I'm a temp at a small firm. The work is simple (data entry) yet complex (LOTS of variables). There is a LOT to learn and I'm picking up a lot, but there are so many pieces that I don't yet see how all of them work together. I've only been here about 4 weeks, and am doing many different things as needed. The other woman I work with (other than the boss) was pleasant to work with - until she found out she was pregnant. Unplanned, age 25, taking BC, just not a happy situation. I'm trying to be supportive, but she is just snipping all the time and has no patience if I don't know an answer that she thinks is obvious. My supervisor has NO problems with the questions I ask - I'm asking him the same type of questions. EDIT - the other person to ask is on vacation, so I'm SOL till they get back. And I asked the boss a question that uncovered some lazy record keeping on her part - totally unintended, it just happened and was an important tracking issue - not a HUGE deal, but probably embarrassing...
Just this afternoon, I was transferring a call to her and her response when I buzzed the call in was "I'm busy, what do you want?" REALLY? I'm transferring YOUR call that YOU need. I had asked her a question about 2 hours ago, so I guess I reached my quota for the day?
Any thoughts on how to deal with this? I want to be sensitive, but it's getting on my nerves. And I am VERY difficult to annoy, so that's saying something.
Thanks, mamas. I had a very "mild" pregnancy symptom wise so the "crazy" is a bit foreign to me. I think I need to give both of us a break. I'm not a threat to her, job wise as she just got promoted but that might be part of the problem for her. The bio-dad is not in the picture- they broke up because he started to get very controlling and mean. She has too much on her plate. Not a reason to be rude, but it's just a fact. I AM trying to be supportive and helpful, which makes the snippy thing feel a bit more hurtful.
I'm juggling trying to sell the house, hubby's working out of town, etc., so we're both probably a bit burnt out.
Deep breath, work hard, have some tea, tomorrow's another day.Thanks for helping with perspective :)
Totally agree with OneAndDone. Additionally, do you have the option of transferring a call without announcing it? If so, just send it through without having to talk to her at all.
Ugh.
Maybe you're going to have to just level with her.
Say something like "I'm trying really hard to learn all of these variables, but it IS complicated. Sometimes I feel like I'm bothering you if I ask a question. Is there someone else I should be asking?"
Then PAUSE.
The pause is important.
See where it goes.
You'll make your point!
OneandDone's answer is pretty much perfect. It is a great trick that a friend of mine taught me a long time ago.
Put on your best "Legally Blonde" face -- cute but clueless, and *innocently* ask, just like OneandDone suggested, and pause. And pause. Let it be a long and awkward one, even better.
No pun intended, but that "pregnant pause" should take care of your situation.
Oh good you are from Texas, there is a pregnant chick in Illinois who is about to take out one of her co workers. Just to be on the safe side you don't bring your laptop from home do you? :p
I would suggest the hip flask I spoke of with the other lady. Since you are not pregnant you could actually find that useful. :)
She's pregnant?
Hang on to your britches!
Being pregnant isn't an excuse to be rude, but her hormones could be completely out of whack on top of the fact her pregnancy wasn't planned. I've had pregnant coworkers who broke down in tears if you just said good morning to them.
You're a temp. You just need to dodge bullets, keep a positive attitude, complete your projects on time and get a glowing report from your boss so that your agency knows they can send you in anywhere and you can adapt.
When I was young, out of high school, I worked as a temp and supported myself quite nicely. I loved all the varying places I got to go and the experience I gained. I did such a good job that my agency actually hired me to work in THEIR office overseeing all the other temps and scheduling their assignments.
A good temp fits in wherever they are sent and if it's not something you necessarily love, who cares? You're not going to be stuck there for life. You'll go on to the next assignment and gain more experience.
Just my opinion.
You are a temp, some employees might view you as a threat, someone who might be trying to make yourself look better, by drawing attention to a permanent employees mistakes, behaviors and/or attitudes. If you have any questions direct them to the supervisor.
Honestly, you do NOT sound difficult to annoy. Remember, you are the guest in the office representing your agency, if something is wrong, direct your complaints to YOUR agency FIRST.
I love OneandDone's "script" for you.
I would also add, if she was pleasant and there was this very sudden, total change of her attitude -- well, it sounds like she is undergoing major stress. And what you describe would be enough to stress any young woman. Combine that with hormones of early pregnancy, and possibly fears about all that is to come (you don't mention a significant other, or if she seems at all ready to take this on, plus it's unintended etc.) and she does have a pretty decent reason to be, let's say, snippy. A reason, however, is not an excuse. After you use OneandDone's great line -- nicely -- if that breaks the ice, try asking her how she is doing and if she wants to get some coffee or whatever. She may respond well to a little kindness in the face of her unfortunate reaction to her situation. She likely is so very wrapped up in her pregnancy and her future, inside her head, that she has no idea how much she has changed. "Hey, look, you seem kind of stressed. Can I get you something? A drink or a coffee?" might be high road.
I'm sorry, I don't care if she's 25 & pregnant, or that you're a temp, it's no excuse for her to treat you like that. What if you go permanent & she has the baby, which is yet another stressor for someone without a partner? I think you need to say something like, "It seems like you're having a hard day. Why don't you let me know when you're not stressed, so I can ask you a question without feeling like I'm putting you out?" or something to that effect.
