Job advice, please.

[Chris_]

I started a new job in January of this year.  The company hires everyone as a temp through an agency before being hired as permanent.

Another girl started in February and she has already been made a permanent employee, but I am still a temporary.  This wouldn't bother me so much if this girl actually worked instead of played on the internet all day.

My shift starts at 8am, but I typically walk in the building around 7:45am.  I work my butt of all day and help other co-workers out when they fall behind on an important task.  If my supervisor asks for something to be done, I get it done right away.  I'm very anal about any reports, projects, etc.

Whenever I run to the printer (right behind my cubicle) I notice the girl who started after me is always on the internet.  She's either browsing MSNBC or a celebrity gossip site.  I've even caught her on Facebook a couple of times.  Our cubicles are right next to each other, so whenever I am standing at the printer, I can see her computer screen. 

I think it's unfair for someone who sits on the internet almost all day, and not be productive, gets hired on as a permanent.  Life isn't fair.  I know this.  I just find it extremely irritating and it makes me care less about my job since it seems as though her behavior is okay since she's BFF with the supervisor.

My question is, should I schedule a meeting with the supervisor and ask about my temporary status?  Would it be professional for me to ask when/if I will become permanent?  Would it also be professional if I asked her what I need to change (if anything) before I become permanent?

I just feel really offended, hurt, and upset that I give it my all at work, but I am basically ignored for all my hard work.  No, I do not want a "You showed up to work today" trophy.  Sorry if that came out the wrong way.  It just really upsets me that someone can play on the internet all day while others bust their ass off.  There is plenty of work for her to do, but she chooses not to find more work when she runs out.

Advice?

[Doc]

Well.....a couple of things come to mind......these things have a way of sorting themselves out over time.

First, IT managers generally monitor employee's internet usage, and are required to submit regular reports to management.....the cycle may be long, but likely it will catch up with your colleague in time.

Second......and I say this from the perspective of spending four decades managing groups of people, "the cream allways rises to the top".  A manager may be too engrossed in the day to day business to immediately take note of an outstanding employee, but ultimately an event will occur that will bring it to light......therefore it is in your best interest to forget about  what your contemporaries are doing, and concentrate on doing the best job you can.  If you are successful at that, it will eventually be noticed.

doc

[JLO]

Well.....a couple of things come to mind......these things have a way of sorting themselves out over time.

First, IT managers generally monitor employee's internet usage, and are required to submit regular reports to management.....the cycle may be long, but likely it will catch up with your colleague in time.

Second......and I say this from the perspective of spending four decades managing groups of people, "the cream allways rises to the top".  A manager may be too engrossed in the day to day business to immediately take note of an outstanding employee, but ultimately an event will occur that will bring it to light......therefore it is in your best interest to forget about  what your contemporaries are doing, and concentrate on doing the best job you can.  If you are successful at that, it will eventually be noticed.

doc

Excellent advice, speaking from experience!

[Celtic Rose]

Does your company have a policy about hiring temps on permanently after a certain period of time?  Check it out, that may be a good avenue to approach it from.  

Personally, I feel that it would be appropriate to discuss a timeline with your manager, and you idea about asking for guidance on what they looking for when changing an employee from temp to permanents sounds like a good approach.  There may be some minor milestone that they are looking for, or they may be waiting for clearance from finance, but I think that communication is always good.  I got my current job through a temp position, and HR actually forgot that I was temp, so nothing changed until I approached my boss.  

Personally, I would avoid comparing your situation to your co-worker's during the meeting though.  That is just asking for drama  

[Chris_]

Well.....a couple of things come to mind......these things have a way of sorting themselves out over time.

First, IT managers generally monitor employee's internet usage, and are required to submit regular reports to management.....the cycle may be long, but likely it will catch up with your colleague in time.

Second......and I say this from the perspective of spending four decades managing groups of people, "the cream allways rises to the top".  A manager may be too engrossed in the day to day business to immediately take note of an outstanding employee, but ultimately an event will occur that will bring it to light......therefore it is in your best interest to forget about  what your contemporaries are doing, and concentrate on doing the best job you can.  If you are successful at that, it will eventually be noticed.

doc

Thank you.

I work for a Fortune 500 company with a fairly large IT team.  I think they work out of Orlando.  I've never been an IT employee because that's not my level of expertise.   I know Facebook is strongly discouraged since an ad could contain a virus, but for some reason, the website isn't blocked.  You can go on it whenever you please, which I think is very odd since we had a virus a few months ago.

But you are totally right.  I'm just bummed to still be a temporary associate.

[Chris_]

Does your company have a policy about hiring temps on permanently after a certain period of time?  Check it out, that may be a good avenue to approach it from. 

Personally, I feel that it would be appropriate to discuss a timeline with your manager, and you idea about asking for guidance on what they looking for when changing an employee from temp to permanents sounds like a good approach.  There may be some minor milestone that they are looking for, or they may be waiting for clearance from finance, but I think that communication is always good.  I got my current job through a temp position, and HR actually forgot that I was temp, so nothing changed until I approached my boss. 

Personally, I would avoid comparing your situation to your co-worker's during the meeting though.  That is just asking for drama 

I wouldn't bring up the co-worker in the meeting.  Being a tattle tale does no good.  We do have a good IT team.  So yes, karma will get her soon.

I'll have to check with the temp-to-hire time line if one exists. 

