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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Aibu to complain or would I just sound petty?

38 replies

Funkyslippers · 25/11/2022 17:48

I work in support at a college. We sometimes have times when we're not needed in lessons so we sit in a communal staff/student area in our department to catch up on admin or any other tasks that need to be done. I noticed recently that I rarely see a particular member of our team until I spotted her going in to an office outside of our dept. I her asked in a friendly way why she was using that room and she said it was so she could always get a computer to work on (we use laptops but they can be v slow) and that her friend (the other person who works in there, nothing to do with our dept) had said she could use that room. So that's where she is permanently, when not in a lesson. My issue is, sometimes a student may ask for help or we need to manage the noise and behaviour by students in the dept, plus we're sometimes asked by our team managers to help out with tasks. This means she's not around to ask so she never needs to help out. I'm not really jealous as I really like the communal area as we get to talk to the students and I work in a really good team but she does get a nice cosy office to work in whenever she wants it! Should I raise it with my manager?

OP posts:
Grrrrdarling · 27/11/2022 00:26

WhoUsedMyName · 25/11/2022 19:44

I 2nd this!

I 3rd this. Play smart 😂

saraclara · 27/11/2022 00:31

If you feel it unfair to do all the tasks you have a choice to say "no , I am too busy, try whatsherface is in the office"

That. You seem very passive on a day to day level. You should try to solve the problem (as you see it) before running to management.

Welshmonster · 27/11/2022 01:10

As you are on a laptop then you can take your laptop in the quiet room to work. problem solved. Manager doesn’t like it then they can sort the situation.

I get it’s annoying when work isn’t shared equally but next time someone needs support then say oh Xxx Is in the office. Shall I get her

I’m amazed that so many support staff aren’t needed as many education settings are on their knees as not enough support staff.

Pantsomime · 27/11/2022 01:20

Just say - I’m in the middle of a task right now, “colleague” in room on the right over there etc is also helping and will be happy to assist you

Notmrsfitz · 27/11/2022 06:27

I think there’s more to this than you know.
it’s possible that she is doing different work to you, in a team of 4 a ‘manager’or someone would have noticed she wasn’t pulling her weight or something.

Downthestais · 27/11/2022 06:35

I don’t think you’re being petty - it would really annoy me. Everyone should be pulling their weight equally. That’s how teams work.

AlwaysGinPlease · 27/11/2022 06:37

Two things stand out to me in your post.

I asked in a friendly way why she was using that room

I'm not really jealous as I really like the communal area

That tells me you are jealous and that you do have an issue with her. This will be obvious to whoever you complain to.

amylou8 · 27/11/2022 06:41

Maybe she's trying to get away from the snitchy office politics....just a guess!

Sinthie · 27/11/2022 11:58

I don’t think you’re unreasonable at all. Quiet time to get admin done in a college is at a premium and supporting students/behaviour management is work that should be shared by all the staff in that area. Sounds to me like she’s hiding to try and get out of doing a significant part of her job.

JeanAbbott · 27/11/2022 12:07

Just direct anyone to her if you've done your turn. People do tend to try and avoid personal care

tikibird · 27/11/2022 12:48

Well it’s not exactly team work if she’s not helping the team. Yanbu.

SequinsandStilettos · 27/11/2022 13:05

If her friend's office has an extension, then team manager needs to be aware your colleague is working in there so they can contact them directly. Although they could e-mail if urgent.
I don't blame you for feeling resentful if you are picking up any extra task all the time. You are paid the same so there should be parity. Certainly, my manager expects me to tell them where I am stationed so they can call on me when needed.

TheWomanTheyCallJayne · 27/11/2022 14:41

Have you actually been told you’re supposed to sit where you do by your manager or have you all decided that that’s where you’re supposed to sit and that she’s somehow in the wrong?
Because it sounds like the latter.

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