So, most of you know that I have been at a new job that I totally love, and I have been here since November. I work a couple days a week in Oceanside and the majority of the people I work with are Hispanic women. These women are mothers, some single mothers, and they are from the community.. the community isn't exactly middle class... so they are faced with stress that I can't even comprehend.. and I take this into account everyday when I feel like I WANT TO WALK OUT. I'm not sure how they view me, but I am pretty positive they don't view me as a help, or as a team mate. I think I encompass someone from the main office, who is younger, semi Hispanic, and maybe a little more educated. All of those ingredients add up to a recipe for opposition. Not all of them give me that vibe, but most..
How do I continue to try and bring my organization, focus, efficiency, and skill set to help them run a smoother operation without losing my mind, or dealing with disrespectful women who are older than me?? My idea of organization and theirs is TOTALLY different. There's a 5 minute bout of panic everyday about something whether it be: finding stickers for kids, markers, paper, etc.. 5 minutes of stress that is not necessary if they would understand and appreciate all the time I've put into organizing their office and making visible all the resources and supplies they have... not to mention I am the person that orders the supplies they need, etc. Sometimes they are SO SO SO unapproachable it makes me (the confident, assured person I THOUGHT I was..) feel non existent, and not taken seriously. Not a day goes by that I don't have to think really hard about what I say and how I say it..? Do you all do that?? Do you have to censor what you say and how you say it for fear of a person shutting down on you, or lashing out? I am younger in all the ways possible than them... and sometimes I have to be like a teacher to a class of 3rd graders, and pause for attention, ask for specific people to please stop and listen to me.. because if I don't than the excuse is "I didn't hear you." The one thing I have going for me is that I do understand most of the Spanish they speak, so there is no getting away with talking about me...but normally..that doesn't stop them. SO what do I do?? Get tougher, show a backbone (more?) get to know them more personally, so its harder for them to associate me as a non entity? I don't get it... I just think it's really rude and though they do lack some of the office and social skills that most of us learn early one, I still feel its no excuse, and its wearing down on my day and my emotions.. and I have bigger fish to fry. I am really asking for comments to this post on this topic.. I for once don't have all the answers.. hahah
Some people just need to get a taste of their own medicine. Maybe they'll respect you for it, maybe they won't. Most likely, they'll try to not give you anymore crap for it. At least in front of your face.
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