The good thing though, one of our team members quit yesterday.  She said she was looking for a better job opportunity.  They are looking to hire a new person to fill her position.

Also, the job I filled was a permanent position.  That's a good sign, right?  And I have plenty of work to keep me busy.  I know the economy sucks, so I don't want to kick and scream about it.  I'd just like to officially be part of the company.  I really do enjoy my job.

[BadCat]

Is she hot?
Does she wear short skirts?

[Chris_]

No, she's chubby and is a real bitch. 

And she browses MSNBC, do I need to say more?

[IassaFTots]

Is she hot?
Does she wear short skirts?

EC meet Bad Cat.  Bad Cat, meet EC.   

 

The best advice I can give is to just shine.  Sometimes shit happens that sucks and there isn't any realistic explanation to it.  I know.  I have worked in HR for way too many years.  Just hang in there, and if you feel comfy with it, ask for a timeline. 

[DumbAss Tanker]

Great advice from Doc; there is nothing wrong with going to the boss in a positive way to ask what you can do to improve/hasten your chances of becoming permanent, seeking such mentoring strokes the ego of most bosses and shows them your positive motivation to progress.  Ratting out the other employee, especially by name, is generally not a good idea because it makes you sound like a whiny sibling of the other person, not a grown-up.  Company cultures and managers do vary on that, of course, a minority of them just love and live for the Machiavellian stuff (That does not sound like your situation though).

Some of them are complete hoseheads, of course, and will be annoyed by anything out of the ordinary, and will arbitrarily favor friends and extended family over you no matter what the objective value of your work ethic might be relative to you competitor, their own BFF.

I have been on the losing end of the social network at my job before, my own strategy is to look at the long view on how much permanence it has, and if it's going to be a long-term losing situation, I start looking for another job but keep it on the down-low.  If you ever do something like that, do not make use of it as an opportunity for drama, your departure should be hugs, kisses, and tactful lies all around.

[PatriotGame]

I started a new job in January of this year.  The company hires everyone as a temp through an agency before being hired as permanent.

Another girl started in February and she has already been made a permanent employee, but I am still a temporary.  This wouldn't bother me so much if this girl actually worked instead of played on the internet all day.

My shift starts at 8am, but I typically walk in the building around 7:45am.  I work my butt of all day and help other co-workers out when they fall behind on an important task.  If my supervisor asks for something to be done, I get it done right away.  I'm very anal about any reports, projects, etc.

Whenever I run to the printer (right behind my cubicle) I notice the girl who started after me is always on the internet.  She's either browsing MSNBC or a celebrity gossip site.  I've even caught her on Facebook a couple of times.  Our cubicles are right next to each other, so whenever I am standing at the printer, I can see her computer screen.  

I think it's unfair for someone who sits on the internet almost all day, and not be productive, gets hired on as a permanent.  Life isn't fair.  I know this.  I just find it extremely irritating and it makes me care less about my job since it seems as though her behavior is okay since she's BFF with the supervisor.

My question is, should I schedule a meeting with the supervisor and ask about my temporary status?  Would it be professional for me to ask when/if I will become permanent?  Would it also be professional if I asked her what I need to change (if anything) before I become permanent?

I just feel really offended, hurt, and upset that I give it my all at work, but I am basically ignored for all my hard work.  No, I do not want a "You showed up to work today" trophy.  Sorry if that came out the wrong way.  It just really upsets me that someone can play on the internet all day while others bust their ass off.  There is plenty of work for her to do, but she chooses not to find more work when she runs out.

Advice?

#1: Never and I mean never narc off another employee to your and potentially their boss. Outside of outright theft of company property or physical harm to another employee, to an honest supervisor, narcing-off another employee just tells the boss they are inadequate at properly supervising their subordinates. Their shit will eventually catch up with them and if it doesn't, can you still have a job and an income regardless of a coworkers behavior? Priorities come into play here. Raise above it and drink a beer. At the end of the day, you will feel much less stressed out.

#2: Ask your boss for 20 minutes of their time. Meet and respectfully state to them that you love your job and want to advance however possible but you are concerned that you are not yet permanent.

"What can *I* do to ensure the company that making me permanent is beneficial to them. Is there training or a job skill I need to master to make me the best-fit asset to the company?"
Thank your boss for their time and consideration.

ETA:
After work, go home and drink a good quality beer and have your husband pat you on the back!

[Chris_]

I never planned on being a narc.  I just wanted to put that out there because there is a misunderstanding some where in my posts.  lol

My desk is right in front of the supervisors, so the sup will eventually catch her.  And the sup and co-worker, I call them BFF because the co-worker is a total kiss ass towards her. 

If you have ever seen The Office, she is the Andy Bernard (of Season 3) to Michael Scott.

[Crazy Horse]

Do something to get fired, go home draw indefinite unemployment.  Let those still working pay the tab.




Or as everyone else said.

[docstew]

Do something to get fired, go home draw indefinite unemployment.  Let those still working pay the tab.




Or as everyone else said.

Ok, who from DU hijacked CH's account? 

[Chris_]

Do something to get fired, go home draw indefinite unemployment.  Let those still working pay the tab.




Or as everyone else said.

You mean I could do that and be on this site 24/7 and always available for the verbal bitch slap of trolls?

Sounds tempting.... but I'd rather make my money the honest way.  haha

[NHSparky]

but I'd rather make my money the honest way. 

Why start now?