Office Politics--What the hell...

[davos]

Ok so I'm sure plenty here are used to it but I have to vent:

I moved from Denver to California for a job in my field at one of the top firms there is in my industry right now.  3 offices only 60 employees total with a global presence.   Now, going in, I understand I'm low on the totem pole so am just there to impress.  Also, because of California laws, a lot of companies like having the trial type periods before officially going full-time.  My office only has 18 people with 3 design teams so also don't want to be burned by any new hires (which has apparently happened).  Note: The owner is great but one of the 3 principles is his obvious favorite whereas my principle/manager, it's a different story.  

So, I have no issues with anyone and have been on this 30-60 day trial period coming out of graduate school and a year of experience in my field.  5 total professional years under my belt post-undergrad.  

They also hired 2 fresh out of undergraduate with no real experience on 90-day trial plans.  Both are still obviously going through major learning curves.  My principle is the guy who brings the big projects but in a way is the one pushing buttons/being the red-headed stepchild, the other two are super tight with the owner as mentioned.  

So here's the kick:

The "part-time COO" invites me into the conference room this morning to let me know that because they want to be fair to the other new hires on the 90-day policy, they're extending me to their usual policy.  I go: "I understand, but this is hugely important to know because now I have to extend my short-term health insurance another 2 months".  These two younger folks with no real life experience are coasting on Cobra/or their parents meanwhile I am on an IHC short term plan.  She seemed unaware which I found curious and I reiterated, yeah being 29, it's a large expense right now.    

But that's not what got me mad....then I find out the owner's favorite manager slid behind my manager's back and got his new <1 yr-experienced hire approved for a full time contract.   They've been trying to keep it on the DL but I inadvertently found out because they didn't realize the damn ACA has in effect ended insurance extensions for graduate level plans.  Not to mention, I have more of a knowledge base than some of the 2-4 year types in the office so it's just damn frustrating.  

I'm just laying low and letting my manager go to bat for me with the owner but I think it's just a downright sh*tty thing to do knowing I moved from Denver for this, am the only one paying extra, and am still technically in a trial period for 30 more days.  I've been given verbal assurance I'm "getting a contract" but that's nothing to ever take to the bank.  

  

[PhillyB]

are the undergrads hot?

[davos]

21 minutes ago, PhillyB said:

are the undergrads hot?

The one who got it is...sorta.  Asian female but I'd say like a 6.  Maybe they need her for a new bid for minority+diversity purposes.  

The other is a dude--he's one who they're now using as the new guy that they have to be "fair to" who's obviously learning quite slowly but meanwhile, the now full-time girl is still being handheld like CRAZY.

I'm on the team bringing the $20 mil+ projects and she's on the artsy conceptual team losing out on presentations so I'm just being as silent and happy go-lucky as can be but damn, it's a tough blow for them to do that.  I have little respect now for the guy running that team but can never show it.  He cost me money and time bc of his personal politics.  

 

[thefuzz]

Don't mean to be a dick, but you are starting on the wrong foot.

Put that poo up, be glad you have a job, put your head down, and work hard.  You will get noticed.

 

Bitch about fairness in the workplace and you will get noticed, but in all the wrong ways.

[Zaximus]

Wouldn't hurt to throw out some resumes and keep looking.  Companies have zero loyalty to you and they already showed how they operate   Take care of yourself and don't count on that verbal promise ever.  

[davos]

14 hours ago, thefuzz said:

Don't mean to be a dick, but you are starting on the wrong foot.

Put that poo up, be glad you have a job, put your head down, and work hard.  You will get noticed.

 

Bitch about fairness in the workplace and you will get noticed, but in all the wrong ways.

Oh no doubt, that's my plan 100%.  Just rubbed me the wrong way for an afternoon but I took it well and didn't overreact/react at all...I'm just using the interweb to vent.  Raised too damn well to screw it up haha.   

 

[thefuzz]

9 hours ago, davos said:

Oh no doubt, that's my plan 100%.  Just rubbed me the wrong way for an afternoon but I took it well and didn't overreact/react at all...I'm just using the interweb to vent.  Raised too damn well to screw it up haha.   

 

Good for you.  I'm not that old, but been working full time in my industry since the day I got out of college.  I see TONS of guys and gals right out of school making a stink about some of the dumbest stuff, and they typically don't last long/make much money.

If you can rise above the stupid office politics, keep you head down, and do a good job, you will almost always win those petty battles.

[davos]

1 hour ago, thefuzz said:

Good for you.  I'm not that old, but been working full time in my industry since the day I got out of college.  I see TONS of guys and gals right out of school making a stink about some of the dumbest stuff, and they typically don't last long/make much money.

If you can rise above the stupid office politics, keep you head down, and do a good job, you will almost always win those petty battles.

Exactly.  It's the little game two guys play and have played probably every year with new hires since they began the office.  I'm just there to impress and enjoy what I'm doing.  :Thumbs up:

[h0llywood]

Company culture will not change regardless of your position in the company (unless you get to the top) and every company, no matter what it is or their size, has their token asshole(s), complainers, brown nosers, lazy asses, always late, gossipers, office whore (both sexes), the stern one. And it could all be one person too.

 

[pstall]

Never let them see you sweat. Have an amazing attitude and demolish whatever goals they throw up.

The diversity thing can be tough if a company isn't smart and strategic. They will hire someone they really shouldn't and lose someone they shouldn't. Or the one they hire for diversity gets put in a no win scenario or because they do ot wrong alienate everyone. It's a tightrope.