loved, and I'm not going anywhere. Jeremy suggested sitting down with me and talking to Greg, which I was fine with. He then pulled Greg into the office without me. 10 minutes later Greg came out, walked right by me, and started talking to another girl we work with (I'm pretty sure it was about me, but whatever). I finished up my stuff I was doing, Greg and the other coworkers left, and I went into the office to cash out. Jeremy sat me down, again. He explained that Greg doesn't want to talk, obviously, and that he instructed Greg not to talk to me, look at me, nothing. Just to leave me alone completely, to end the drama. I was fine with that. I took that opportunity to tell Jeremy that I didn't want Greg to go anywhere, that as a whole, I had no problem with him, but the remarks he makes are hurtful and uncalled for, and that was my issue. Jeremy said everything should be fine, so I left.

NOW comes the BIG drama....

There's a restaurant next door to my restaurant, that stays open later, and a bunch of people I used to work with work there now. I hadn't eaten anything at all, so I decided to stop by for a quick bite before heading home, since it was still really early. The restaurant part was closed, so I had to sit at the bar.....and who was sitting there as well? Yep.....Greg and some others from work. I sat a ways away from them, just watching the TV and relaxing. One by one, most of my coworkers left until it was just Greg and this other girl. She came over to say hi, and we chatted for a bit. I got up to make a phone call, and when I came back, Greg turns to me and says if I have a problem with him, to take it to him, and not go crying to a manger about it. I basically told him that this was not the time or place to have this conversation, and that we'd talk later.
Apparently he didn't agree, because he kept saying that I was a whiner and a crybaby. He also proceeded to tell me that no one at work likes me, I am a terrible server, I suck at my job, and why don't I just quit. All this was followed by him telling me he doesn't know how I wake up every morning, because I'm a horrible person. And he was basically yelling by this time. He said much more, and worse, but this is the shortened version (if you can believe that).
I kept saying that this wasn't the place to discuss this, and to please stop. He didn't, and eventually the tears came. I called the bartender over, and through sobs, asked for my check. Greg saw me crying and loudly commented "Oh look, here's the crybaby again!" I paid, and left.
By the time I walked by my restaurant, I couldn't see from crying so much, so I went inside to get a tissue. Jeremy was coming out of the office and he asked me what was wrong. It took about 3 minutes for me to even say anything, but I pretty much told him that Greg had just run me out of Red Star (the name of the restaurant we were in). He walked away, and the next thing I know, he's walking over there to talk to him. NOT what I wanted. He comes back a few minutes later, and says no one else is allowed in the building, he doesn't care who it is. This really freaks me out. So I stay there for a minute, and just as I get up to leave, Greg comes pounding on the door. Jeremy goes out to talk to him, and then lets him in, and they go sit in a booth, to talk, I assume. I walk to the door, and Jeremy opens it for me, telling me everything will be ok. I apologized for all the mess, and left.

So,....I was basically ran out of a restaurant that I used to go to relax, and now I'm sitting at home extremely upset. I don't know which upsets me more...that he verbally attacked me and I cried (proving him right on the crybaby theory), or that he said no one likes me and that they just won't say it to my face, causing me to wonder if everyone at work really does hate me. I KNOW I'm a good server (hello....made over $90 last night, and if I suck so bad, why am I a trainer and he's not?), but hearing things like that from someone you've done NOTHING to, really hurts.

Sorry this is so long...but I needed a really good vent. Love you all.

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45 Comments

thefunkyfresh #1 thefunkyfreshFounder

man, this really sucks... this guy sounds like a real moron though. anybody who would act like this obviously is missing a few chromosomes. you can't let him get to you though, this isn't middle school ya know? u gotta make your arguments, which you obviously have good arguments for your case, and if he won't let you get your points accross you gotta just walk away.

specialk #1.1 specialkOG 2003

Yeah....my husband is usually pretty good in helping me see stuff like this too, but last night I was a wreck, so it was hard.
But I kinda figure the stuff he was saying was SO out there, that he might as well have been swinging at me, because he was just saying stuff to hurt me (which he did, but still). So anyways, while the mean part of me hopes he got himself fired or he quit(because he said he'd quit just so he didn't have to work with me), the nice part of me really just wants this to be over with.

thefunkyfresh #1.1.1 thefunkyfreshFounder

the thing is he got the reaction from you he wanted. its hard when you're actually in the situation to rise above it and have the perspective, but you kind of have to just laugh it off because everybody can see that HE'S the jerk. he's frustrated because he's jealous of you and probably because he's a closet homosexual.

specialk #1.1.1.1 specialkOG 2003

Hahaha...closet homosexual...I like it.

