Work rant - venting, long

[Philagoofy]

The scenario, a person works in an office, about 40 people in the unit. They do general office work, payroll, supplies, etc., so they interact with everyone. Whenever there is an extended illness, a retirement, a death of an employee or relative of employee, no one bothers to do anything but several people ask this one person if they heard if anything is going to be done. Or else this person feels bad that no one is doing anything so they collect, set up a party, etc. This is not part of the person’s official duties.

This person does not want to do this anymore & for the last several occasions, has not done anything but send a sympathy, congrats, etc card on their own. Now this person’s boss’ father just died and honestly didn’t even thing to collect (other personal things on their mind). Someone asked this person (ok, it’s me) this morning whether I heard if anyone collected for him. I said no, maybe you could ask one of the people he is friends with (from a different unit).

I get along fine with my boss, I collected when his mother died a few years ago & went to her viewing but I don’t hang out with him as do some other people here. Maybe it’s just myself making me feel guilty for not collecting, but it’s not part of my job. A young woman employee died last year and no one collected for her family & as far as I know, they didn’t do anything all of the times she was out sick.

Thanks for letting me rant. I don’t think I should have to feel guilty for not doing these things anymore. The times I have collected & set up parties was because I like the person but felt really bad that no one was doing anything. I can’t imagine working with a group of people for years & upon retirement, no one wants to bother doing anything. And it’s not like people are overly busy here. But from now on, I’ll just send a card, give a little gift on my own if I want.

 

[agnes!]

Good for you. Don't let other people coast on your guilt. If anybody asks you about it, say "That sounds like a great idea! I guess you're setting it up, I'll tell anybody who asks me to send you an e-mail." & "That sounds nice, you should do it!" lol. Also tell people you just don't have the time anymore to set these parties up.

I would also add that if you like the person & work with them/know them well, maybe make a lunch date or something, ONLY do it with them. DO NOT LET ANYONE ELSE horn in on your generosity. Maybe do it on a weekend or something.

agnes!