Did something a bit silly at work

[Saracopp]

I regularly visit schools for my job. One school had to change premises to a larger school site whilst building works were being undertaken on the original school building.

The support staff of the new building were unpleasant and unfriendly- possibly because they didn’t want to share their building with another school.

Each week for the past nine months or so I’ve experienced unpleasantness with one particular member of staff on the front desk. Things like deliberately keeping me waiting to let me in and out of the building (she would pretend she wasn’t in the office, but I could see her in the reflection of one of the windows, she thought she was out of sight), abrupt manner, unhelpful, not passing on messages, rolling eyes because she has to get out of her chair to press a button to release the door, huffing because my mere presence is an inconvenience etc, you get the picture.

A couple of weeks ago we had a slight altercation, she was scowling as usual as I arrived and I asked her if everything was ok as she seemed quite unhappy to see me. She immediately became defensive and gave me a right mouthful so I calmly told her she maybe should develop some social skills given she was on the front desk 😳

I spoke to the head teacher of ‘my school’ who said she’d deal with it. Miraculously, over the next couple of weeks the doors were unlocked and she was not in the office as I walked passed. Result

Today was my last day as the school are moving back to their original premises after half term and I did something a little immature. In the foyer at the entrance is a photograph of all the school staff and their names, there was no-one around. Without thinking I got out my sharpie and drew a moustache and angry eyebrows on the picture of this person. Under her name I wrote ‘Miss Funsucker’. I did chuckle about it for the rest of the day but now I feel a bit bad and anxious I will get into trouble- it wouldn’t take Sherlock Holmes to work out it was me 😬

should I do nothing or should I do something - if so what? I know it’s a long shot but has anyone else done this?

Genius!

I would be worried about CCTV though

Reputational damage, breach of trust and confidence, damage to property....

Them there is the impact to the individual.... I hope you have another source of income

I think it’s quite clear in my op what ‘possessed me’

Oh I think you’re over reacting

Including making things up to post on forums?
At least I hope this is made up...

‘Has anyone else done this?’

I wouldn’t have thought so, unless they’re a character in a poor quality comedy show.

Certainly not behaving like one. You'll probably get into trouble and it would be deserved.

Serves her right (and I hope no-one finds out it was you)!

It’s obvious it was me regardless of CCTV, just have to wait to see if I get a phone call I guess

I have seen less get career changing sanctions

You were in a professional capacity.

Are you in a union?

It's not a silly thing. A silly thing is swapping the tea and coffee into the wrong canisters. You defaced the noticeboard and bullied a staff member.

I suspect you'll be asked not to return to the school.

Well you’re half right, I may get into trouble but it wouldn’t be deserved

No it isn't - you hadn't even interacted with her for a number of weeks. It's not remotely clear why you thought that was a wise thing to do and you don't seem sorry either. This is something that you could be disciplined for - don't you care?

It was my last day so there’s no danger of going back thank god

Well what’s done is done. Surely it’ll be a slap on the wrist if anything. Might be best to deny deny deny though.

Of course it would be deserved.

I didn’t think it was wise at all. I put in my op it was immature

Are you worried about losing your job? I would be, in your position - this is really poor behaviour, and targeted at an individual, which makes it worse. For someone who presumably has some sort of position of responsibility involving children, it’s completely bizarre.

Not really no. I guess we have different opinions on this

The staff and heads at schools talk. I would absolutely be expecting this to impact your work at other schools.

I’m freelance so no I’m not worried about that. I have a responsible role and I’m good at my job. ‘Targeted at an individual’ - I was the target, this was retaliation

You’re daft doing that, it makes you look unhinged. Poor woman.

Of course they do, that’s how I’ve got so much work

References follow. Also places do telephone calls and there is such a thing as people speaking to colleagues to get opinion on someone.

Plus ... If you are in a school ... They may refer you to professional standards

They are likely to throw a lot at you

Unhinged? Nah I’m pretty grounded. I think it was momentary lapse