I feel like I'm not well liked at my job. Should I care?
October 1, 2012 4:17 PM Subscribe
Second thoughts about small promotion at work. Awkward interactions with co-workers. Is it just me?
As I mentioned in questions I've asked before (dealing with another issue), I recently got a job at small company. I've been there for about 5 months now. It's a decent-paying gig where I work ten hour days doing something very tedious and repetitive. I only work with about 8 people. And we're all in the same room/office.
After about 3 months, they wanted to promote me. Which includes a small, small pay increase. I would still be doing a tedious job for 10 hours but I'd have more responsibility. I was actually kind of reluctant to take it because this job is just a job to me (save enough money and then I graciously split). I've also heard it's not really that easy to leave this job (from other employees). Seeing as I was recommended by my supervisor (who is a real nice guy), I decided to take it.
I've been training with a co-worker and new supervisor who I think find me very awkward. Aside for the usual work related conversations, they never seem to initiate any small talk with me. I try to sometimes but it always ends up awkward. I'm a shy and quiet guy so whenever I approach them it's always about work. The only reason why I care so much is because talking to them is part of my job. There have been incidents where I felt like I wasn't liked.
One time, I was hit by a piece of paper thrown by a co-worker to get my attention (I was wearing headphones) and it felt like I was being laughed at. I understand how this can be done between two people who are friendly with each other, but it honestly didn't feel like that. Co-worker didn't apologize, but just laughed. Also, another time - I was on my way back from break heading to my desk when I noticed the path was blocked. The same co-worker was unloading books from a cart on the floor. I felt like I could easily move the cart and just pass through but I was given a dirty look and told "you can't go around the other way?". Meaning she wanted me to leave the room and walk outside and enter through the door on the other side. I admit that I'm not the most happiest looking person or I could see people taking my "serious face" as uninviting, but that's just how my face looks.
I apologize if I'm rambling but I feel like I need to be reminded that being social at work isn't THAT important. I always feel pressured to.
I go to work, I sit at my desk and work. Sometimes it's a little jarring to hear everyone else interact but me. It also doesn't help that I have only a few friends outside of work. Sometimes I think about going back to my old position just so I wouldn't feel any anxiety about talking to people. There are times where I remind myself that I shouldn't worry about this, but the job is so isolating and depressing sometimes.
Am I just being socially paranoid? Am I supposed to get along with my co-workers? If so, how do I gain respect and feel like I'm part of the team?
As I mentioned in questions I've asked before (dealing with another issue), I recently got a job at small company. I've been there for about 5 months now. It's a decent-paying gig where I work ten hour days doing something very tedious and repetitive. I only work with about 8 people. And we're all in the same room/office.
After about 3 months, they wanted to promote me. Which includes a small, small pay increase. I would still be doing a tedious job for 10 hours but I'd have more responsibility. I was actually kind of reluctant to take it because this job is just a job to me (save enough money and then I graciously split). I've also heard it's not really that easy to leave this job (from other employees). Seeing as I was recommended by my supervisor (who is a real nice guy), I decided to take it.
I've been training with a co-worker and new supervisor who I think find me very awkward. Aside for the usual work related conversations, they never seem to initiate any small talk with me. I try to sometimes but it always ends up awkward. I'm a shy and quiet guy so whenever I approach them it's always about work. The only reason why I care so much is because talking to them is part of my job. There have been incidents where I felt like I wasn't liked.
One time, I was hit by a piece of paper thrown by a co-worker to get my attention (I was wearing headphones) and it felt like I was being laughed at. I understand how this can be done between two people who are friendly with each other, but it honestly didn't feel like that. Co-worker didn't apologize, but just laughed. Also, another time - I was on my way back from break heading to my desk when I noticed the path was blocked. The same co-worker was unloading books from a cart on the floor. I felt like I could easily move the cart and just pass through but I was given a dirty look and told "you can't go around the other way?". Meaning she wanted me to leave the room and walk outside and enter through the door on the other side. I admit that I'm not the most happiest looking person or I could see people taking my "serious face" as uninviting, but that's just how my face looks.
I apologize if I'm rambling but I feel like I need to be reminded that being social at work isn't THAT important. I always feel pressured to.
I go to work, I sit at my desk and work. Sometimes it's a little jarring to hear everyone else interact but me. It also doesn't help that I have only a few friends outside of work. Sometimes I think about going back to my old position just so I wouldn't feel any anxiety about talking to people. There are times where I remind myself that I shouldn't worry about this, but the job is so isolating and depressing sometimes.
Am I just being socially paranoid? Am I supposed to get along with my co-workers? If so, how do I gain respect and feel like I'm part of the team?
This post was deleted for the following reason: please see us about the seven day limit between questions. -- jessamyn
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