Is anyone else having a serious attitude problem with their job?

[smirkymonkey]

I realize I am very lucky to still have a job. Especially one where I can work from home. However, lately I have just been having a serious attitude problem and I don't really know why.

I think it might have a bit to do with being kind of down in the dumps about being shut in too much and the political situation in this country, but my attitude is really piss poor and I don't want to be self-destructive. However, I can't seem to help myself. Everyone is getting on my nerves and I am getting paranoid about everything.

I sometimes don't know if what I am experiencing is reality or just a state of mind that I am going through. Would appreciate hearing from others who might be going through similar experiences.

Thanks in advance.

[Snarkoleptic]

1. Same.

I'm horrified at the possibility the chaos POTUS might be in office for another term. It's sort of like a slow-speed version of that awful feeling I had on election night 2016.

[liberalmuse]

2. Yes.

And I really like my job.

[smirkymonkey]

9. So do I, generally. That's the strange thing.

I don't really understand what is happening.

[ailsagirl]

3. No-- don't have a job

As long as money were coming in and I could pay bills, I'd feel a lot better...

[smirkymonkey]

10. I'm sorry, ailsagirl.

As I have said, I feel bad about complaining. I know this is kind of an easy problem to have. I hope something comes along for you soon. I don't know why I feel the way I do. That is what is so puzzling to me. In some ways, I feel like I am just going off the rails.

Take care of yourself and I wish you all the best!

[ailsagirl]

18. No-- no apology needed

I guess sometimes I feel sorry for myself-- my apologies-- please ignore it.

It could be something akin to survivor guilt you're feeling-- not sure but doubtless it will pass at some point.

Thank you for your encouragement!

[smirkymonkey]

20. Take care of yourself, ailsagirl!

We are all struggling out here one way or another. I wish you all the best!

[ailsagirl]

22. I wish the same for you, smirkymonkey!

[fleur-de-lisa]

4. You're not alone.

I am lucky enough to be able to work from home too. Sometimes I’m just sick to death of dealing with my coworkers on the phone and some days I just want to quit, even though I really can’t.

And the election makes everything worse. On the night that RBG died I had to unplug and stay away from news for awhile. I still can’t watch any national news because I just can’t watch those pigs gloating over her death and the fact that they can steal another SC seat. I had to tiptoe back onto DU. Her death really rattled me.

So it’s not just you.

[smirkymonkey]

12. Thanks for the confirmation! My coworkers are driving me insane.

The passive-aggressive bullshit is getting out of control and I try really hard not to be PA back, but it's so hard to get what you need from people without being a little snarky sometimes and it just escalates.

I can't always tell what political persuasion people in my office are, but I can kind of guess. I would say it's about 50/50, but I'm not certain. People can surprise you sometimes.

[jaxexpat]

5. Sounds like you've got a syndrome called "healthy person disorder".

Many people suffer from this very common malady in these days of economic, social and political chaos. Take two aspirin with vodka and try not to kill your coworkers. Remember, they are probably experiencing the same stresses. If you KNOW they're Trumpsters, well then, use them and abuse them. Within the law, of course. Just as they would for you. It'll take a village to right the hell-world these monsters have wrought.

[smirkymonkey]

13. Excellent advice!

I always feel like it's me, that is my default. But to be honest, I work with a lot of really hostile people. I honestly can't stand most of them.

It's too bad, because we had a great team a few years ago and everyone got along really well, but now we have all these catty, petty millennials who are just so competitive and trying to out-do each other. There is no spirit of cooperation like there used to be. I am still the same person, but something has changed and I don't think it's me. There is a new culture, and I don't like it at all.

[tulipsandroses]

6. I do. I've even contemplated leaving. Mind you, I relocated from another state for this job

last year. So its probably not a good idea.

