Work quality

[PenforPrez]

So I'm getting more complaints from supervisors that my work at the hotel is not up to par. When they do inspections, my rooms rarely pass. I run behind every day; sometimes up to two hours behind.

I find it highly upsetting to clean something and then be told it wasn't done. I get defensive, and it doesn't help me any. I can't help it. I did a better job once upon a time, and now I can't anymore.

And I know why. The monotony of the work is forcing me to distract myself by thinking about other things. A couple of weeks ago, I was so desperate to break the cycle that I tried to recall all 50 state governors from memory (As a quiz bowl question writer, I try to keep such information handy). I got all of them but three, so I was happy. I followed that by trying to remember all 100 U.S. Senators; got all but three of them too. It's sad, but it makes me feel smarter.

I feel so stuck now that my fatigue is worse than ever, and it prevents me from giving it a full effort. They try to say I'm rushing, but how can I be rushing when I'm ending the day hours behind? I don't have the energy to rush anymore; I just want to get as much done as I can and go home and be exhausted.

They'll let me have more responsibility if my housekeeping shows improvement in the next two months. But I have nothing left to give. How can I manage that? This is not the sort of thing you can tell the boss. I'm lost, as usual. I just don't see any good options here. :(

Paul

[WorkInProgress]

You have got to focus on the task at hand. If you can't multi-task (and you say that you can't), then don't.

And, have you made that checklist yet? The one that tells you what all you need to be doing, so you don't forget?

[CityGal]

So I'm getting more complaints from supervisors that my work at the hotel is not up to par. When they do inspections, my rooms rarely pass. I run behind every day; sometimes up to two hours behind.

I find it highly upsetting to clean something and then be told it wasn't done. I get defensive, and it doesn't help me any. I can't help it. I did a better job once upon a time, and now I can't anymore.

And I know why. The monotony of the work is forcing me to distract myself by thinking about other things. A couple of weeks ago, I was so desperate to break the cycle that I tried to recall all 50 state governors from memory (As a quiz bowl question writer, I try to keep such information handy). I got all of them but three, so I was happy. I followed that by trying to remember all 100 U.S. Senators; got all but three of them too. It's sad, but it makes me feel smarter.

I feel so stuck now that my fatigue is worse than ever, and it prevents me from giving it a full effort. They try to say I'm rushing, but how can I be rushing when I'm ending the day hours behind? I don't have the energy to rush anymore; I just want to get as much done as I can and go home and be exhausted.

They'll let me have more responsibility if my housekeeping shows improvement in the next two months. But I have nothing left to give. How can I manage that? This is not the sort of thing you can tell the boss. I'm lost, as usual. I just don't see any good options here. :(

Paul

Paul, I have been there...not in the same cleaning situation but with jobs. I put my all at the beginning of them because I needed the job and I wanted to impress the people who hired me but after a while my work starts declining because I no longer find the job exciting. At my current job, after I came back from vacation my boss let me have it. Right before I left for vacation and just down to about 3 hours before I had to catch my flight, she feels the need to talk to me. I got so aggrevated with her I snapped. When I returned I knew shw was going to do something drastic. She gave me a formal warning. After looking at my situation and weighing out my options, I decided to just suck it up and do want she demanded. If it got really bad, than I was def. sending out the resume. A few weeks after she gave me the warning, she came to talk to me about our meeting and she was impressed with my improvement. Despite the fact that I sometimes find work boring and would be much rather look at the sky aimlessly, I still continue to do it because I know what I'll be losing- money, food, shelter. If things are bad, why don't you send out your resume to places? Sending out resumes calms me down somewhat.

[cache]

And I know why. The monotony of the work is forcing me to distract myself by thinking about other things. A couple of weeks ago, I was so desperate to break the cycle that I tried to recall all 50 state governors from memory (As a quiz bowl question writer, I try to keep such information handy). I got all of them but three, so I was happy. I followed that by trying to remember all 100 U.S. Senators; got all but three of them too. It's sad, but it makes me feel smarter.

That's funny...when I need a mental distraction, I will do powers of 2 or 3 in my head as high as I can, or try to recall presidents/prime ministers of as many nations as I can.

[CityGal]

I agree with WIP. Try to set a checklist and make sure all the tasks are met. Also, make it a habit to point out to your boss how you are following their instructions.

[PenforPrez]

You have got to focus on the task at hand. If you can't multi-task (and you say that you can't), then don't.

My mind is too hyperactive to focus on work I can now officially classify as "paint-dry boring." I get up in the morning, and I already have some serious thought going; usually political, strangely enough. :surprised The fundamental monotony of the work just makes that impossible.

And, have you made that checklist yet? The one that tells you what all you need to be doing, so you don't forget?

