Current Events > You know what sucks about being a good worker? (subtle brag and rant topic)

(+) Yeah! (+)

You end up getting all the shit/hard jobs because they know you will actually do them and not complain. I work in a factory that makes silicon rubber and everyday for the past two weeks I've had to run the messiest, hardest to do, jobs. My boss (whom I'm friends with) has said before he likes that I don't complain. A lot of my co workers don't like me because they think I get preferential treatment. I'll do whatever because it's part of my job but it would be nice to have a break and do an easy job for the day. But the last time I got put on an easy job, one of the laziest guys that work there threw a fit that he had to actually work and even went above my bosses head to get us switched. Any time I get a commendation for a job well done, most just assume I kissed ass to get it.

tl/dr: I wish we could fire all the lazy asses.

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It's even worse when it's your whole shift, so they'll literally hold back shitty jobs so they come out on the shift they know will get it done while the other shifts get all the easy jobs because they'll complain and just drag their feet all day otherwise.

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DamionDL posted...

they know will get it done while the other shifts get all the easy jobs

This sorta happens with us, too. We'll get 10-15 jobs to get done in a day while the other shifts get 6-9. If we don't get one done the other shifts act like it's the end of the world.

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They'll also hold off on promoting you because you are "too valuable" at your current job.

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Squall28 posted...

They'll also hold off on promoting you because you are "too valuable" at your current job.

Where I work you have to be part of the "good ol' boys club" to get promoted and I refuse to be, so I'm stuck where I'm at.

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There is nothing wrong with being given the more challenging assignments when you prove you're more capable than your peers, as long as you maintain that you are recognized for it and leverage it for your advancement and compensation.

Esrac posted...

There is nothing wrong with being given the more challenging assignments when you prove you're more capable than your peers, as long as you maintain that you are recognized for it and leverage it for your advancement and compensation.

This

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Sometimes you need shoes to walk through shit

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Esrac posted...

There is nothing wrong with being given the more challenging assignments

I'll do them but when I do them for weeks at a time it starts to wear me down. I would like a break once in a while without another employee having a meltdown.

Northlane posted...

as long as you maintain that you are recognized for it

Very rarely because then they'd be accused of favoritism.

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As long as the boss smiles is all that matters.

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This is why you need to be an asshole as well as a good worker.

Tell other people to get off their lazy asses and do the hard jobs if want better treatment.

I always use to not complain, work hard and try to be nice to everyone.

Now I just do the first two, because sadly you get better results.

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Alteres posted...

Tell other people to get off their lazy asses and do the hard jobs if want better treatment.

Our company is very big on anti-harassment and safety. If I went off like that I'd probably get in big trouble. Our supervisors can't even tell someone to get to work because it can be seen as rushing someone and rushing is unsafe.

Alteres posted...

I always use to not complain, work hard and try to be nice to everyone.

I'm the first two but I'm not nice to everyone. I avoid the workers I don't like.

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I totally relate. For most of the time I was doing my Masters online with Southern New Hampshire University I worked at Panera. They ALWAYS expected so much more from me than other people it was totally insane. Never even offered to make me a manager though.

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Squall28 posted...

They'll also hold off on promoting you because you are "too valuable" at your current job.

This

jackgunney posted...

Where I work you have to be part of the "good ol' boys club" to get promoted and I refuse to be, so I'm stuck where I'm at.

...and this.
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Politics posted...

Never even offered to make me a manager though.

If they can keep paying you less for harder work, they will. That's something I realized early. If you want more, you have to ask for it.

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Yeah, thats why you have to get into a career that can take those difficult tasks and translate them into on the job knowledge that you can use down the line in your career advancement. And in the long term career route jobs the lazy folks at least will get comeuppance sooner or later, unless they have great connections.

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masticatingman posted...

And in the long term career route jobs the lazy folks at least will get comeuppance sooner or later

Not likely to happen. The company I work for has almost completely eradicated accountability. As long as the lazies say they were being safe then there's almost nothing my bosses can do.

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Just do a shitty job. Nobody asks you for anything.

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SauI_Goodman posted...

Just do a shitty job. Nobody asks you for anything.

Idk what it is but i just can't be lazy while at work.

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Conflict posted...

Sounds less like you're a good worker and more that you're a pushover.

How?

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There's a fine line between being a good worker and being taken advantage of.

If your boss isn't terrible, then talk to him about it. He should be able to figure something out with you. Idk what incentives would work in your case, but your boss definitely doesn't want to deal with convincing the rest of your coworkers to do the shit work. Don't forget that you're making his job easier and don't be afraid to remind him of that. Also, if it comes down to it, don't be afraid to remind him that that could stop.

You have a lot of power in this situation. Use it. Strong-arming your boss is the biggest perk of being a good employee. He can't do anything about it and guess who's hiring hard working employees? Everyone. Know your value.

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Jiek_Fafn posted...

If your boss isn't terrible, then talk to him about it.

My boss is my friend but his hands are tied. Multiple times other employees have gone above his head to the plant manager. Our plant manager is a nice guy but he folds like a deck of cards when someone complains to him.

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Conflict posted...

Idk man the way you worded it just sounds like you're being taken advantage of. Like they dump all the garbage on you because they know you're going to do it and not bother to challenge it

Kinda how it goes. My boss is my friend so he already knows I don't like it, but there's not a lot he can do.

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You can turn it into a promotion if you do it right.
After every shift take a moment to write down everything you did that wasn't directly in your training. Then every month meet with your boss's boss and give him a list of "workplace issues and my suggestions for improvement."

It works.


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jackgunney posted...

My boss is my friend but his hands are tied. Multiple times other employees have gone above his head to the plant manager. Our plant manager is a nice guy but he folds like a deck of cards when someone complains to him.

Your boss has zero control of the situation then and is failing at part of his job.

If I had the same issues as him, I'd simply go to the plant manager and explain that im over my head and ask for advice. That requires admitting that you need help though which he probably thinks make him look bad. He's essentially choosing him hiding his deficiencies instead of helping his employee. That's a bad thing for him in the long run and bad for you. Convince him otherwise.

His boss probably doesn't like being bothered by these people either. If he's smart he'll gladly teach his subordinate how to handle the situation. Most people anywhere will gladly dole out professional advice if asked properly. This is especially true for anyone that manages people.

So, advise your boss to ask his boss for advice not asking him to solve it for him. It makes everyone in this situation look good. Youre the good employee. Hes a boss that wants to grow. His boss gets to mentor.

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