I'm still working from home and I hate it. I struggle with that. Sometimes I think, you should be grateful that you are able to work from home. I'm just not as motivated working from home. The work load is a lot more - more paperwork - no support staff, technically they are still available by email and IM but its not the same. Work feels like its never over. I don't have a boundary anymore for when work ends. I'm finishing up paperwork right now in between watching MSNBC and being on DU. Everyone at work is stressed and its not hard to tell. The non stop emails and messages. Do this, do that, make sure this is done, then that.

My back hurts, I didn't have a home office so I had to buy a desk and chair because sitting on the couch or dining room chair all day got uncomfortable. The first chair I got was on sale. wrong. My back pain got worse. Took half a day off last week to go to the doctor because my back hurt so bad I couldn't sit down, I could only stand up to work.

The rules seem to change at the drop of the hat, and that annoys me. I get that we are doing Telehealth on a broadscale for the first time. This was not planned so the kinks are still being worked out. Still, I get annoyed when I get an email telling me I have to change the way I do something.

I could go on. I'm annoyed with a lot of things about work these days.

[smirkymonkey]

14. I completely understand what you are saying.

I really loved wfh for a while, but I think it's kind of getting to me now. But I agree, I am losing motivation and I almost feel like I am being inundated with more administrative, bureaucratic red-tape kind of shit that I have to do.

Things which take a huge amount of time, but are just complete time wasting trainings and courses that are all about compliance and legal requirements, but that nobody ever really remembers anyway and that don't pertain to most of our jobs. Normally, I don't mind that much, but lately, I feel like I am drowning in this shit.

I am sorry to hear about your back. I know what you mean. I go through at least 3 or 4 tubes of Ben Gay, Aspercream, or IcyHot per week. It is a huge relief! Have you tried it? Try the preps w/ lidocaine in them. It really does help, since aspirin and Ibuprofen kind of rip up my stomach.

And, I so hear you about the CONSTANT changes in the way your company does things. That is the most stressful thing. We are ALWAYS changing the way we do things. There is a constant learning process all the time, like every three months, with every one of our 100 plus apps. It's exhausting! I believe in change and growth, but this is insane. It's too much and it's never ending. This is the kind of thing that completely burns me out.

Anyway, sorry for the rant! Sounds like you kind of get it! Take care of yourself!

[Sanity Claws]

7. Yes

There have been several times in the past month when I was about to quit.
I need a good reference so I can't do that. I am thinking of handing in my notice after I finish a project on 10/2.
God, I hate my job.

[smirkymonkey]

15. Ugh! Sorry to hear that, Sanity Claws.

I know how frustrating it can be. We are all going through some difficult times. Try to hang in there. We might see things differently if there is a change in the world.

[Arkansas Granny]

8. It's not just work. I'm trying to stay busy and all, but I don't know if I

"don't a damn" or "could give a shit". I live alone and even though I'm going to work, it's a small business and I spend 75% or more of my day alone in the office. Now it's getting dark earlier and the weather will be turning cold.

I'm not looking forward to this winter.

[smirkymonkey]

16. I know what you mean, Granny.

I'm kind of dreading the shorter days and darker nights as well.

[Generic Brad]

11. I've gone the opposite direction

I have turned back to my old workaholic ways. You would think I would have more free time without a commute. Instead I wake up shortly after 5:00 AM, roll out of bed and am working within 9 minutes (I now keep breakfast bars at my bedside). My organization provides a lot of learning opportunities, so when things slow down I take a webinar, study a manual or call into an industry call. So far I have earned one major certification this year and have easily completed more than 80 hours of classes. I don't take a break all day, but I commit to a 30 minute lunch (which is prepared in advance) and do a hard cut off at 5:00 PM. On Saturdays I feel stressed about Monday and work 3-4 hours before the Saturday crew logs in.

On the rare times I have to break away for a cup of coffee or a few minutes of personal business I feel incredibly guilty. I finally took one day off last month (but got up extra early so I could get through 4 hours of work before my team checked in for the day) and when I logged in the following day I had 250+ emails waiting for me. Being off work doesn't feel like it because of that damned Teams program that gets me involved in uncountable discussions all day - even when I am off. I cannot unplug and perversely kind of enjoy getting really good at what I am doing.