I'm getting better with remembering what needs to be in the rooms. I knew I just needed to practice it and get it down cold, which I just about do. It's been suggested before that I take an extra minute to double-check. I should, but I'm running so far behind right now that I can't afford the time. 15 extra minutes when I'm an hour-ish behind is not good.

Paul

[PenforPrez]

or try to recall presidents/prime ministers of as many nations as I can.

Why didn't I think of that one?? I could drag that one out all day! :huge:

[yankeeyosh]

I'm the same way. I'm not cleaning rooms but cleaning spreadsheets. When I started here, I could do ten hours of spreadsheet cleaning, non stop. Now I can barely get in my required eight, and I'm QLCing half the day. Except for one occasion, no one has said anything yet, but the monotony is definitely affecting my work. Not to mention how I mope around and am always in a bad mood. I don't know how to break this.

[WorkInProgress]

My mind is too hyperactive to focus on work I can now officially classify as "paint-dry boring." I get up in the morning, and I already have some serious thought going; usually political, strangely enough. :surprised The fundamental monotony of the work just makes that impossible.

I'm getting better with remembering what needs to be in the rooms. I knew I just needed to practice it and get it down cold, which I just about do. It's been suggested before that I take an extra minute to double-check. I should, but I'm running so far behind right now that I can't afford the time. 15 extra minutes when I'm an hour-ish behind is not good.

Paul

Paul, you're a nice guy, and I like you, and I don't want to hurt your feelings, but...

No. I'm calling BS. You have got to take some responsibility for this. You lack focus (your mind is so hyperactive, etc.), and you lack motivation (I'm not sure why, since neither you, nor anyone else is above doing good, honest work, whether you're degreed or not). You say you want to better your situation...so do it. If you can't make yourself focus (and honestly, I'm not sure you've tried), you need to figure how to make that happen.

If you don't want to make a checklist, then don't...but it sounds like you need to, since you're not positive that you're getting everything done and you're not double-checking yourself.

I apologize in advance if this hurts your feelings, because really, that's not the point. If this is too much and a mod asks me to take it down I will, but I really am trying to be nice, supportive and helpful, and I don't see how just commiserating with you does any of that.

[AshleyJordan]

If this is too much and a mod asks me to take it down I will, but I really am trying to be nice, supportive and helpful, and I don't see how just commiserating with you does any of that.

ditto.

[PenforPrez]

Not to mention how I mope around and am always in a bad mood. I don't know how to break this.

You don't have to go home to your parents. ;) I'm just cranky and disagreeable at home most of the time. More correctly, worse than usual. :rolleyes: That's part of it too. I just want to get out and finally start my own life, but it seems so far out of reach.

My parents drive me crazy; they gripe about EVERYTHING! If they call me not to come in to work, they start moaning about my bills. They're MY bills, the last time I checked. :rolleyes:

If I go out, they moan about "why can't you stay home?" If I don't go out, they gripe about that. They gripe about my diet, about how much coffee I drink, how I like to walk outside in the cold without a coat on.

For God's sakes, I don't need that shit! :mad: That only makes the work situation worse.

Paul

[yankeeyosh]

Paul, you're a nice guy, and I like you, and I don't want to hurt your feelings, but...

No. I'm calling BS. You have got to take some responsibility for this. You lack focus (your mind is so hyperactive, etc.), and you lack motivation (I'm not sure why, since neither you, nor anyone else is above doing good, honest work, whether you're degreed or not). You say you want to better your situation...so do it. If you can't make yourself focus (and honestly, I'm not sure you've tried), you need to figure how to make that happen.

If you don't want to make a checklist, then don't...but it sounds like you need to, since you're not positive that you're getting everything done and you're not double-checking yourself.

I apologize in advance if this hurts your feelings, because really, that's not the point. If this is too much and a mod asks me to take it down I will, but I really am trying to be nice, supportive and helpful, and I don't see how just commiserating with you does any of that.

This may sound entitled, so I'm ready to take the heat, but if you're doing the same task over and over again, months on end, at some point, you're just going to get bored...especially if you're overqualified. It's human nature...it's not Gen 'X' or 'Y'. That's how it is. So I understand what's going on here.

[WorkInProgress]

This may sound entitled, so I'm ready to take the heat, but if you're doing the same task over and over again, months on end, at some point, you're just going to get bored...especially if you're overqualified. It's human nature...it's not Gen 'X' or 'Y'. That's how it is. So I understand what's going on here.

I understand too...but it gets to a point where you have to suck it up and do it. And if you don't/won't, you really cannot bitch about the results of that.

Getting bored is a lame reason to be doing shoddy work. Understandable, and perhaps common, but lame. I'll be the first to admit that I don't always bring my A game to work, especially if it's not a task I really like, but I can't totally suck at it and expect everything to be ok, especially if it's a task that's "beneath" me, like answering phones, or photocopying, or whatever. Does that make sense?

