Okay, I'm the MOLE at my new job!

[Robinrs]

I started working temporarily in the Marketing department of a brand new Senior Living Center last month. My son's aunt is the executive director and since I was out of a job for a year with no prospects she basically made up a position for me, one they needed though, to get new residents in.

The facility is the only one of it's kind in Georgia and they MUST succeed. They had 93 residents when I was hired, now there are 103. Not just because of ME, mind you, the place sells itself!

I used my radio and news contacts to get the word out. Yes, people came in but the place was the selling point.

Now here's the rub...

My co workers do not know that I am related to the big boss. She asked me NOT to tell them. The Maintenance Director asked straight out in our first meeting "Who is Robin and WHY is she here?" I found out later that at least 100 people a week in the neighborhood asked for jobs there and there was NONE. Then here I am! Tonya, my SIL told them that I came highly recommended and that I would be an asset to the team.



Needless to say they are all suspicious of me.

Anyhoo...

I LOVE working there and the place is a Godsend. Tonya is working on making me a permanent employee. The problem is I've grown very close to the staff, they're wonderful people, but they periodically share gripes or opinions about the boss with me. I feel if they ever find out who I am that I'll seem like a spy!! Everyone wants to meet Michael but I'm not training my son to come in lying about Auntie Tonya, who he adores and would spout off about her.

Sorry so long... I guess I'm just getting this off my chest.

Any suggestions?

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Hmmm. Tough spot to be in Robin. If I can think of words of encouragement, which I'm not good at off the top of my head, sorry, I will be sure to come back and post. Good thoughts to you and I'm sure the folks here will be able to offer you some advice on how to handle the situation.

 

[Poohbear123]

You make a good Mole!

 

[ScarlettO]

I once worked for my Uncle-heck half the family did, also. Always called him "Mr. F" and the casual customer would never have known I was his neice. I think you need to excuse yourself (nicely)when conversation turns "against' your Auntie, IMO.

 

[ilovepcot]

You say this job is a Godsend.....then thank God for it and keep your pretty 'lil mouth shut!

 

[FINFAN]

Yep....just keep supplying them w/pictures of Michael...unless there is a way AFTER you're hired permanently. BTW, I think you have certainly had an influence on the new residents decision to choose there..and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! That is going to help you become long term!

 

[02bBarbie]

sounds like nepotism to me

 

[holycow]

Yikes that is a tough spot to be in...the only thing I can think
of is that your character will speak for itself...they will come to know and love you and know that what they say will stay with you and not be 'for all to hear' hopefully that will be enough...I don't think I would bring your son around though...he may say something about "auntie"! Then you might have some explaining to do.


Enjoy your job!

Holycow
lisa

 

[Dan Murphy]

Let me think on that one, Robin.

 

[Robinrs]

Yep, I do walk away when stuff comes up... I make it my business not to talk too much with the people there.

Thanks, FINFAN. I love the people there and I think it comes across. The people I tour are usually the children of seniors who are genuinely concerned about their parents. I was there for many years and I am there to calm their concerns. Other than that, it's a place that they would love no matter what. The place looks like the Grand Floridian!!

Thanks a LOT Faith....

02bbarbie: You got THAT right. It's nice to have a family member who can hire since no one else will here in Georgia!

And yes, holycow, pics of Michael will have to suffice. I have brought him up on the weekends though, he LOVES the place. It has a theatre room and a work out room so it's heaven for him!

Oh, and one of his cousins works there part time as a receptionist. The staff treats her like royalty. I don't want that at all and know it will happen. I guess I will continue being the MOLE..

 

[ead79]

That's a tough one, Robin. I am glad to hear that the job is going so well though! I think I would just keep on doing what you have been doing. I don't think it would be wise to "out yourself" as a relative since people sometimes resent that type of thing (which is stupid since you are so qualified, but you know how people can be). I agree about not bringing Michael around, and I don't think would be that hard to do. At least at my dad's company and my past employer people very, very rarely brought in children (usually only in the case of a new baby), so I don't think it would seem weird to not bring Michael in.

 

[catsrule]

I just hope the kitties don't find out your a mole.

 

[Disney Doll]

My understanding of a "mole" is that it is someone who goes around hearing what they can hear and then feeding that info to the higher ups. What you hear is what you hear, but if you're not telling your SIL, then you're technically not a mole, you're just the SIL of one of the bosses. If you are repeating what you hear to your SIL, then you are, in fact, a mole, even if it happened inadvertently. It's too bad that your SIL wanted you to be less-than-forthcoming with your co-workers. It will only hurt you when someone finds out, and you know they will. Then it will seem like you were a "plant" all along, although, quite frankly, if there were no jobs in your facility, and suddenly there you were with a newly-created position, I'd probably already be suspicioius if I worked there.

In any event, there's not a lot you can do about people's perceptions, regardless of whether they are right or wrong. All you can do is behave with the best integrity possible, be very careful what you say, and very careful what you repeat.

 

[Serena]

It is a tough position to be in. Although as far as the job position is concerned. Your sil created a job that was needed. She just happened to know the perfect person for the position, her sil.

 

[snoopy]

If it were me, cuz, I'd get that right out in the open from the get go. And let your work stand for itself. In time people will realize that you were hired as much for your skills as for your relationship to the boss.

(and I have to tell you I really admire how willingly you take on new opportunities! This place sounds perfect for you - a perfect match for someone so compassionate. )

 

[bumcat]

snoopy

If it were me, cuz, I'd get that right out in the open from the get go. And let your work stand for itself. In time people will realize that you were hired as much for your skills as for your relationship to the boss

------------------------------------------------------------------------


I agree with this. Imagine if you were in their shoes and you said some things about the boss and you later found out the other person was related to the boss. I for one would feel like I had been betrayed. Sooner or later they are going to find out.
My boss hired a lady that lives across the street from her that she is friends with, glad we knew from the beginning. If they find out from someone else it might end up being a miserable work environment. But still what a tough call since your sons aunt did not want you to tell them.

 

[nativetxn]

Robin, if you are the best person for the job, if you have the best qualifications, why can't she just tell them that she is your "ex-sil"?

Good luck with this situation, I'm sure it makes you uncomfortable keeping this secret.

 

[Micca]

Sounds like to me you have all the qualifications for the position and you're doing a great job I would just use discretion in what you repeat going in either direction. You're a winner, don't let anybody mess that up

 

[crazelion]

02bbarbie: You got THAT right. It's nice to have a family member who can hire since no one else will here in Georgia!

You was the smart one Robin using all your contacts to get a job. I like you say it's a job market out there and getting people to hire is a hard to do.


I am position to get people hire at as concession stand manager and I have hire 5 family members. Me and Mom work in the same stand together.

I would let think what they want think. Just know you have the skills for the job.