Zoom. They slagged me off, not realising I could hear.

[OnceIWasAnApe]

Long-time poster, namechanged.


Aaaaargh.

I am self-employed and am currently working for a company as part of a team of five people. I've been working with them for a few months, and have a few months left.

We are working over zoom this week, but will be meeting face to face from next week onwards. Today, I dialled into a meeting and the rest of the group obviously didn't realise I was present. They were slagging off the work I'd done before Christmas (basically saying I am too keen and so do things too quickly before it's time.) Whilst I do see that I was more keen than the rest of them, I think that this comes more from a gossipy, bitchy, offhand sort of chat, and I don't think that they really think I'm a bad worker.

I feel HORRIBLE.

I don't know why I'm posting really.

[RedMarauder]

OP if they didn't give clear deadlines then it's their own bloody fault that you showed them up as inefficient and lazy.

If they did give clear deadlines then it's better for you to deliver work a day or two before the deadline, and coast along.

And keep them in the colleague zone.

[HollowTalk]

Is it that you're showing them up by working faster?

[MilkMoon]

I wouldn't give it a second thought, OP. They are temporary colleagues behaving with incredible lack of professionalism.

[CleverCatty]

@lightyearsahead

You need to let it go, they probably didn't mean it and probably felt threatened by your efficiency. Just concern yourself with who pays your wages.

Many years ago, I was told by my boss to stop volunteering for stuff because I was making other people feel bad and they thought I was making out they couldn't do their job - he was a lawyer and I am not so pretty silly really.

I'd do this - let it go. You really don't want this to escalate.

I've been the victim of workplace bullying started by one person I think a bit jealous of the fact that I could do certain things better than she did...

If you bring this up on the next Zoom call with the phrase they used - they'll either take it on board and STFU or they might just have the brass neck syndrome and continue bitching about you in a similar way because they're pissed off you've 'brought it up'.

If you hadn't heard them then you'd be none the wiser really would you?

[rwalker]

Let it go or deal with it .
If you decide to deal with it send them all an email something like "please feel free to contact me to discuss any issues you have with me or my work and just to make you aware I was present at the beginning of the zoom call ."

[Hatstrategicallydipped]

Oh, I've been the 'keen' new employee and very much not welcomed. I can't believe that they would speak so openly about you. Don't feel horrid, it's their own insecurities making them talk. People like that love to put people down. I wish people were not like that, and it's awful that you had to hear it, but hold your head up high and continue to work professionally and to the best of your ability. You're there to do a job, not to make friends (or certainly not that type of friend).

[TSBelliot]

Deal with it absolutely.

An email round explaining that you were present on the Zoom call and further to their discussion they should feel able to contact you if there are any issues they feel need attention.

[RedMarauder]

@BottleFlipper

I'd tell them you've heard there's been comments made about your performance on a Zoom call then let them suspect each other of being the leak...

Do not do this unless you want to end up with no work.

[Iknowwhatudidlastsummer]

I think you might want to send a general email telling people to watch what they say on Zoom meetings. Then they can sweat, knowing what they said. Honestly I think they must be a bit thick as well as lacking empathy to have that conversation during a meeting you were about to join.

that's the real world. People used to chat in the office before a meeting, now they do it online. Nothing new.

I would just be careful, your position as a external contractor is much more fragile than employees, it's harder and more costly to get rid of employees. I would be very mindful of staying professional at all times.

[ArabellaScott]

Aw, OP. That sounds horrible.

Impressed with your resolution in how to deal with it, though. Be kind to yourself - they sound petty, vindictive, and unprofessional.

[FleeingBlue]

All the zoom meetings i've been in you've had to ask to join the meeting and wait to be let in by the host.

Hate to say it but the host must have known the tone of the conversation before allowing you entry to the zoom meeting and obviously did nothing to stop it.

Shockingly unprofessional and i'd definitely be taking it further.

