That one bitch at work

[llamadramawoes]

Nc'd but would appreciate advice.

Currently temping and been offered permanent contract. I Like the team but one of the admin ladies is horrid. Goes out of her way to make life awkward. Huffy and moody...

I hate conflict, but I'm seriously put off the job due to this one person. I've been in the industry 15 years. Shouldn't have trouble finding other work in my sector, although the hours I would like might not be as easy to get elsewhere.

Management seem to be aware, but I imagine she does her actual job really well. But supporting us? Not so much; and it is part of her role. She's been pulled up previously and has cried bullying and harassment. Maybe management are afraid of her?

WWYD?

[boredwithabrokenfinger]

Where does she sit in the pecking order in relation to you?

I'd say I really want the job but have reservations about her. See what they say.

[tiredofhavingtothinkofnewnames]

I don't think that it is ever acceptable for any woman to call another a bitch.

I would reflect on that.

[MingeFog]

I agree with tired

[Sweets101]

Cut and run, you deserve better.
Mind you I call a bitch a cunt/twat/fucker/knobjockey/wankbadger and hold no bones about it. I don't care what genitalia a person has I will call them names in private/anon websites and remove myself from them given the option.

it is never acceptable to call another woman a bitch
😂
Sometimes a bit of name calling is oh so good!

[llamadramawoes]

Fair enough - I retract the teminology. I am baffled at her nastiness though.

In terms of pecking order - she's in a support role, so supporting the wider team. Politely trying to say 'lower' however I really do not 'look down' on people in these roles. I'd never throw my weight around.

[llamadramawoes]

I'd say I really want the job but have reservations about her. See what they say.

Im not sure there's anything that can be said. Management know already how difficult she is. Other people have complained. She's not going to be sacked/managed out. I don't think I can request that I have nothing to do with her. Her personality is such that it's not like a disciplinary would make any difference. It's one of those situations where 'she's just like that' 😡

[Hopethisoneisnottaken]

Hi there.... sounds like you are not the only one who is unhappy with her being around as you mention other people have complained about her. so its not personal so why leave a job you enjoy and suits your hours because of this person. it could be worse as in she could be your line manager and dislike you personally and make things difficult on purpose. sounds like this is just the way she is with most people. there will always be difficult people at work. just need to practice ignoring the annoying or upsetting things they do.

[BrownEyedLady]

You can't know for sure that management aren't doing anything - they din't advertise it. She could be on a last warning for all you know. If you really want this job, just be straightforward and professional with her. If her behaviour negatively affects your work or the team, raise this to managers as a management issue for them to address.

[NumbNelly]

I don't think that it is ever acceptable for any woman to call another a bitch. 😂😂 okay...
Would you feel comfortable speaking to management? If they feel like she is causing problems with existing staff but now also putting of new staff they may look more into it

[OliviaStabler]

Walk away. Life is too short to put up with people like this.

[Damia]

You can have ppl you don't like in any workplace. You could leave and find ur next temp job it's the boss like that. I would stay but mention to managers again your issue. If you really can't stand it its not like you can't hand your notice in.

[llamadramawoes]

Thanks all. I know there are all sorts of people, and some are more 'quirky' but I've never had such a problem with one person.

Management have tried to deal with her before but she then uses the bullying card so I think they're loathe to do more

[boredwithabrokenfinger]

I'd think very carefully about accepting then. One bad egg at work can make your life a misery especially if management don't pull them up on their behaviour.

[Frillyhorseyknickers]

I don't think that it is ever acceptable for any woman to call another a bitch. I would reflect on that.

I agree, we call ours Caroline the Cunt. Not to her face though, that would be awkward.

[llamadramawoes]

Caroline the cunt 😄 sorry. That did make me laugh.

One person can make life miserable - that's what I'm worried about. I don't need to be liked/popular at work, but it's worrying when someone is deliberately obtuse.

I'm really very torn. I'm a grown woman and I can't believe I'm feeling like I'm back in the classroom.

[daisychain01]

Sometimes the brevity of expression is functional, so calling someone a biach on here just saves the bother of typing "that very nasty workplace colleague who is caustic, bad tempered and gives me shit most of the day".

It's a difficult one, llama, when do you have to make a decision about the Permanent offer? Can you have a benign off-the-radar conversation with HR on the pretext of having a general discussion about your job offer. Say you don't wish to cause trouble but to express your concerns/caveats as the new employee (fluttering your innocent eye lashes like butter wouldn't melt etc), that you'd like to work effectively in the team but Mrs Sourface is making it challenging (maybe even ask for their advice how to handle it?)

Do you have to work with her or can you avoid interface as much as possible and hope she picks on someone else

[llamadramawoes]

Thankyou

That's a good idea about asking how I should handle her. I hadn't thought of that.

I genuinely have been polite and respectful with all my dealings so far.

Going to talk to manager next week. HR aren't on site so not sure they'd be of help.

[llamadramawoes]

Yes I do have to deal with her... half a phone message anyone? Being told not to use a certain scanner. No reason. Just because I'm temp.

[yorkshirepuddingandroastbeef]

Sounds like she's threatened. How old is she?

Are you younger, more attractive, more intelligent, more successful?

[DonkeysDontRideBicycles]

The Dolores Umbridge sort of personality?

The kind of person who rarely acknowledges you unless she's looking for a scapegoat, a public confrontation or the opportunity to humiliate you somehow?
Up to you but in every area there's that person. I think if the team is friendly, the hours suit and the rest of the workplace is pleasant I would stick with it.

[Jenbob13]

😂😂 trying to mentally add up in my mind how many times I have called someone a bitch. In my defence bitch is probs one of my more polite terminologies.

What about if you think "bitch" inside your head? Like sometimes thats just reflex, as much as moving your hand away from a hot baking tray.

[Bitofacow]

I worked with someone like this. She moved from person to person making peoples lives a misery. She was edged out and forced to retire. Massive relief all round.

I could cope when other people were around as we could roll our eyes and turn it into a joke. If you were ever in the office alone with her she could make the day very, very long indeed.

[Manijo]

I'm agree with hopethisoneisnottaken.
If you like your job and your other colleagues, then it would be a shame to leave. If she's not singling you out, I would go by 'better the devil you know approach'. It's not as if management are not aware of it. There will always be 'awkward' characters in the workplace.

[yorkshirepuddingandroastbeef]

Is her name Julie?

[llamadramawoes]

If it was I wouldn't say!