I do have a tendency to catastrophise but..

[ChaseOnTheCase]

AIBU to think this is weird?

Started a new job a month ago, though worked there unofficially a month prior to that. There's only really me, another lady and our boss in the team - though we work within a separate business (think consultancy). The lady is kind of my line manager I guess, though the boss tells me what to do every day.

We 3 have our own whatsapp group. The boss was giving the other lady some stuff to do and I wasn't involved in the conversation (didn't see it tbh, was working) then said 'speak in about 30 mins. Has 'my name' been ok today'?

Doesn't this sound like there's an issue or has been an issue previously that I'm not aware of? You wouldn't send that after 1
month of somebody working for you 3 days a week and a previous month somebody working 1 day a week, would you? If somebody's worked for you for 2 months why would you say that out the blue?

Just wrote this whole back story on why I'm a bit very depressed atm but not really relevant. Anyway, I'm friendly and chatty when chatted to. Mostly just get on with my work. I really don't think it's to do with this as I've suffered with depression a long time and often people at my old work would comment on how happy I was all of the time. Pretty good at painting a mask on. The other lady often wants to meet up outside work so I'm obviously not a complete grump! I'm naturally a bit introverted whereas she's a definite extrovert. The boss is never really there.

I work hard and get a lot done; the guy who's business it is seems v happy with me - am making plenty of sales for him. Am on quite a low wage in comparison to my qualifications and ability which I've accepted as my boss said he's going to pay for my masters degree next year.

What do I do? Do I reply? This was about 3.30pm. Do I message the other lady privately (she messages me quite a bit so this wouldn't be weird)? Do I mention it to her in the morning? She obviously hasn't replied to him; it was 100000% meant to be in their own private chat.

I have anxiety so always panic about stuff. But this does sound like there's been an issue or something said, no? It's been a month now - surely you wouldn't send that if there had been no issues? Have recently split up with my DDs dad and fallen out with my DSis who's my best friend and have nobody to talk this through with. Feel very lonely and anxious. Major money problems and cant afford to lose this job. Please don't flame me..

Reply before the message is deleted. 'I think so, but is there an issue I should be aware of?'.

I get why you're concerned and sorry life is a hit shit at the moment.

It could very well be just a general 'how's op setting in?' Or maybe they had noticed you being a little quiet?

If it was because you were incompetent it doles I think it would yes been worded differently. Try not to worry and ask your colleague

I think it's very unprofessional to discuss work issues over WhatsApp.

I think I'd take it as one of those people who say "How's name today?" when they're talking to you, even though it seems unlikely that he did mean it like this, and I'd just reply to the group chat cheerfully saying something like "yes, I'm fine thanks, working hard on xyz" and then leave it to them to approach you if it was something more concerning.

With him asking if you'd been ok, it sounds far more likely that he was concerned about you than that he was annoyed/cross/worried/doubting your competence.

I know I said do I reply but I think I'd have a panic attack waiting for the reply or the thought of tomorrow if I said something. I'm really feeling really really anxious atm.

I just phoned my mum and she reminded me that my boss was in her work less than 2 weeks absolutely singing my praises to her (one of their chats led to my recruitment, bit of a weird set up). I don't even have a contract yet so am in a very vulnerable situation (I know I'm a fool for leaving my old job without one).

She said that maybe I had just seemed a little down recently. Maybe I'm not hiding it as well as I think. Problem is - he's not exactly the caring type, he'd absolutely say that himself. I can't see him asking that unless it was in relation to my work?

I wouldn’t interpret that as anything bad at all

Sorry, cross posted. Could go with the 'yes I'm fine thanks, been working hard on...' approach. But does this look a bit silly as it's clearly not meant in that way? And then I lose my in to casually mention it tomorrow?

It's my first grad job or really my first job working in an office of any kind so I have no idea what's professional and what's not.

My guess is that they are aware that you are having a shit time so asked manager if you were okay.

One of them should have apologised and explained by now.

I would reply and say "Hi I don't think this message was meant for me? But I'm fine thanks for asking."

I think you're overthinking it

We have (several) WhatsApp groups with regards to work and our line manager will often ask "How's the been today?" (Or whoever). She often asks just out of curiosity I guess. We'll then answer "Did really well today/did XYZ that worked well/struggled with XYZ"

She's just keeping tabs, it's not because someone has stepped out of line.

Heratnumber, I also dislike WhatsApp for work. Sadly it seems the done thing!

I'd assume it just meant how has it been, you're new and settling in, so it's valid to ask. I don't think it's negative, it's their job to manage your performance.

I just thought after two months it was a bit of a weird question to ask the other person when I thought I'd been doing well. But I'll leave it for now and casually mention it in the morning. The other lady talks to me about loads of personal stuff so I think it'll be ok to drop in. And maybe push for this contract.

Thanks everyone a little less concerned I'll be sacked tomorrow! Thanks.

How did it go OP?