[AshleyJordan]

This may sound entitled, so I'm ready to take the heat, but if you're doing the same task over and over again, months on end, at some point, you're just going to get bored...especially if you're overqualified. It's human nature...it's not Gen 'X' or 'Y'. That's how it is. So I understand what's going on here.


I don't think this has anything to do with "entitlement," a theme which I think has become a "dead horse" here on the QLC boards. I understand how much a shitty job sucks. Really. But I do think that it's way better than having no job, worrying about money all the time, and feeling stuck-- which, in my understanding, is where Paul was before. It might behoove him to keep that in mind.

[PenforPrez]

Getting bored is a lame reason to be doing shoddy work. Understandable, and perhaps common, but lame. I'll be the first to admit that I don't always bring my A game to work, especially if it's not a task I really like, but I can't totally suck at it and expect everything to be ok, especially if it's a task that's "beneath" me, like answering phones, or photocopying, or whatever. Does that make sense?

I agree totally. It's not just the boredom to me, it's the inability to get ahead. I was hoping to save money and move out when I started this job. That's not going to happen now. I don't even get to see my therapist often enough on what I make right now. That and my mother is trying to snooker me out of money again, and got away with it last week. I'm still working for nothing, and that just upsets me more over time.

Paul

[yankeeyosh]

I don't think this has anything to do with "entitlement," a theme which I think has become a "dead horse" here on the QLC boards. I understand how much a shitty job sucks. Really. But I do think that it's way better than having no job, worrying about money all the time, and feeling stuck-- which, in my understanding, is where Paul was before. It might behoove him to keep that in mind.

Behoove...LOL that brings back unpleasant memories.

I agree. But the point is, it's sometimes tough to stay on task when you're not challenged. I know that when I'm challenged, I do my best work. When I'm not, I normally slide after a certain period of time. I wish there was a way to be able to stay on task, but I dont' know.

[cache]

I understand too...but it gets to a point where you have to suck it up and do it. And if you don't/won't, you really cannot bitch about the results of that.

Getting bored is a lame reason to be doing shoddy work. Understandable, and perhaps common, but lame. I'll be the first to admit that I don't always bring my A game to work, especially if it's not a task I really like, but I can't totally suck at it and expect everything to be ok, especially if it's a task that's "beneath" me, like answering phones, or photocopying, or whatever. Does that make sense?

I disagree with this. In school, teachers thought my brother was stupid because he flunked everything. Years later, they discovered that he wasn't stupid, but just bored because everything was so easy for him. So bored that he didn't care about his school work.

Since then...He was in an astrophysics program before finishing his degrees in math and engineering.

Being bored can have a huge effect on work quality, and "suck it up" is no solution.

[WorkInProgress]

I disagree with this. In school, teachers thought my brother was stupid because he flunked everything. Years later, they discovered that he wasn't stupid, but just bored because everything was so easy for him. So bored that he didn't care about his school work.

Since then...He was in an astrophysics program before finishing his degrees in math and engineering.

Being bored can have a huge effect on work quality, and "suck it up" is no solution.

I realize and agree that it has a huge effect on work quality (haven't I already said that?).

So if the problem is finding something challenging and engaging, ok, I'll bite. What would you suggest as a viable option for someone who's bored at work? Get another job, right? That's a great idea...what until the new job is found?

[yankeeyosh]

I disagree with this. In school, teachers thought my brother was stupid because he flunked everything. Years later, they discovered that he wasn't stupid, but just bored because everything was so easy for him. So bored that he didn't care about his school work.

Since then...He was in an astrophysics program before finishing his degrees in math and engineering.

Being bored can have a huge effect on work quality, and "suck it up" is no solution.

Thanks, cache. I can always depend on you :)

[PenforPrez]

In school, teachers thought my brother was stupid because he flunked everything. Years later, they discovered that he wasn't stupid, but just bored because everything was so easy for him. So bored that he didn't care about his school work.

Oh my God, that's my life story. My grades weren't great most of my school years for the same reason. I was told the exact same thing. Gifted education wasn't available in rural school districts at the time, so I had to do with what was there. Then I found quiz bowl, and that provided much of the outlet I needed.

Paul

[LakeJay]

I realize and agree that it has a huge effect on work quality (haven't I already said that?).

So if the problem is finding something challenging and engaging, ok, I'll bite. What would you suggest as a viable option for someone who's bored at work? Get another job, right? That's a great idea...what until the new job is found?

I kind of agree with you. Once I had realized that I wasn't happy with my work situation, I told myself that I needed to make a point to change my situation. But if I wasn't going to do anything about it, then I had no right to complain and that I needed to suck it up and do my job to best of my ability. When it all comes down to it, I feel like the effort and quality of my work, not so much the work, is a reflection of myself. Although I believe this I wouldn't say my thinking should apply to everyone's situation.

[wordsmith]

Paul, you're a nice guy, and I like you, and I don't want to hurt your feelings, but...