Yeah, my problem is also that I'm very sensitive about things. I did ok for about 5 minutes or so, just kinda letting it roll off. But after a while it just kinda broke me.

Work should be fun tomorrow.......

fivezero #1.1.1.2 fivezeroOG 2003

I was thinking something similar--this guy is a huge Queen. only a queen would be so catty toward a girl who genuinely means well. laughing it off is almost the only way it won't eat ya up. let it slide. let him be vindictive and evil and eventually everyone will see that you're the stable one and he's the evil vengeful queen.

specialk specialkOG 2003

Thank you...that was sweet....and really funny, hahaha...."Queen"...hahahaha.

thatdarngirl #2 thatdarngirlOG 2002

This bothers me so much. Why do people feel the need to act like their 13 still? I would totally probably have acted just like you, though there is the chance that I would have physically lashed out at this guy. Or..haha maybe asked him if he wanted to play middle school you could to and then just ripped into him with some dumb your mom jokes that would probably have just confused him.

originalsnob #3 originalsnobOG 2004

Sorry K *hugs*, that was totally pinched!

I can't believe that someone could be so obnoxious if that's even the right word to describe this guy.
Like you said if you were bad at what you do then you wouldn't be where you are. Ride it out if you can, 'cause this guy would like nothing more than to have your job.
Obviously the manager is aware of the sittuation and isn't being critical of you so, that's a point in your favor.
Ignore this jerk and just keep doin' what 'cha do. *hugs*

specialk #3.1 specialkOG 2003

Yeah, I'm not letting this guy make me quit. I've been through worse things and handled them ok, so I'm sure I'll get through this.

My big fear is that I'll come across looking like a drama queen or something, and my trainer position will get taken away from me.

iwz #4 iwz

Sheesh! Sounds like a real stand-up guy. pphhhththtbb.

He's sounds like an insecure, immature, inconsiderate, rageful dolt that just does not know how to express himself in a constructive way. I would hate to see his family life.

Since you're obviously better at the job than him (based on your position, and tips, etc), you have to realize that what he's saying is just said to be hurtful. Sounds like you realize that, which is great.

Normal people are not like this, Keirsten. Even though he made it very personal, you can't take it that way. The problem is him, not you. (at least that's what i see from your side of the story ;)

As Matt said, walking away is a good solution, but, unfortunately if the dude isn't canned, that's probably not gonna be easy. There will always be people in this world that you just can't make peace with. And the best solution to those types of problems is to just not let it get to you. If that means being the bigger person and leaving the job at some point in the future, then that's ok.

I hope things work out for you :)

specialk #4.1 specialkOG 2003

Thank you. I hope it all works out too. I love the job and would hate to leave it. But then again, I need to do what's best for me and my family.
I have a feeling that if he isn't fired, he'll be leaving soon anyways. He's the type of person that would quit, and then say it was because he just couldn't stand working with me any longer (oh...he did say that, hahaha), just to make me come across as the bad person.

I usually can deal if people lash out at my job performance or whatever. I have proof that I'm good at what I do, so that's no biggie. But what hurts is when they attack me personally, telling me no one likes me (which I doubt....I mean, I have you guys, right? Heehee), or that he doesn't know how I wake up every morning, blah,blah,blah.
Maybe I do need thicker skin. What's funny is, I used to be TOUGH. Like, when I went through all the mess of things when I got pregnant, sure I was emotional, but I could stand up for myself with the best of them, and I did on a number of occasions. I still can, but now I cry....a lot, hahaha.

socalgal #5 socalgalOG 2003

I'm SO sorry this happened to you hun! *HUGS*

That guy is a jerk and VERY immature. Unfirtunately there's always a "greg" in one job or another. Its jealousy and immaturity.

Seriously don't worry that no one doesn't like you because homeboy was just using anything he can in his power to throw at you to get the best of you. He's the one that no one probably doesn't like.

YOu keep doing an awesome job at the workplace and continue being the sweet person you are. Who cares if he doesn't like you, he's just one little pathetic person.

specialk #5.1 specialkOG 2003

Awww, Gina. Thanks!
I know it all boils down to jealousy and insecurity one way or another. I wish I could just let it all slide. I'm sure it will die down soon.
Some boys are jerks. :(

juicymango #6 juicymangoOG 2003

Here's my take on it.

You are a bit sensitive, yes - there is nothing wrong with that, some people are more sensitive than others. He picks up on this fact, though, and uses it for his own... who knows... enjoyment?