I believe I have an attitude problem too. I am losing myself in my work so I don't have to think about all the depressing crap all around us.

[smirkymonkey]

17. I can understand that.

In a way, I am working more and not taking as many breaks as I would if I were in the office. But I think that is what is getting to me. I am just too plugged in and everyone is going through their own stuff. We are all feeding off each other.

The one upside is that I am not focusing on politics as much, which reduces my anxiety, but I have substituted one anxiety for another. I don't know if it's the truth or just my paranoia, but I just feel like I can't do anything right lately. I just want to hide under my covers and stay there until this is all over.

[uriel1972]

19. could be the natural reaction to isolation

being social animals we do need a certain amount of contact. Some more than others. YMMV

[smirkymonkey]

21. Possibly. At first, I really enjoyed it, being an introvert and all.

But now I think it's even getting to me. Being inside my head too much is not healthy.

I try to stay in touch with people, but it's not the same as being out there all day, five days a week with others. Which I admit, could be a bit annoying in it's own way, but the opposite extreme is not really that healthy either. Also, not knowing when this is going to end is kind of wearing on me - and everyone else, I would imagine.

The Trump shitshow is not helping one bit.

[DFW]

23. I sometimes wonder what that would be like

My job is the opposite. I can’t work from home, and my job takes me to a different country nearly every day. The pay is good, but few would want my hours.

[smirkymonkey]

28. Hey DFW!

Nice to see you again! I don't think I would want a job as hectic as yours, although it sounds exciting.

I know I should feel fortunate, but I feel like I am just going through some psychological stuff that I can't really help right now. I need to turn my attitude around, but I am just struggling with everything right now. It all feels like way too much to deal with. I am hoping that something will lift soon so that we can all see some light ahead.

[uriel1972]

34. when you bite off more than you can chew...

Chew like hell!

but seriously, find a small change, a positive one, that you can make right now and make it. Don't worry about succeeding or failing, just concentrate on the attempt.

It might be as simple as five minutes of exercise a day or something equally as easy to relocate around your day and do it. Just taking that time out should help a sense of self care and accomplishment.

Reward yourself in a small way each time you succeed and take note when you don't what led to that conclusion and put steps in place to ensure future successes. Remember small, regular and achievable.

Good Luck.

[smirkymonkey]

35. Thanks, Uriel!

Good advice. I really think I need to just get outside and walk more and spend less time focusing on the things that are bringing me down.

[uriel1972]

38. glad I could be of help

[North Shore Chicago]

24. Question for me would be.....

"Is anyone else having a serious attitude problem?"


Not just work, nearly every diurnal thing irritates the shit out of me. This evil trump has festered itself into almost everything I think and do. I have toned down my watching anything political.....yet I am addicted to watching a recorded Nicole Wallace. I need an intervention.

[smirkymonkey]

29. I know exactly what you mean.

I have been trying to distract myself with movies and other non-political media.

It's just too painful these days to tune in and what is gong on in the world is making me angry at everyone and everything.

I find myself hating everyone I work with and making up stories in my head about what is going on. I sometimes feel like I am really losing my mind.

Take care of yourself!

[Sherman A1]

25. Happily Retired

But I feel for the folks I once worked with in the grocery industry. I’m sure that they would like to be able to work from home, but the shelves don’t get filled that way.

[smirkymonkey]

30. I know, and I feel sorry for them and the fact that they don't really have a choice.

I feel bad complaining about my situation. It's not all that bad, it's just that I am having a hard time with it right now. I know that other people have things much worse.