No. I'm calling BS. You have got to take some responsibility for this. You lack focus (your mind is so hyperactive, etc.), and you lack motivation (I'm not sure why, since neither you, nor anyone else is above doing good, honest work, whether you're degreed or not). You say you want to better your situation...so do it. If you can't make yourself focus (and honestly, I'm not sure you've tried), you need to figure how to make that happen.

If you don't want to make a checklist, then don't...but it sounds like you need to, since you're not positive that you're getting everything done and you're not double-checking yourself.

I apologize in advance if this hurts your feelings, because really, that's not the point. If this is too much and a mod asks me to take it down I will, but I really am trying to be nice, supportive and helpful, and I don't see how just commiserating with you does any of that.

No, I agree.

You simply ARE going to have to hit upon some sort of trick, ritual, diversion that allows you multitask, whatever, in order to focus and get through what you've gotta get through.

When I worked a super mundane job (what's up, counting nuts and bolts and sealing them up in little bags 8 hours a day for parts shipments?) I pretty much spent my time singing entire albums of songs in order in my head, listening to NPR, etc. I know my dad does the same when he's shingling a roof. Can you listen to headphones? Learn a language via recordings? Something that can be done without distracting enormously?

Yes, we all get why you're bored, and we all know that being bored with a job makes your work suffer. But this is a means to an end. It's somehthing to persevere for now.

[PenforPrez]

Can you listen to headphones? Learn a language via recordings? Something that can be done without distracting enormously?

Sadly no, and they're very strict about the rules. Unless it involves using the industrial strength version of Pledge or taking a drink with you, both of which are prohibited under company regulations. Those we're allowed to bend.

When it all comes down to it, I feel like the effort and quality of my work, not so much the work, is a reflection of myself.

That's what I've said to the hotel GM before. I CAN do a better job, it's just why am I not? It's not that I'm making a half-assed effort; it's just that it's coming up short.

Paul

[LakeJay]

That's what I've said to the hotel GM before. I CAN do a better job, it's just why am I not? It's not that I'm making a half-assed effort; it's just that it's coming up short.

Paul

Hmmm...Maybe I missed this in an earlier post but are the expectations reasonable? Are the "deficiencies" correctable?

[PenforPrez]

Hmmm...Maybe I missed this in an earlier post but are the expectations reasonable? Are the "deficiencies" correctable?

I've done another thread about that. We have very strict rules about how things need to be, and I'm having difficulty meeting it right now.

Is it correctable? I like to think so.

Paul

[cache]

I realize and agree that it has a huge effect on work quality (haven't I already said that?).

So if the problem is finding something challenging and engaging, ok, I'll bite. What would you suggest as a viable option for someone who's bored at work? Get another job, right? That's a great idea...what until the new job is found?

I have no idea. All I'm saying is that in a circumstance like Paul's it is not a simple matter of focusing or multi-tasking; the problem is more fundamental and not easily solved without a serious life change in some area.

[PenforPrez]

I have no idea. All I'm saying is that in a circumstance like Paul's it is not a simple matter of focusing or multi-tasking; the problem is more fundamental and not easily solved without a serious life change in some area.

Hence why I'm so desperate to find a way to move out on my own. But not around here; I want to move to the city, which is even more expensive. :googly: But it's what I need, I know that much.

Paul

[wordsmith]

Defraying the cost with roommates won't work?

[yankeeyosh]

No, I agree.

You simply ARE going to have to hit upon some sort of trick, ritual, diversion that allows you multitask, whatever, in order to focus and get through what you've gotta get through.

When I worked a super mundane job (what's up, counting nuts and bolts and sealing them up in little bags 8 hours a day for parts shipments?) I pretty much spent my time singing entire albums of songs in order in my head, listening to NPR, etc. I know my dad does the same when he's shingling a roof. Can you listen to headphones? Learn a language via recordings? Something that can be done without distracting enormously?

Yes, we all get why you're bored, and we all know that being bored with a job makes your work suffer. But this is a means to an end. It's somehthing to persevere for now.

This isn't Paul, but if you have a dull office job, you can't sing anything if you work in a corporate office. I listen to headphones only after 5 PM (although I try not to stay past that time anymore). So it's 8 hours of listening to managers talk about greed...that's what I do to pass the time.

[wordsmith]

It's beside the point, but at the office portion of my job, I listen to music on earbuds all the time...or an earbud, more specifically, leaving one ear open for my phone.

I also have the option of listening to music, radio, whatever, a la Office Space, at a "reasonable volume," everyone I work with does.

When I had my boring job that I talked about earlier, which was a short-term, summer-long employment that I took because it's what there was, similar to Paul, who's taken this job because it's what there is, I*wasn't allowed earphones for safety reasons (it was a factory, had to be able to hear equpment, forklifts, etc. But I could have a small radio quietly playing.

