Post 2: Work frustrations

Apr. 25th, 2025

Today my boss made me go to some stupid meeting I didn’t want to go to. Basically made me stand around doing nothing for an hour while everyone talked around me. Only reason my boss even made me go was because she has a personal vendetta against the person hosting the meeting and wanted to bring a posse with her to make it look like she’d more important than she is. It’s pathetic really. I could have done so many more important things. It really set me up for an annoying start to an annoying day. I’m honestly so tired of my boss. I really like my job but she makes it unbearable most of the time. She’s obsessed with making herself look good. I think the power has gone to her annoying head.

After I finished the stupid meeting I went back to work and was immediately met with annoying customers. Working in customer service sucks so much and it sucks even more when you have to sit there and hold someone’s hand to talk them through basic paperwork. It wouldn’t be so bad if they would LISTEN to me when I try and explain things but they always try and act like they know what they’re doing and then they do it wrong and get mad at me when I call them out on it. I’m sorry old lady??? Maybe just let me explain how to do things before you try and suddenly take action? You came to me for help so let me help you? Needless to say I rolled my eyes a lot today.

I honestly wish I could just work for myself. I daydream sometimes about starting my own business. I love art, I’m an artist. I love making art. I’d love to open a gallery and have a second hand art supply shop. I went to one a few towns over and I loved it. I thought it was so cool that I could just fill up a bag of whatever and then take it home. I found so many cool little things to use in my art there. I wish I could open one in my town. I’ll never be able to, but I dream about it. Or I wish I could be a trust fund kid. I know some of them have crappy lives and no amount of money will make them feel better about it, but god would it be great to get to sit on my behind cry to mommy and daddy to pay for things for me.

I’m honestly just so tired of working. I want to stop working. I don’t like working. I was made to sit on my butt and do fun little hobbies all day, not sit in an office setting tired out of my mind slowly stressing over if I’m doing enough to not get fired.

I wish I could open an art shop.

Sincerely,

In today’s fast-paced, interconnected work environment, collaboration and mutual respect should be non-negotiable. Yet, many of us encounter situations where basic courtesies, such as responding promptly to requests or acknowledging emails, are neglected. This creates a ripple effect that not only hampers productivity but also demotivates individuals who rely on timely inputs to perform their roles effectively.

Take, for instance, the experience of working remotely. It’s a double-edged sword, while it offers flexibility, it also means that tasks requiring collaboration often move at the pace of someone else’s priorities. You may be in a productive mindset, fueled with creative energy, but when responses or inputs are delayed for days, that momentum is lost. Creativity doesn't always wait, it thrives in the moment.

When people are physically present in the office, barriers like these are easier to overcome. You can walk over, have a conversation, and resolve issues in real time. However, in a remote setup, the absence of this immediacy makes communication gaps more apparent. Repeated follow-ups, unanswered emails, or delayed responses become the norm, and it’s frustrating.

The Impact of Neglecting Courtesy

This lack of promptness doesn't just affect workflows, it deeply influences morale. Individuals often start questioning their value and the significance of their contributions when their needs are deprioritized. For someone striving to show value in their role, unnecessary delays or outright neglect can feel like a deliberate roadblock.

This brings up an essential point, why should treating others with respect and courtesy depend on their position or influence? Why should a person's "power" in the organization determine how seriously their requests are taken? Isn’t professional courtesy about fostering a culture of mutual respect, regardless of hierarchy?

It’s not uncommon to hear people justify their inaction by claiming they were “too busy” or “missed the email.” But is that acceptable? Would we want to be treated the same way if roles were reversed? As the saying goes, “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” This isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a professional one.

Breaking the Cycle

When someone asks for information or help, it’s not because they enjoy bothering others. It’s because they need assistance to meet their objectives and contribute meaningfully to their work. Ignoring or delaying a response is not just a minor discourtesy, it’s an act that actively disrupts their ability to progress and succeed.

If we, as individuals and professionals, don’t pause to reflect on how our actions—or inactions—affect others, we risk perpetuating a toxic culture. Ignoring someone’s request might feel like a small oversight, but for the person on the receiving end, it can signify a lack of respect or value.

A Call for Self-Reflection

So, what’s the solution? It starts with self-awareness. Take a moment to look in the mirror and ask yourself,

Do I respond to others in a timely and respectful manner?

Am I treating colleagues with the same level of courtesy I expect in return?

Am I contributing to a culture of collaboration, or am I inadvertently creating barriers?

It’s simple, treat others with dignity and empathy. The workplace isn’t just about tasks and deadlines, it’s about people working together toward shared goals. If we want to build a thriving and supportive environment, we need to hold ourselves accountable for how we interact with one another.

By being intentional about our actions and respecting each other’s time and efforts, we can foster a culture of trust, productivity, and mutual growth. It’s not just about getting the work done, it’s about doing it together in a way that uplifts everyone involved.

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