[Dagstead Bumwood]

26. Like many, I've been sequestered at home since March.

Hands-down the best six-plus months of my professional career. I cannot, nor will I ever, understand anyone who would want to drive to work everyday, with all the associated expense and potential danger, when you could work from the comfort of home. But maybe that's just me. As my wife keeps pointing out, there are actually some people in the word who enjoy the company of others. Yeah, sounds crazy to me, too

[smirkymonkey]

31. I agree, and at first I loved it!

I am a natural introvert so this is ideal for me. Plus, our team has gone from a range of ages down to a majority of very young, annoying millennials and younger, so it has become much harder to cope with a team of know-it-all children who are just arrogant and irresponsible.

Sorry, I know that is ageist, but even our manager is having a hard time dealing with the young people these days. They just have no sense of responsibility.

[Skittles]

33. if all I needed was one laptop I would love it

but three laptops and a desktop and extra monitors, it does not mix well in a small apartment with two cats

[Dagstead Bumwood]

36. Is is at all helpful

When they insist on walking on the keyboard while sticking their ass in your face? My cat is quite the multi-tasker in that regard. She sometimes manages to squeeze in a lick or two while at it. Honestly, at times I marvel at her productivity.

[Skittles]

37. omg

one of the cats did a flying leap onto the back of my chair / shoulders while I was on a big conference call, I screamed GET *OFF* ME!!!!, wasn't on mute, the guy running the call did not miss a beat, said OH I BET THAT WAS A CAT......says since the work from home order, incidents like that have very much increased, and often the culprit is a sneaky feline I am just grateful I didn't scream get the F*** off me

[NNadir]

27. Been there, done that. When I was there, doing that...

...I decided on focusing on the things I loved and, at the same time, worked on minimizing some of my many faults so I found it easier to live with myself.

I remembered that I was working not for my company at the time - but for the people I loved - my wife and my sons.

I still have many of the faults on which I worked in those days of bitterness, but I've made living with myself a little more bearable by recognizing them.

Finally it was all over...inasmuch as I got a job where I was appreciated and valued... ...It all can pass.

Now that I am well focused on my mortality, of how much little time I have left, I'm suddenly aware of what a tremendous privilege is that I wake up in the morning.

This became clearer to me when the boss who hired me for my current job - who happened to be one of the finest people I ever knew - died. He taught me, finalized in his final act - that life is beautiful in and of itself.

I'm still working, but I do so in part to honor his commitment to life.

I'm not sure that any of this his helpful, or whether I'm just spouting platitudes, but I do believe that one can, and should, step away from pain where one can. We can forget what is real and what is transitory. Your breath is real, your mood, transitory.

How one sees the world can be a choice if one lets it be so.

[smirkymonkey]

32. Thank you, NNadir.

Very helpful. I appreciate your wise words. I know I am just going through a phase and that one of these days I will come out on the other side of it. This is just part of my process. Thank you for your helpful post.

I have honestly taken it in, and will reflect upon it over the weekend. Hopefully I will go back to work with a renewed attitude on Monday.

[Arazi]

39. Are you getting outside everyday?

Are you socializing at all?

Do you have the resources to take up a new hobby like hiking, bike riding, kayaking, cosplay, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, fostering an animal? Anything that can be safely done while socially distancing?

I'm an introvert too but too much alone time inside was toxic. I had to push myself to go outside. Every day.

Even if you're physically limited there are art or cooking classes, welding, metal work, bonsai etc that can be done sitting down.

Good luck. I hit that wall a few weeks ago

[smirkymonkey]

40. No, and that might be the problem.

Yes, in fact I just hit my 15 year anniversary at work in August and I get to choose a gift from a catalog, which I have narrowed down to a mountain bike or an indoor stationary bike, and I think getting more exercise will help. I would love to bike outside but I think I will get more use from the indoor bike, especially over the winter months.

I have just been very depressed and sedentary and I think I need to just get out and move. I have been really unmotivated and just want to sleep all the time when I am not working or on line. I am not physically limited at all, so there is no excuse for me. It's just inertia and a lack of motivation.

Thank you for your kind advice!