Also, I didn't sing out loud.

[CTGirl]

Also, I didn't sing out loud.

That's a shame! We sing out loud to our music at my office job, and some days dance as well :D

[wordsmith]

They're always trying to get me too, but I don't. Ya gotta come to karaoke to get that.

[yankeeyosh]

The only songs we've sung where we work are "Happy Birthday" and "When I'm Sixty Four" by the Beatles...the latter because one of the managers turned sixty four about a month ago.

[vxmike]

Getting bored is a lame reason to be doing shoddy work. Understandable, and perhaps common, but lame. I'll be the first to admit that I don't always bring my A game to work, especially if it's not a task I really like, but I can't totally suck at it and expect everything to be ok, especially if it's a task that's "beneath" me, like answering phones, or photocopying, or whatever. Does that make sense?

Agreed. I mostly do the same stuff every day, and it's certainly not an excuse to do subpar work. In fact subpar work in my field is completely unacceptable.

Work is just that...work. Not meant to be exciting or stimulating. Employers pay people to perform tasks people don't otherwise perform for fun. If one doesn't like the deal they have they should stop working...personally I'm content to trade my labor for income, so that's why I work.

[PenforPrez]

Defraying the cost with roommates won't work?

Nope. All calculations I make are based on the assumption I'll live with a roommate(s) to start off with. Fair estimate, I think.

Paul

[vxmike]

Hence why I'm so desperate to find a way to move out on my own. But not around here; I want to move to the city, which is even more expensive. :googly: But it's what I need, I know that much.

Paul

Honestly, Paul, I don't think you can succeed in the manner you wish in your present situation. From what I've read your home life is killing you inside and if someone as smart as you cannot find better work in your town I do believe there probably isn't much opportunity there.

You need to do something extremely drastic to change your life around. Join the army, get a job on a cruise ship, go crab fishing in Alaska, go contract in Iraq, do something extreme that will take you away from your present situation and force you to survive on your own. Heck, the Peace Corps would be better for you than your present deal. All of these types of jobs would take care of you financially and allow you to immediately escape your present situation. I just don't see you gradually easing out of your current problems...you need the shock and immediacy of a major change.

Just my opinion...

[ya never know..]

but if you're doing the same task over and over again, months on end, at some point, you're just going to get bored...especially if you're overqualified. It's human nature...it's not Gen 'X' or 'Y'. That's how it is. So I understand what's going on here.

I so totally agree. I've got the same type of job as Paul, and somehow, although I'm not sure how, I've been there over 2 1/2 years. I'm way too overqualified, and I'm doing some other stuff on the side to keep my skills sharpened.

[PenforPrez]

Honestly, Paul, I don't think you can succeed in the manner you wish in your present situation. From what I've read your home life is killing you inside and if someone as smart as you cannot find better work in your town I do believe there probably isn't much opportunity there.

As I've written before, I live in a rural area where college grads are neither needed nor wanted. This is what I like to refer to as the "dropout culture." Companies here want idiots, not educated people. This isn't it for me, but it took me some time to realize that.

I want to live and work in St. Louis, but trying to get a job there has been a whole other set of difficulties, and the job market in STL is probably average. Of course, it doesn't help that I go about looking totally wrong, nor do I seem to know how to correctly. I'm never right, as I'm constantly being reminded these days.

Lot of people say I should look outside, but I don't have access to that kind of cash. My father won't give it to me, and my mother's stealing mine.

You need to do something extremely drastic to change your life around. Join the army, get a job on a cruise ship, go crab fishing in Alaska, go contract in Iraq, do something extreme that will take you away from your present situation and force you to survive on your own. Heck, the Peace Corps would be better for you than your present deal. All of these types of jobs would take care of you financially and allow you to immediately escape your present situation. I just don't see you gradually easing out of your current problems...you need the shock and immediacy of a major change.

Just my opinion...

I'm more capable of handling that than I was a few months ago, but that would be a lot for me. I've been wondering if that's not what I need.

Took me two hours to write that last paragraph. :redface:

Paul

[WorkInProgress]

Lot of people say I should look outside, but I don't have access to that kind of cash. My father won't give it to me, and my mother's stealing mine.

If your mother is stealing from you, you might want to arrange your finances in such as way that she doesn't have access to it anymore.

[PenforPrez]

If your mother is stealing from you, you might want to arrange your finances in such as way that she doesn't have access to it anymore.

I'm trying to figure out where to hide my checkbook so she won't know where it is when I go to get it. That's difficult in this house. :torn:

Paul

[red]

You need to do something extremely drastic to change your life around. Join the army, get a job on a cruise ship, go crab fishing in Alaska, go contract in Iraq, do something extreme that will take you away from your present situation and force you to survive on your own. Heck, the Peace Corps would be better for you than your present deal. All of these types of jobs would take care of you financially and allow you to immediately escape your present situation. I just don't see you gradually easing out of your current problems...you need the shock and immediacy of a major change.


i agree. you should also have access to therapy on a regular basis wherever you end up.

