Monday, April 7, 2014

Fork In The Road

I hate feeling lost. I hate not knowing which way to go when faced with a difficult decision; I've never been good at making up my mind even when it comes to the dinner menu. I thought that maybe if I wrote some of my thoughts down, I might find some inner peace or direction. Besides, some of you said you would follow my blog no matter what I wrote about; as long as I wrote. So, here I am.... writing.

A year ago I started with the office I am currently working at. I was approached via Facebook about the position by the practice owner. I knew him from the physical therapy office I was working for at the time as he was a patient and I ran the front office and was the billing manager; after seeing him week after week we became some-what "friends". I was happy that my personality left that much of an impression on him that he sought me out for a job.

I don't want to get into a whole lot of detail here but let me just say that in the year I have been with this company it has been constant transition, training, turn over and drama. I am not kidding. When I was hired I was "warned" by a couple employees about a certain employee and her inability to take responsibility or to be dependable. Let me just say this: they were right! Man, were they right! I hate to be cynical here but anyone who calls into work the last two days of the work week on a bi-weekly basis, is not ill- they are habitual and after a long weekend. 

However, the one who warned me of the shady employee forgot to mention she was one as well! This girl can NOT stop shit talking each and every person or patient in that office. She loves to call people out in front of anyone and everyone. She is seriously like a bull in a china closet; not the type of assistant you want chair side; I swear. She may know her stuff but she is loud, clumsy and flat out annoying! In fact, one night we were all out for a benefit and Mike was so annoyed with her and her loud mouth that he actually cupped his hands over his ears to shut her out- not shitting you! It was hilarious!!

And then there is the retiring doctor.... oh my gosh. I have never in my life met a grown man act like such a girl in high school. Honestly; he is worse than any brat I went to school with! He is so immature that he gave two if us the silent treatment because we were friends with ex-employees of his and went out for drinks and he didn't appreciate seeing the photos of us all on Facebook. He told us all once that if we saw so and so we had "better walk the other way or turn our backs". It is that petty. 

Here comes my fork. 

In January the practice sold to a husband and wife team. They are younger than me and my youngest sister, but they are super awesome and I want to believe they will thrive in the practice they have taken over. However, the drama continues.... as a matter of fact, I think it has gotten worse since they have taken over. There's a definite disconnect in the office. I feel like there are a few people who are very untrustworthy and backstabbing. I feel like someone is always trying to thrown someone under the bus and it's so easy to get wrapped up in drama; I hate it! 

Today, I was offered a management position with a chiropractor that a previous employer had recommended me to and the other day I was called back by a doctor I had interviewed with a year or more ago; I even declined her offer back then because we were too focused on trying to make a baby! Even though I never submitted a resume- I've got two job offers that could potentially lead me out of the drama zone I am in--- and I don't know what road to take. Do I stay or do I go?

I brought the issues to the new owners today and I told him of the offers I have on the table. I explained that I want to see them succeed and that I would love to help them to do so, but that I was unable to continue toward that goal with them, the way things are now. I suggested a communication course for the team, or, to have an HR consultant take a look at how we communicate to help us identify the struggles and ways we could over come them as a team. I even offered to remove myself from the equation completely once the doctor told me he didn't even want to come to work because of the drama! How sad is that!?

Right now, it basically feels like I've got my fork and zero appetite. I wish someone would tell me what I'm having. 




Side note: In the past 4 months I have had a 70 day cycle, a 13 day cycle, and now probably a 28 day cycle as I am spotting on CD 26.... weird!

39 comments:

  1. Oh, that sounds just awful. Does the new job pay at least the same, if not a little better?

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    1. It was the same- a little boring as I was alone half the day! I need people around or I get side tracked!

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    2. It's always such a tradeoff, isn't it? It's nice to have people around but it's too bad that usually means drama is around too.

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  2. While the grass isn't always greener, sometimes a change is good??! Such a tough decision!!

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  3. First off, I'm glad you took the time to write about this. Never once feel ashamed for using this space to vent and clear your head. What good is blogging if we can't do that?

    As far as what to do, I think you've done an excellent job getting everything in motion. Now, give yourself some time. See if things change in the next couple of weeks. If they don't, I thing you have an answer to your first situation. As far as which team to join if you do decide to move on, see if you can meet with them and interact. You'll get an idea if the environment fits.

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    1. Thanks, Cristy; it is nice to know that my writing is validated- no matter what it is about! I have decided to give it a little more time... thanks!

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  4. Job drama is miserable! Sorry you've been dealing with it for quite some time. I recently went through lots of similar stuff at one of my jobs. Many of my friends wondered again and again why I didn't quit. Many times I totally wanted to, but for me I had to know that I had really tried everything to resolve or accept the issues before it would feel ok for me to quit. Happily after over a year, things are finally getting better and I'm not thinking about quitting. It's a tough spot to be in. Hopefully writing about it provides some fresh insights. Good luck!

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    1. I decided to stick it out a little longer.... I am seeing it as a failed cycle... you have to give it one more try! ;-)

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  5. Seriously awful. You have to think, wherever you go you have nothing to lose... nothing could be worse than there. But you have to go for what you think it right for you and Mike. Sorry you have to deal with this childish drama.

