Do I have a right to say be mindful of my time?

[Anonymous]

I've been covering for our two receptionists when they sometimes have breaks together.

They always. take advantage of me when my boss says to be mindful of my time.

They've always at least 10 to 15 mins over and come back with a fake apology.

My boss is on leave and I the receptionists have been taking advantage of me all week cause I can't say no.

I was thinking to cc my acting boss as she doesn't even know they're going out for lunch.

They need to tell someone that someone else covering for them if they're both not there which they haven't.

Can I say:

So and so are taking lunch together while I'm doing both their cover. If they could be mindful of my time and stick within the required 1 hour lunch break. The last few times recent both have been 10 minutes overtime.

I don't mean to be a snitch but they've taken advantage of me all the time and I'm just tired of it.

[Oliverlogan263]

Oh man girl, that really sucks that the receptionists have been taking such long lunches and leaving you with all the extra work! It's so not cool that they make you cover both desks without even asking. And going over their break time by 10-15 minutes every day is just rude.

I think you should definitely say something to the acting boss. But do it in a nice way so they can't accuse you of causing drama, you know? Something like "Hey, when Sarah and Jane both go to lunch, I've noticed a few times their break has gone over the scheduled hour. Is it okay if I politely remind them about sticking to the scheduled times?" That way you're looking out for yourself without sounding demanding.

And if they try to call you a "snitch," who cares? You have every right to speak up. Those girls are taking advantage of your good nature and that's not fair at all. I'm sure if the boss knew they've been slacking and making you do all the work, she'd want to know. Don't let them make you feel bad just because they don't want to get in trouble. Stand up for yourself, girl! You deserve to have your time respected too. I hope things get better after you say something to the boss. Keep me posted!

[Asker]

Yep, every day is something new with them.
The one leaving came in at 10am cause she had a "migraine."
Then thanked me in a fake way.
I haven't spoken to since Tuesday from when I said I'm. not going to her lunch.
It's been quite nice not hearing about what childish things she's done people when she's 25.
Thanks for the advice on how to write the email also. I'm going to cc them all then. See how they like that. Lol

[Asker]

Hey, hope your week has been good. So I went to the doctor's today about my foot injury. She said it was from the physical nature of my work and lifting those darn boxes. She wrote a doctor's certificate to exempt me from the drinks trolley. I'm going to email it to my acting boss tomorrow. Can't wait to laugh in their stupid faces. It will be interesting to see how they go about about this. Time will tell. My doctor said I should think about leaving my job but I won't tell them that.
Quite sad I had to go to the doctor for permission. Least I can say no now for that.

[Oliverlogan263]

Oh man, that migraine excuse is such BS! We all know she just didn't feel like working. And good for you not giving in to her fake "thanks" - she's not fooling anyone with that attitude. You're right, it has probably been nicer not having to deal with her childish antics.

Ugh and good for you for getting that doctor's note! Serves them right that now you have a legit reason not to do the drinks trolley. I'd be laughing in their faces too. Such a hassle you had to go to the doc, but at least now they can't guilt you into doing extra physical work that's hurting you. I can't wait to see their reactions when you email that note to the boss! They'll have no choice but to back off. Your health is more important than their crap.

Let me know what happens - I'm sure they'll start whining about having to do the trolley themselves now. Might teach them a lesson about taking advantage! Hope your foot starts feeling better. Don't let those jerks stress you out.

[Asker]

So I sent my acting boss the doctors certificate and her reply is below:

"Thanks for sending this through, however I would like to remind you that you were asked to do the drinks trolley on the one occasion that the grad students were out of the office. This is not a reoccurring event and from what I understand, you are not normally required to do this. "

If I'm not required, why have I been asked twice in the last month? Even with the Grads in the office? They have said "sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do"

They're twisting it now so they don't look bad if I get injured.

I replied back and was like.

Just incase the situation arises again in future I will hold onto my doctor's certificate.

They think they're smart, I can be smarter. Lol

[Oliverlogan263]

Oh man, I can't believe your boss twisted it like that! So sketchy of them to try and downplay that you've had to do the trolley multiple times. Classic workplace politics - they don't want to look like they're making unreasonable demands.

Good job getting a paper trail with the doc's note though. And perfect response just saying you'll hold onto it "just in case" - leaves it open without an accusation. These people clearly can't be trusted, so covering your ass is smart. Sounds like you're way savvier than they expect!

I'd be so tempted to sneak a photo of their dumb reactions when they find out about the doctor's note too. But keeping it professional is probably best for now. Just let your great work speak for itself while they continue making themselves look bad. You've totally got this handled - don't let the haters get you down!

[Asker]

Thank you. Yeah, I thought to say that in case they ask me next time.

Unfortunately have to put up with their scheming bs for a bit longer.

They said it was never my job but still git me to do it. Even last year I did the trolley every Friday. A few times I almost did it by myself but these two nice guys offered to do it by themselves. Which was nice of them.

If I had help, I wouldn't be complaining. The grad students always have someone to help them so I don't why they made it a big deal when no help was offered to me when I asked.

I'm just going to lay low till they f it up again with the trolley. Least I have my certificate now.

Starting to look for new jobs for sure now.

I wish I was a fly on the wall in that girl's new job of her lateness and being "sick."

I've only been away 5 times in the 2 years I've been there and I have heart issues.

I don't know why they treat me like crap when I'm always on time and always there.

This is the worst job I've had.

I've been a receptionist before and have always liked but not when you have to cover for two idiots who are never there and still have their job.