[spokes]

I'm trying to figure out where to hide my checkbook so she won't know where it is when I go to get it. That's difficult in this house. :torn:

Paul

uumm keep it on your person at all times. hide it in your car - get rid of the cheque book and go with a debit card that needs a pin.

i'd also be asking my bank why they are cashing cheques without the proper signature (i.e. yours vs. your mom's) on them.

[cache]

uumm keep it on your person at all times. hide it in your car - get rid of the cheque book and go with a debit card that needs a pin.

i'd also be asking my bank why they are cashing cheques without the proper signature (i.e. yours vs. your mom's) on them.

Agreed. I would just get rid of the checkbook altogether...does your bank provide all your account details, statements online?

When you need to write a check, just get a money order...the 59 cents or whatever will be less than what I'm sure your mom has been getting...

[pisces2473]

No, I agree.

You simply ARE going to have to hit upon some sort of trick, ritual, diversion that allows you multitask, whatever, in order to focus and get through what you've gotta get through.

When I worked a super mundane job (what's up, counting nuts and bolts and sealing them up in little bags 8 hours a day for parts shipments?) I pretty much spent my time singing entire albums of songs in order in my head, listening to NPR, etc. I know my dad does the same when he's shingling a roof. Can you listen to headphones? Learn a language via recordings? Something that can be done without distracting enormously?

Yes, we all get why you're bored, and we all know that being bored with a job makes your work suffer. But this is a means to an end. It's somehthing to persevere for now.
I'm the exact same way...I've mastered my job in 3 months, and now am ridiculously not challenged/not liking the work. Too mundane for me. That's when I start screwing around online. I have to have CDs and a discman with me so I can focus on something, as well as blocking out the rest of the office.

[pisces2473]

Yeah, WTF is this with your mom STEALING MONEY?????

[PenforPrez]

Yeah, WTF is this with your mom STEALING MONEY?????

I define it as stealing because, for one thing, it's not HER money. She doesn't break her back in that hotel, I do. I'm not working to fund her scratchoff addiction; I'd rather be unemployed than do that. I'm working to pay my bills and be able to go out a little bit. It's good for my social anxiety. :)

Second, whenever she "borrows" my money, she does so under the false pretense of paying it back. She got $20 from me last week, and said I would be paid back last Friday. Yesterday (being Tuesday and all), I asked her when I could expect the money back. She gave me this vague look and said, "It's going to be awhile for that." In other words, I'll never see a dime of it.

I can't afford to do that. Maybe "stealing" is putting it too harshly, but the fact she lies about paying it back upsets me. :cry:

Paul

[cache]

"Sorry mom, you've reached your credit limit, and until you pay off some of your existing debt, I am not authorized to loan you any more money." :D

[pisces2473]

WHY are you LENDING her money then!?!?!?!?!?!

[WorkInProgress]

WHY are you LENDING her money then!?!?!?!?!?!

Exactly. It's one thing if this is money that's your parents charge you for room & board, but that's not it, right? It's her hitting you up for money to support her gambling habit, no? If that's so, you can stop giving her this money (and enabling her addiction), particularly since there's barely a pretense of it being a loan.

[wordsmith]

Yeah, I would just tell her you're not loaning her money for that anymore.

I suppose if she starts phrasing it as being reimbursement for you living there, that takes the element of having any say over how she spends the money you pay her for room and board, though.

[pisces2473]

In that case, it should be an exact amount, at the same time, every month/week/whatever. Not "oh I need $20, I'm short."

[PenforPrez]

Exactly. It's one thing if this is money that's your parents charge you for room & board, but that's not it, right? It's her hitting you up for money to support her gambling habit, no? If that's so, you can stop giving her this money (and enabling her addiction), particularly since there's barely a pretense of it being a loan.

I trust easily. And if you can't trust your mother, who can you trust? Of course, fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

I just have to show more determination and say no. :)

Paul

[WorkInProgress]

I trust easily. And if you can't trust your mother, who can you trust? Of course, fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

Yep. Just because she's your mom doesn't mean that she's a good credit risk. Also, just because you can't trust her to pay you back doesn't mean that you can't trust her to love you. They're two very different things.

EDIT: I would, however, go into this with the understanding that it could easily become an issue over paying rent and not chipping in for "whatever" vs. not paying rent and chipping in. Also, if she has a serious gambling problem (and you're not speaking in hyperbole above), that's not something to be overlooked. It's can be a very real problem that can have devastating consequences.

[PenforPrez]

Yep. Just because she's your mom doesn't mean that she's a good credit risk. Also, just because you can't trust her to pay you back doesn't mean that you can't trust her to love you. They're two very different things.