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    1. Thanks, girl! Drama sucks- it seems even worse when it is in the work place! I wish I could tell them what I really think but paychecks are nice.... ha ha!

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  6. This is tough, and I totally understand. No one needs this stress in their life. I love my job, the mission of the work I do, and the place I work. But it is also surrounded in drama because of a few people. But I know it's not going to change unless a few people leave - and that's not going to happen. You're very fortunate to have other offers. Maybe investigate them further and ask for a week or two to make a decision. If things don't change at your current job after your talk with the new owners, then consider a change. Either way, I'll be thinking of you and wishing you the best!

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    1. Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words and support!

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  7. I love new adventures, so if it were me I'd probably go for the new job! It's hard having drama at work because you spend so many hours of your life there you want it to be time well spent. Let us know what you decide to do!

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    1. I decided to stay... call me a sucker! Hopefully things will change for the good in the next couple weeks or I WILL move on! Thanks for the support!

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  8. Go! Seriously, go. This kind of nonsense usually only resolves itself when people are fired or the leaders are strong enough to hold the offenders accountable.

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    1. Call me an idiot.... I decided to "be the leader" and create the change I want to see in the office. If things don't improve when the old doc retires and if the manager doesn't get called out on the excuses... I will RUN!

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  9. I feel like change can always be good for sure, but remember even if the grass is greener it still needs to be mowed. I have been there and I'm kind of there now. I will be praying that you make the right choice. Not being happy is not worth it.

    And ugh on your cycles! WTH?

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  10. Ugh, this sounds miserable. It really sucks when you can't remotely enjoy the place you're stuck for 8 hours a day! I'm hoping one of the new jobs might work out for you...a change of scenery and duty will probably be a big relief.

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    1. I know- I hate drama-- unless its on TV and not my life!

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  11. just MHO, I would never work with a husband and wife team. If there is ever a clash, he will take her side and any relationship drama at their home life will be brought into work. I turned down a position where the wife was a practice manager. That's a deal breaker for me.

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    1. Oh, I can the that! I hope the wife sees through the BS once she is there more.... but then again... having her there more frightens me!!

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  12. I think Go is best. You have stuck it out and it just isn't working. A stressful environment is never fun no matter the circumstances. Good luck with whatever you decide.

    Wow crazy swing cycles! Hope they calm down soon

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    1. Stupid cycles! How are you feeling!?!

      I can't believe I decided to stick with the job for now even after all of you said L E A V E! I appreciate that I have so many of you looking out for my happiness! HUGS!

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  13. As much as I don't like change, based on what you wrote, I think it's time for you to leave. You have two unsolicited job offers, take that as a sign that it's time to leave. Make sure you leave your current job on a good note, but I think it's time to leave the current drama behind.

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    1. I will jump ship in a couple months- I know I can get a job without looking- so I might find the perfect fit once I START looking!

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    2. That's a good way to look at it. If you're getting two job offers now, how many will you get once you are actually invested in searching them out :) I like it.

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  14. Personally, I hate change, because often, you end up trading one set of problems for another. But if you are in a position where you feel that it couldn't possibly be worse somewhere else, then it's definitely time to go (as long as salary, benefits, etc are all on par, of course). It's a tough decision, but hey- isn't it awesome to have options? I am 100% trapped in my current job, and it SUCKS.

    Weird and wonky cycles, too! Are you temping at all? I'd be really curious to see what your temps are doing.

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    1. I have not been temping- just going with the flow.... no pun intended!
      I decided to stay with the drama (for now). I must be a fan of putting myself through pain! LOL!

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  15. I think you should work in an environment that makes you happy, excited to go to work, and challenges you in the right ways (drama is a bad challenge). However, sometimes these types of environments need people like you to promote change. It sounds like you are already taking the steps to try to reduce the drama and improve the workplace dynamic. You would probably make an excellent I/O Psychologist. ;)

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    1. So, is it crazy that I decided to stay partially because of this comment? I know the office NEEDS someone like me to brighten the place up and encourage team work. I wanted to offer that skill to the owners- I just hope it pays off. If I don't see the rest of the team - or owners- step up the same way in the next couple months then I will find something else! I can't give up - not yet. And I would LOVE to be an I/O Psychologist.......

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  16. It certainly sounds like moving on to one of the new opportunities would be the best thing.

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    1. I hope that I get a clear vision in the next month or two- I turned down the new job offer after a long meeting with the owners!

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  17. I believe people should work where they are happy to go to work each day. So if you have that chance it sounds like a good idea :)

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    1. I believe we work should be a happy place and that we should get along with our co-workers! I wish I didn't feel like I was giving up without giving them a chance... ugh!

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  18. I'll be sure to keep you in my thoughts, Teresa! I'm sure you'll make the right choice :-) My name is Heather and I wanted to know if you would be able to answer a question about your blog! If you could please email me at Lifesabanquet1(at)gmail(dot)com that would be great!

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  19. I haven't heard anything from you on the job front lately, so I'm hoping things have gotten better? I do have to say, I think it's so impressive that you always seem to have these job opportunities! People love you and they clearly see how valuable you are since you always seem to have job offers in the wings, even when you are t searching! That seems like a very true compliment to you.

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