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?

It was a bit of a strange thing to do.

If you get caught, it will hurt you professionally.

Do you not have professional standards? This is honestly embarrassing.
She was rude, you complained to her head teacher and it seems she was pulled up on it.
You've publicly shamed her with your vandalism - who does she get to complain to? What redress does she have?

It’s sad to think there’s people like this working in schools. I hope my children’s school teaches them how to be respectful and not bullies. Regardless of the FOH woman’s behaviour, you complained about it and it was addressed. What you did is just nasty and mean and has no place in a school where we try and teach kids to not bully others.

You clearly have an odd sense of humour and are slightly unhinged. I'd be dodging you if I saw you coming too.

Hopefully she will reflect, but people who behave the way she has rarely accept responsibility, probably victim mentality

You’re entitled to your opinion of course. Doesn’t make it accurate

You live in Cheshire.

I’d be very suprised if there wasn’t cctv there so would be worried about that. I can understand how you feel though as I have often felt like doing similar to someone I have to work with.

Im not the bully here. Maybe you missed other posts. Please don’t feel sad, I provide a niche service which enlightens children’s educational lives and parents are more than happy.

Really funny OP, good for you. I can just picture you doing it.

Good for you OP. I would have been far less restrained and called her Miss Miserable Cunty Chops.

Attempting to humiliate a colleague by drawing and writing nasty things on a public photo is bullying. There’s no other way of looking at it.

Yes a very silly thing to do and totally unprofessional … all you have done is stooped to her level. I guess if they can’t prove it was you nothing they can do … but if they can … ?!?

I’d argue below her level. The other woman was just a bit moody. This woman has tried to publicly humiliate her. In a school in front of kids. Nasty

Surely you understand that drawing moustaches and offensive words on photographs in your workplace is bizarre behaviour.

I’d be having sleepless nights and worrying myself too much about it so I know my limits when it comes to pushing back. To be honest though, there was a colleague I really loathed at work a few year’s back and my thoughts on her were a lot darker than drawing a cartoon moustache on her photo. 😬

As someone with years of working in schools, I know a handful of school office staff can be right cows.

Whilst I wouldn't make a habit of it @Saracopp , I'm kinda proud of you that you did this. I don't think I'd have the balls myself, but good on you for saying goodbye in such a unique way.

The OP is a freelancer and presumably has considerable flexibility in her working hours. Apart from the fact that shes said multiple times thst she won’t be going back to the school in question, Why would the school care how she chooses to spend her time when she’s not actually delivering her service in the school? Presumably she works from home for some of the time. Im in the same position and I’ve chosen to spend most of today having a break from work but I will start doing the work I need to do at about 9 tonight after Ive had dinner and will probably still be working at 1 am.

No I think it’s the behaviour of a person who has behaved professionally and taking months and months of poor attitude and making me late most weeks who had enough and saw an opportunity

Eh? I think you’re mistaking me for someone who doesn’t frequently drive to different destinations throughout the day and checking my phone in my own time before setting off?

I salute you Saracopp!

OP I applauded you when you addressed it directly with her and then when you escalated her highly unreasonable response.

But vandalising her photo - which I assume will be seen by students before her - is appalling behaviour.

I've consulted in loads of different locations and am nearly always badly received initially due to the nature of the work but I would never seek to humiliate a person like this.

Its done now and I don't think you'll suffer any consequences however - schools have more to worry about.