EDIT: I would, however, go into this with the understanding that it could easily become an issue over paying rent and not chipping in for "whatever" vs. not paying rent and chipping in. Also, if she has a serious gambling problem (and you're not speaking in hyperbole above), that's not something to be overlooked. It's can be a very real problem that can have devastating consequences.

"Gambling problem" is hyperbole. She just likes to buy scratchoff tickets when she can't afford it. She's not going to the riverboat casino or anything. If she had a *serious* gambling problem, I'd have taken action long ago. Of course, she doesn't eat properly (she's a brittle diabetic), and she wouldn't listen if I said anything about that anyway. :googly:

Paul

[PenforPrez]

So at dinner tonight, the parents oh so kindly remind me I'm not being called to come in a lot, and the lack of financial compensation that results.

Well, they know and I know that I'm only PT, and I was told at the outset I may only work 20 hours a week in the winter. So what's the deal? Why can't they just lay off me? I want to make more money, certainly, but if they don't need me, they don't. End of story.

[WorkInProgress]

So at dinner tonight, the parents oh so kindly remind me I'm not being called to come in a lot, and the lack of financial compensation that results.

Well, they know and I know that I'm only PT, and I was told at the outset I may only work 20 hours a week in the winter. So what's the deal? Why can't they just lay off me? I want to make more money, certainly, but if they don't need me, they don't. End of story.

Maybe a second PT would be helpful? I know you're in the boondocks, but isn't there something reasonably nearby that you could look into?

EDIT: It just occurred to me that you might have more time available to be working on the quiz bowl stuff. You mentioned a little while ago that you might be considering doing that more than you were at the time. Maybe that could be a help as well?

[wordsmith]

So at dinner tonight, the parents oh so kindly remind me I'm not being called to come in a lot, and the lack of financial compensation that results.

This would be the point at which I personally would make some really shitty, snide comment about how I know that's really disappointing, seeing as how it's cutting a lot into mom's lottery ticket loans. But that's just me, and I'm pretty bitchy and vindictive when somebody's criticizing me when I'm doing the best I can. Granted, lashing out is pretty much negative and immature, but it also sometimes makes people shut up.

[PenforPrez]

EDIT: It just occurred to me that you might have more time available to be working on the quiz bowl stuff. You mentioned a little while ago that you might be considering doing that more than you were at the time. Maybe that could be a help as well?

I'm trying to get back in the groove of writing right now. My whole quiz bowl world needs realignment. I'm about to start working on a bid to bring high school Nationals to St. Louis in 2008 (which would mean BIG MONEY!), and that will demand focus.

Writing questions is very energy-intensive. Takes a lot of work, coming up with ideas and researching them and fact-checking and making sure the clues are in the right order and coding them for submission. Of course, some people I know can sit for hours on end and write dozens at a stretch. I never could. Ken Jennings called it "a labor of love," and he's right.

But that's just me, and I'm pretty bitchy and vindictive when somebody's criticizing me when I'm doing the best I can. Granted, lashing out is pretty much negative and immature, but it also sometimes makes people shut up.

I'm just not good at lashing out unless I'm really pissed. I just don't like being pissy with my parents either; I try to be respectful and all that old-fashioned shit. But sometimes, I just can't help but yell at my mother. :redface:

Paul

[spokes]

so are you using your down time to look for something more steady?

[PenforPrez]

so are you using your down time to look for something more steady?

Been spending too much time sleeping, I'm ashamed to admit. :redface: Always being tired sucks.

I need to get myself a little more in order, I think. If only my therapist would check her email more often. :torn: Need to sort out basic career needs, etc. That I am working on. :)

Paul

[wordsmith]

I'm just not good at lashing out unless I'm really pissed. I just don't like being pissy with my parents either; I try to be respectful and all that old-fashioned shit. But sometimes, I just can't help but yell at my mother. :redface:

Paul

I don't like being pissy with my parents, either, but if somebody's skimming off the meager earnings I HAVE been able to try and accumulate and THEN has the audacity to point out that I should really be vying for more hours to supplement the money they're skimming off for no good reason, pissiness is more than in order. I'm very respectful of my parents, up to the point where they're disrespectful of me. Which is rare, but happens.

[PenforPrez]

So today, my boss and I inspected two of my rooms from yesterday.

The first room failed only slightly. Missed two dumbass things I normally wouldn't miss. The room itself was very clean, and that much was fine. The second room passed and looked very strong. So my boss was satisfied and gave me the usual encouragement. She likes the cleanliness of my rooms, and that's the most important thing.

So, sounds like I'm doing better. Just wonder how long that'll last. :rolleyes:

Paul

[spokes]

lots of jobs, even "professional" type jobs become repeative over time and they just becoame another "i written this repoert" before type thing.

[PenforPrez]

lots of jobs, even "professional" type jobs become repeative over time and they just becoame another "i written this repoert" before type thing.

