Share the Worst Job You've Ever Had
My worst job was also my best! I was an HR Manager for a Food and Beverage company. I was on the job one week before the gentleman, and I DO MEAN GENTLEMAN, who hired me quit. Three months later, after learning my job "by word of mouth" - no boss, no direction, lots of tears, several mutinous moments with employees, and one phone number for the Home Offfice I GOT A NEW BOSS. He was THE most arrogant, manipulative male. BUT he gave me a license to try every "morale booster" I could dream of and, of course, use my OWN energy to make things happen. Worked 3 pant sizes off but learned MY creativity is PRICELESS.
What Made This Job Your Worst Job - Ever
My previous position had been at a much smaller venue. I was not prepared for the onslaught of PAPERWORK in an HR job. Nor had I worked in a "corporate" job where HEADQUARTERS was in another state. Answering constantly to a telephone, cell phone, computer and daily reports is extremely time-consuming and leaves little time for employee interaction. THIS WAS NOT A PEOPLE JOB. Just because your title is "Manager" does not mean you have ANY backup. If you're going to take on a Manager's job make SURE you've got people to help MANAGE your position, i.e. Secretary, Payroll, etc. Otherwise, it's an empty title. Environments, like people - change.
Tips and Tricks
- Record everything you do. Each contact, each creative thought, each failure, each success.
- Let friends and family know you're on the "hot seat" and either get their support or let them know your availability is limited.
- Remember - YOUR CO-WORKERS ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS. THEY ARE ACQUAINTANCES ONLY. Play nice. You WILL see these people again. (Saw one today at Chik-Fila)
- Be quiet and listen to the more senior members of staff. They've been to the "puppet show" and KNOW how the strings are pulled. You, do not.