Some people enjoy making others feel crappy.

To quote Cady "You can't get any skinnier by calling another girl fat. You won't get any smarter by calling another person stupid."

This guy won't get any cooler by telling you you're a horrible person.

He's just a mean boy. Maybe one day he'll get hit by a bus.

originalsnob #6.1 originalsnobOG 2004

Good stuff Mango, he he I Mango better than Juicy.
MEAN GIRLS QUOTE YAY

specialk #6.1.1 specialkOG 2003

"SUCH IS MANGO!!!!"

Yeah, I love the quote too. My new fave movie. Thanks for helping brighten my day. :) (Is it wrong to picture the bus hitting thing?) Hahaha....j/k.

hunkpapap #7 hunkpapapOG 2003

/~hunkpapap/Bleed.wma

hunkpapap #7.1 hunkpapapOG 2003

this song was fo you K, by the way..

specialk #7.1.1 specialkOG 2003

Crap....I'm having trouble getting it to play.....

ilikebirds #8 ilikebirdsOG 2002

tl:dr summary?

sunshyne #8.1 sunshyneOG 2004

mean coworker - any tips.

ilikebirds #8.1.1 ilikebirdsOG 2002

sneak laxatives into his coffee. end thread

englandkid #8.1.1.1 englandkidOG 2003 funny

and as you do, say "you know why I like you? Cause your a regular guy"

specialk #9 specialkOG 2003

BIG CONCERN: That my GM is gonna say too much drama, blah,blah,blah, maybe you shouldn't be a trainer for a while, till things settle down, blahblahblah.
Adam gave me permission to quit if they say anything about my job being affected.

socalgal #9.1 socalgalOG 2003

just don't let them get the best of you. never show emotion and he'll eventually back off.

specialk #10 specialkOG 2003

BAH!!!! I asked my manager last night if the issue had been resolved, and he said "Yep...Greg put in his two weeks."
BAH!!!

originalsnob #10.1 originalsnobOG 2004

YAY!!! Happiness is well I won't start singing that song...LOL congrats, sucks for him but, his own undoing :-P

specialk #10.1.1 specialkOG 2003

Yeah....but that's ok. I said I wasn't gonna quit because of hime, and I'm not. If he wants to be the "bigger person" and sacrifice himself, I'm all for it, hahaha.

specialk #11 specialkOG 2003

Hahahaha....guess who didn't show up for work yesterday, and didn't call in? Not me...guess he got tired of working with me...BAH!!!! :)

rocksupastar #11.1 rocksupastarFounder

I think you should change that BAH with the HAHA laugh from the bully on the Simpsons...

specialk #11.1.1 specialkOG 2003

HAHA!!! :)

jay79 #11.1.2 jay79OG 2001

One of my managers at work does that all the time...SO annoying

specialk #12 specialkOG 2003

HE'S BACK!! THEY LET HIM COME CRAWLING BACK FOR HIS JOB, AND THEY GAVE IT TO HIM!! GRRRRRRRR!!!!! >:(

rocksupastar #12.1 rocksupastarFounder

time to be proactive... poison him or push him down the stairs!

specialk #12.1.1 specialkOG 2003

I was thinking a swift kick (or baseball bat) to the kneecaps, but that might be TOO obvious......

fivezero #12.1.1.1 fivezeroOG 2003

Far too conspicuous. Invest in a PSG-1 and steel jacketed rounds. Get a supressor, while you're at it.

rocksupastar rocksupastarFounder

how about a TRIP wire on the stairs...

fivezero fivezeroOG 2003

Yes. That'd be devestating. People die from falling down the stairs.

specialk specialkOG 2003

But there are no stairs at work. None at all. :(

rocksupastar rocksupastarFounder

hmmm... how about you create a vacumm in the toliet... and when he goes to sit down to pee (obviously he would, becuase he is a little girl) he would be sucked down into the sewers to be eaten by the alligators that live down there.

specialk specialkOG 2003

Hahaha...sounds good. Now how do I go about creating said vaccum?

rocksupastar rocksupastarFounder specialk

easy... just suck all the air OUT of the toliet bowl. you may want to reinforce the ceramic as well... just to be on the safe side.

specialk specialkOG 2003 rocksupastar

*writes all this down for future reference*

Got it! Thanks. You're a lifesaver, Mike. :)

originalsnob #12.2 originalsnobOG 2004

OH MY! this is certainly a twist of events

thatdarngirl #12.3 thatdarngirlOG 2002

Put a potatoe in his exhaust.

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