Writing reports would be more fun. Requires creativity and more eye for detail. Cleaning hotel rooms is repetitive by nature. Make sure the bathroom is properly clean, empty the trash, make the beds, vacuum, repeat X number of times per day.

Some people can do that; not me. I'm the kind who needs a challenge.

Paul

[PenforPrez]

QA showed up this morning; the ultimate test. I had just written myself off for QA; they said he was really strict. I had assumed that I would be pointed a million ways to Sunday when QA looked everything over.

In fact, the OPPOSITE occured. I actually was credited with a perfect room on the QA report. :eek: Our room scores overall were very good and our evaluation, from what I was told, went very well.

I was a tad disappointed; I was quietly hoping to be ripped apart on QA so I'd have more excuse to look for another job. Only I would think that. :idea:

Paul

[WorkInProgress]

I was a tad disappointed; I was quietly hoping to be ripped apart on QA so I'd have more excuse to look for another job. Only I would think that. :idea:

Paul

Why do you need more of an excuse?

[wordsmith]

I thought if you showed improvement, they'd move you to something else sometimes, like tending bar?

[PenforPrez]

I thought if you showed improvement, they'd move you to something else sometimes, like tending bar?

The decision that was made was they would let me do so if my housekeeping showed improvement for 60 days past my review, which was a month ago. Getting a perfect score on record for QA REALLY helps!

Of course, all that was before I had to tackle this whole "stuck at home" ickiness. :torn:

Why do you need more of an excuse?

Every little bit helps. ;):

Paul

[AshleyJordan]

Are you still actively seeking other jobs, in St. Louis, etc?

[PenforPrez]

Are you still actively seeking other jobs, in St. Louis, etc?

Not actively. More and more, I'm seeing the truth in the rule that you have to know what you're aiming for. I've never had a career goal, and still don't. I'm embarassed that I'm still so totally clueless at my age, but I can no more help that than King Canute trying to turn back the tide.

I simply feel like I need to establish a couple of simple, basic goals before I can make a serious charge. That's hard to do when pondering any career move makes me so scared that I'd rather hide under my blanket and whimper like a lost puppy. Which is what I am, more or less.

I was thinking about it the other day in a historical context; being the Civil War buff I am, I find parallels to anything. After the battle of Gettysburg, Robert E. Lee was so disturbed at what he knew was a stupid mistake on his part that he wrote a letter to Jefferson Davis and offered to resign. Lee wrote: "I cannot even accomplish what I myself desire; how can I fill the expectations of others?"

I can't accomplish what I desire, either, and a lot of that is because I don't know what I want. The problem is becoming clearer; solving it is another matter.

Paul

[PenforPrez]

An unknown benefit of my perfect room on QA arrived today. The CEO of the company personally signs a congratulatory letter to all housekeepers who get zero-point rooms on QA, and I got one. Yay! :) So now, I have made myself known to the CEO in a good way, albeit briefly.

Honestly, I was more excited today when I found a $10 tip. :p Nonetheless, that was pretty sweet. :)

Paul

[PenforPrez]

So the ice storm hits (I love how the news called it "The Ice Storm of 2007" in the middle of January.) and everybody's power goes out and the hotel fills up. I worked 9 hours each Tuesday and Wednesday. Gave it everything I had.

So today, I go in, and I'm just out of it. I'm disoriented and spaced out, and I get S-L-O-W. Needed a lot of help today. Nobody was happy with me. I was just NOT there. You could have hit me with a car today, and I wouldn't have noticed.

So the supervisor on duty (not my boss per se) wasn't happy. She said: "If you don't pick it up, you'll get in trouble." Oh great. :frustrate First, they tell me to slow down because I miss things, now I'm being told to pick it up. Today was just a rough day, but I don't need that to worry about. :torn:

Paul

[Eithne]

So the ice storm hits (I love how the news called it "The Ice Storm of 2007" in the middle of January.) and everybody's power goes out and the hotel fills up. I worked 9 hours each Tuesday and Wednesday. Gave it everything I had.

So today, I go in, and I'm just out of it. I'm disoriented and spaced out, and I get S-L-O-W. Needed a lot of help today. Nobody was happy with me. I was just NOT there. You could have hit me with a car today, and I wouldn't have noticed.

So the supervisor on duty (not my boss per se) wasn't happy. She said: "If you don't pick it up, you'll get in trouble." Oh great. :frustrate First, they tell me to slow down because I miss things, now I'm being told to pick it up. Today was just a rough day, but I don't need that to worry about. :torn:

Paul


So, what happens when you start working 9 hour days 5 days a week (or possibly more)?

[PenforPrez]

So, what happens when you start working 9 hour days 5 days a week (or possibly more)?

I'm part-time. I'll get my hours cut along the line. Especially this time of year.