[Wheresthebeach]

@Hatstrategicallydipped

Oh, I've been the 'keen' new employee and very much not welcomed. I can't believe that they would speak so openly about you. Don't feel horrid, it's their own insecurities making them talk. People like that love to put people down. I wish people were not like that, and it's awful that you had to hear it, but hold your head up high and continue to work professionally and to the best of your ability. You're there to do a job, not to make friends (or certainly not that type of friend).

Agree.

[Russellbrandshair]

The sound like a bunch of jealous morons.
I'd mention it at the next meeting.
eg "oh hey! I'm here- dont worry, I'll try to put my work in late next time since it all bothers you so much!"
Call them out, not only do they deserve feeling awkward but they should be ashamed of their pathetic juvenile behaviour

[Raindancer411]

Oh I so would have had to say something and seen their faces 😂 Ignore them OP

[Kitten11x]

Hi op
You know what they are like know . This happens a lot and I wouldn’t worry honestly . The amount I’ve been slagged off work is quite ridiculous but also had a lot of nice things said .
I suppose you could try and fit in with them a bit more , but it’s not worth it really . I’m sure they don’t dislike you. Just smile and carry on . I will admit I will try to wind someone up more if I know they find me annoying haha .

[Musmerian]

This is slightly off the point but it seems to be one of those Mumsnet tropes that anyone who thinks they’re friends with people at work then they are obviously deluded. It’s bollocks. I’ve worked in two schools over tha last 20 years and many of my best and closest friends are from work.

[BrowncoatWaffles]

I don't think I could restrain the urge to at least allude that news of the bitchfest had got back to me. Eg, if they'd called me a 'keen bean' or whatever I'd have to chuck that in a meeting: "I don't want to seem a keen bean, but how about we do xyz..."

Let them wonder and think twice.

Although often what's awkward in these situations is they just won't.

[Ori2021]

Hmmmm........this is a horrible experience but take it on the chin as you won't be working for the company long enough to care - you said you've got a few months left? And unless you rate these individuals as people you actually like, and want in your life, I'd just tell them the truth - that you logged in and heard them discussing your work, and that you felt pretty bad hearing this, and see what they come back with. Call them out on it, let them know they were out of order and don't engage further.

This kind of experience always says more about the people who are are slagging others off. Don't take it to heart.

[IntermittentParps]

An email round explaining that you were present on the Zoom call and further to their discussion they should feel able to contact you if there are any issues they feel need attention.
This is a good idea. Totally professional but should shame them as well.

[greenlynx]

So basically you were keen to do the work you were hired to do and they didn’t like it? Nice...
I would think carefully what to do, depending how long you are supposed to stay with them, who is the manager, was he/she between them and what arguments they used and what language. Also I wonder what age are they and are they from the same place/ worked before together where is you are an outsider.
It must be awful for you but tbh it sounds like they were jealous of you rather than constructive criticism. My worry is that you might start doubting yourself now, please don’t.

[itsgettingweird]

Next zoom call unmute and say clearly "I'm just verbally checking in so you know I've arrived and don't carry on conversations knelt a Amy should hear - about me - thinking I'm not around"

[NoProblem123]

Good worker shows up mediocre workers.
Take it as a complement (bitches!)

I wouldn’t have let them know I’d heard just so it wasn’t awkward (for you) for the rest of your contact (bitches!)

[BornIn78]

I'd email them now...

"Dear Colleagues

Further to the discussion that was held before the Zoom meeting officially started earlier today, if you'd like to speak to me personally to discuss any of your issues, feel free to get in touch with me direct.

Regards

OnceIWas"

[EuroTrashed]

oh lordy, much of this advice comes from people who are not freelancers / consultants I think.

Don't challenge the troops. Just run things past your employer and do exactly what they want to the best of your ability. THey're the one who will refer you / recommend you / authorise payment of your invoices and hire you again.

[MilkMoon]

@EuroTrashed

oh lordy, much of this advice comes from people who are not freelancers / consultants I think.

Don't challenge the troops. Just run things past your employer and do exactly what they want to the best of your ability. THey're the one who will refer you / recommend you / authorise payment of your invoices and hire you again.

Absolutely this -- they're completely irrelevant.