I work in a job that's not very challenging--in work related to my field--but has extremely challenging office politics. People frequently gang up on those who do not take sides in battles, who do not have a gang of friends to protect themselves. Lying, rumor spreading, harassment happen and people see it as normal. Is there a way for me to survive there without having to play the games? I hate those games.
Response
Your letter brought to mind and old expression...."Idle hands are the Devil's workshop"...or sometimes workshop is replaced by 'tools.' But too many times when "a job that's not very challenging" comes into play, then the lack of interest...or too much time on one's hands...creates a work environment with "extremely challenging office politics." That suggests...at least to me...that it might be time to move on. Especially if you think you are working below your potential. That only adds fuel to any other fire that might be raging.
"Lying, rumor spreading, harassment happen and people see it as normal." If that is the atmosphere...and management is willing to turn a blind eye or willing to accept this interference into the operation of their business...then it's also time to move on. Because nothing is about to change. If you decide to stay, then try and avoid the conflicts and the 'games.' Remember the 'games' and 'rules' were established by others and if you play a game by another's rule you will find one thing to be true. You will always lose...always!!
So for survival, it's best to move on rather than be pulled down with the others. And in today's economy, if people don't attend to business then the company could be pulled down as well. Don't think it can happen? Just look to Chrysler, GM, and many of the big financial institutions. A lot of 'games' went on there as well. So the smart move is to do what you think is best for you and your own future. I wish you well.
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Feel free to offer your own advice or experience with office politics!
-- Edited by chattycathy on Saturday 22nd of August 2009 09:57:29 PM
I voted No because of what I do we are not allowed to discuss things that may hurt the team besides debating issues around the Mentally ill is not always a good idea it hurts them so we just don't do that.
What work do you do for the mentally ill? I have a 36 yr. old son with schizophrenia and he was doig pretty well for about 10 years, living on his own, etc. (on a very limited SSI income--he can't work). Then my 96 yr. old mother died in June and she used to take him (still drivig up until a month or 2 before her death) and took him for his blood tests (he takes clozaril that requires frequent blood tests to make sure there is no anemia happening) and medications. When she was ill & dying no one at the clinic who manages his illness heeded my son's warnings that he could't get to the clinic for his blood tests. So, the person who he talked to on the phone said well then don't take the medicatio because it could kill you. So he stopped taking it and after 10 yrs of doing pretty well, he deteriorated tremendously. I had to go there from out of town and spend a month getting in people's faces and getting him proper care, back on his meds, etc. Had to get him a new apartement as he got evicted from the one he had been in for 10 years. He had always paid his rent on time but SSI didn't send him his full check so he couldn't pay his rent in July. Anyway, it is very heartbreaking for him and for me. I nearly had several nervous breakdowns seeing him so delusional and hateful, angry. He still is on his way back and somewhat delusioal and paranoid now thanks to that agency dropping the ball on him. The mentally ill are disenfranchised in this country and many in the mental illness profession treat them like second class citizens or worse. A dog would have gotten more attention than he did when he called for help.
hillarysmygirl, I'm sure you are one of the few who really care and do a great job!
