i think my boss is a total twat.

[MelodyPondering]

I work in a small office, we have naff all to do, so I spend my day trying to look busy. I'm bored out of my mind.

So, for some unknown reason, the department has employed an apprentice for two years.

Poor bloody girl, there is nothing to do, I doubt she will learn much.

Anyway, here is my Aibu....

My boss spoke to this girl yesterday and offered her some work from another colleague who is a higher grade than me. Honestly, I was so fucking insulted. Why the Hell should this girl get work over me? I have worked here for over 5 years, there is never any scope for promotion etc, why don't they give me the opportunity to develop and move up?

What am I? Fucking invisible?!

Aibu to be so upset? Should I just get over it?

I am unbelievably about it and I'm not entirely sure why exactly.

Maybe your boss has picked up on how you feel?

Are you looking for another job?

I am now...

Is it possible that the apprentice has asked for some extra work? Your boss might think you're happy with what you're doing. Sounds like you need a change though.

Have you actually talked to your boss about wanting to do more and progress? Maybe he's noticed you've just been coasting along...

No the apprentice hasn't technically started yet.

Boss is just thinking of things she can do? (Bit late after advertising a job, and employing someone?)

I'm just so insulted that she thinks its ok to offer an 18 year old who has just started, work that is from a higher grade than me....does that mean she's a grade higher then?

I haven't spoken to boss about progressing etc, there is NO way I can progress here. It's all we can do to keep our jobs.

Oh and she knows I have nothing to do, none of us have anything to do.

Perhaps she shows more potential?

This is perfect opportunity to take this up with your boss if you want to, along the lines of 'I see you've given the apprentice x to do, I'd really like to get involved with that, could that be arranged? I have extra capacity and would really like to develop my skills in that area'. If you feel brave, you might also want to ask why you didn't get this work offered to you in the first place.

Why are they taking on an apprentice if the existing staff have nothing to do? Surely if they have a teeny amount of business sense they'd be shedding staff and saving money?

She only started yesterday pendeen so its probably not that she shows more potential. But thanks for that dig!

Thanks piff that's excellent advice.

My thoughts exactly Hammy...

Sounds fun. Can I join your company? Getting paid to do nothing? Yes please!

I agree you need to talk to your boss. Do you have regular 1-1 meetings (if not you could request one) and an annual review where you discuss career development etc? It's easy to miss out on opportunities if you don't put yourself forward.

You say there is no work to do, but surely there is if the apprentice has been taken on and given something to do?

Wow, how do you get a job that pays you to sit around doing SFA all day?

I bet you any money this is the private sector!

[stir]

I reckon it's the public sector. Or a very badly run private organisation.

I agree that you should ask your boss for the extra work - I love the way Piff has worded it.

you might want to raise something similar at your next appraisal - whatever you do, don't tell him you've not got enough work to do! just tell him you want to stretch yourself with a view of looking at promotion. (make it clear that you want to see if you can do it without your current work suffering, just until you get used to it!)

I can see what others are saying about apprenticeships when there's not enough work to go around, but I think it's a long term strategy.

I had the same problem once. Temp was moaning that the work was boring and crap etc. Boss said she released that and she'd try to find her something more interesting to do. I asked boss for a meeting and explained that a) I didn't appreciated them talking about MY job like that even if it was true and b) did she not think that I might like some more interesting work, and possibly my needs should come before the temps (who was taken on to help the filing and other shit we didn't get time to do). I did manage to get a shamefaced apology at least, even if the work is still the same old crap .

A dig?

When you write " So, for some unknown reason, the department has employed an apprentice for two years."

but later reveal " She only started yesterday.."

Pendeen I think what the OP meant is that the apprentice is to be employed for two years, not that she's already worked there for two years

SixFeetUnder

Yes, that is now perfectly obvious.

Sorry you misunderstood. Still felt like a dig. It was kind of, wasn't it

She came in for a chat prior to starting soon for two years.

I couldn't possibly say whether its private or public sector It is shocking at how many people here don't have enough to do, its not fun, Its incredibly boring. I can't tell anyone as then I might be made redundant and I need my job!

I think YABU. Really you should be taking responsibility for your own career, not worrying about what tasks others are given.

If it means that much to you, then work in unison with your boss to put an action plan in place to help you achieve more at work. Sometimes things like this can be the kick you need to improve your life. Use it as a positive, not as a negative.

I do take responsibility for it. I'm leaving this shit hole as soon as I can. I'm better than this bullshit.

But to offer high grade work to a new apprentice, right in front of me and my colleagues is disrespectful and bloody rude. I should have been asked to cover that work, I've been here forever and ever and ever (it feels!) This poor girl has been here two minutes. Who is more qualified to do the work? Me.

So fuck them, I'm out of here asap...

You are saying you don't care but you do. Why don't you just arrange a meeting with your boss? It's obviously coming to a head!