A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:2 months ago I began working at a Sports and Learning Complex. I love my job and it has given me great opportunities to advance my career almost immediately. However things have been rocky with my boss (36,F) from the start. To begin with, I was supposed to start working back in May. I needed one last interview with my boss to see what level of position I qualified for. When my boss called me for a phone interview, on a Sunday, I told her I was at a family event and asked if I could call back another time. She sounded extremely annoyed and said she would call me back, but never said when. I emailed her a bunch of times after that to ask for a specific time, and she never responded. I finally did manage to get a call back but it was from a guy named Andre (32,M) I who told me that he was calling for my boss, and that he would do a basic interview, he was extremely nice, and told me that he would make sure my boss called me back. I got a call from my boss the next day, and I interviewed finally. Then she kept telling me she was waiting on paperwork, that dragged out for another two months, so I didn't start until August. My first day of "training" was an 8-hour shift, I spent about 6 hours doing stupid errands for my boss, and only 2 hours actually working. Then she told me that she was only going to pay me for the 2 hours, because that was the only "work-related training I did" , I told him that was unacceptable, and she told me to take it or leave it. That's when Andre came up, and her demeanor totally changed, I told him what happened, he pulled my boss to the side for like 20 minutes, and when she came back, she agreed to pay me for the 8 hours! It was unbelievable because Andre is only a department manager, and my boss is the whole Facility's manager, she is his boss too, and he pulled that off. Up to this point I did my job perfectly in addition I went above and beyond my job duties. I often worked weekends and nights on my own time. I also brought a problem to my boss's attention that ended up saving him a ton of money! Overall she has been really impressed. But last Monday, I made a huge mistake that could've potentially caused us to lose a big client. I knew I screwed up and I apologized directly to my boss, her response "Making mistakes while still on probation is a huge problem with me, I will let you know your punishment tomorrow", I talked to co-workers, and they all said they have heard that speech before with former employee's, and it's not good. So I treated that day like it was my last, I told Andre the situation, and what she said. Even he told me that I'm practically fired, and he don't know if he could fix it, but he promised me that he would try. Tuesday I was on the verge of tears all day, until my boss came with Andre walking behind her, she looked back at him, and stared at him for like 30 seconds then she turned to me, clenched her teeth, and told me that she has decided to let me off with a first and final warning. I was so excited I told her she wouldn't regret it, but she ignored me and walked away with Andre. Life/Work has been great since then, until Saturday, my boss walked up to me, and said " You are going to be very busy for the next two weeks", and I asked her why, and she said "Andre will be visiting his family in Springfield for the next two weeks, and until he gets back, you are going to fill in for him", I told her that I am prepared for that task but then she said " Due to your incident, I have extended your probation, so if anything, just one thing goes wrong, you will be out the door so quick, Andre won't even get to say goodbye " . I honestly feel like this a plot to some bad movie but unfortunately this is my life, and Saturday was one of the worst days I have had in a while, she is treating me like crap, talking to me any kind of way, and there's nothing I can do about it. Now I know this is going to sound crazy, but do you think it would be wrong if I called Andre and asked if he can come back just a little earlier. I don't think I can last two weeks without him here, I can tell she is angry that he's going to be gone for two weeks, and 100% of that anger is being taken out on me. I don't want him to cut his vacation completely short but just come back a couple days earlier, Do you think he would be ok with that?? Any suggestions?
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (13 October 2016): The way you get treated during the interview phase offers a VERY good insight into how you will be treated in the actual job. I think this woman is setting you up to fail. Do you want to work for someone like this? You are getting bullied. I would read up on your employment law rights. Let this guy have his holiday.
A
female
reader, aunt honesty  +, writes (10 October 2016):
 You made a mistake now you need to keep your head down, work hard and prove you are good at what you do. You should not even be considering calling Andre, that is unprofessional, rude and goes against your boss which will only land you in more trouble. He has a life outside off work and he is on vacation so please leave him alone. It is only two weeks, use the two weeks to prove yourself to your boss that you are capable off hard work.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (9 October 2016): You have to focus on doing the job, and not so much on the boss's personality. No, you should not call Andre; because going behind her back to her subordinate will only anger her all the more. No matter what he says, she gets the last word.
He may have some influence and may sometimes be able to persuade her to change her mind; but it is never a good practice to run to somebody else when your boss is doing his or her job. Especially when you are on probation.
She is being tough on you for a reason. If you were in her shoes, you would see the pressure she's under. So some of that pressure is passed on to you. She has a shitty outdated management-style, and the greater part of it comes from the satisfaction of bossing people around. And of course, ego. There also seems to be a bit of jealousy; because she may see a lot of promise in you, maybe even feel you're an up and coming threat. She may have crap for personality; but her responsibility and the expectations placed on her, are far greater than yours.
You made a major screw-up, and her job is to clean it up and make sure her bosses know she's got it under control. What you get chewed-out for is nothing compared to what she has to face. Trust my word on that.
Take a deep breath, straighten your back, and do what you've got to do. Show her and Andre that you can work under pressure. Your probation-period is when and how you earn your keep. Don't let her wear you down. Just realize the more pressure she's getting, the more she's going to place on you. Andre is in your corner, but don't lean on him. You've got to prove yourself and make up for that big mistake. So own it, girlfriend. You've got it in you.
Your mistakes are her burden to carry. Some mistakes carry more weight or repercussions than you may be aware of. So be careful.
Best of luck, my dear!
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