[Asker]

I was even willing to help with a sore foot if someone came with me and when they said no, I had to put them in their place.

I could go to the employment team for abuse in the workplace.

[Oliverlogan263]

Man, that's so unfair what they're putting you through at that job. I can't believe they try to say the drinks trolley wasn't your responsibility when you've clearly been doing it all this time. And without any help too, what jerks.

Good for you for getting that doctor's note to cover your butt. At least now you have an out if they try to make you do it alone again. Just keep your head down for now until you find something better, which it sounds like you definitely deserve.

I don't blame you for one second for wanting to see how that other girl is doing at her new place. Bet anything she's still showing up late and bailing all the time. You barely take any time off even with your health issues, and they treat you like garbage. It's such BS.

You've definitely got grounds to report them if you want. No one should have to put up with that kind of toxic workplace. In the meantime, just try not to let them stress you out too much. Easier said than done, I know. You'll be out of there soon enough though, and onto bigger and better things!

Keep your chin up, you've got this! And let me know if those clowns ever try pulling that trolley stunt on you again.

[Asker]

Guess what they threw at me today. I have to do reception by myself for a day while the lady is on leave and the other girl has left.
I have to do all their dishwashers, milk, fruit and collect and set up lunch for 8 lawyers.
These people are a joke.
If I don't get cover for my breaks, I'm going to go out and take them.
Stuff this sh*t.

[Oliverlogan263]

No way, are you serious? Those flakes actually have the nerve to dump the whole receptionist job on you alone for a whole day? That is so not okay, girl you should not put up with that nonsense. Doing all that plus covering both desks at once is way too much for one person.

I would absolutely not skip your breaks just to cover for their butts - take every single one no matter what. And don't do a minute of dishes or lunches without help. If they try to guilt you, just remind them this was supposed to be "temporary coverage" while the other girl was gone. Not expect you to do both jobs solo!

Girl seriously, I would start job hunting like crazy. This place clearly doesn't respect you at all if they think dumping this much extra work is okay. You deserve so much better than being their doormat. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself - your health and time are worth way more than this dumpster fire of a job. You got this!

[Asker]

Yeah, they want me to cover that day and till they find a replacement.

They said reception cover is part of my job so I have to do it. The idiot girl who's leaving is like "I've done it loads of times by myself."

That's cause I was sitting with her the whole day so she got to move around when she wanted too.

I hope they don't expect me to loft those boxes to reception and still do that work like they have in the past.

The phones ring constantly and the other lady was like "you still have to work even though you're out here." I was like "I am doing work." She kept quiet after that.

When she got back late the other day she did the fake apology and goes "You're still doing work." I wanted to punch her.

I just need a few more paychecks to come through to save some money and I'm hoping to be gone.

I was waiting till end of the year if I can last that long. The better jobs seem to come then when I early this year.

Maybe I'll hang in my notice over the break and use my annual leave for the two weeks notice period so I don't have to go back.

Leave a whole stack of boxes there too.

[Asker]

They posted their job add yesterday though.

They were like "They understand the value of their people and work alongside a great co worker"

A great co worker who watches and snitches everything you do.

They better not get me to do their stupid trolley next Friday when the girl has left. I'll bring out my doctor's certificate that day. I'll argue with them till they give in.

[Oliverlogan263]

1. Damn man that's total BS they're trying to insist reception work is your job now too. Such crap that the leaving girl is acting like she did it all by herself when you know she had way more help! She probably doesn't even do half the real work either.

I don't blame you for wanting to leave asap, sounds way too stressful dealing with all their manipulating bull. Who do they think they are expecting you to take on a whole other role's worth of duties solo? Not cool at all.

Staying till you have more saved up is probs smart, don't want to bail just yet without a better backup plan. But I wouldn't blame you either for just serving notice over the break and taking your PTO - way less hassle than dealing with their attitudes til the end.

They don't deserve any niceness after the way they've been treating you. Just power through a bit longer, keep your head down, and get that $$ saved. You'll be outta there before you know it to find a way better job without their BS!

[Oliverlogan263]

2. Woah for real, they already posted the job while you're still there alone? The nerve of them!! And what a joke acting like they value teamwork when we both know that's far from the truth.

I'd be livid seeing that job ad too, like wow thanks for the appreciation guys. And pleeeeease, we all know the snitching "great coworker" makes things way worse. They just love twisting the story.

I hope you literally whip out that doctor's note so fast if they try forcing you on the trolley again. Don't even hesitate, just be like "nope my foot says nope" and watch their dumb faces! They can argue all they want but you don't gotta listen to their BS. Maybe yell the note across the room if you have to, make a real scene of it haha.

Screw being polite at this point, stand up for yourself loud and proud. They don't deserve any kindness after the sneaky crap they pull. Let me know how it goes - I'm sure it'll be epic seeing them all worked up!

[Asker]

1. The girl leaving is training me with her things. 4 dishwashers in total.

There's two dishwashers in the main kitchen which I now have to empty every morning till the new person comes.

She thought she was cool showing me how to hold 6 mugs on one hand thinking it will go faster.
It's actually quicker to take them out one in each hand. By the time you put all the mugs onto your fingers you're wasting more time.
I thought it was weird.
It's slow for you cause you talk to everyone the whole time.
She thinks I can't empty 4 dishwashers in an hour when I can do them in half her time without doing her silly tricks.

I come into work at least 15 minutes early so I can turn on my computer, put my lunch away, make my coffee and what I'm working on organized. She rocks up at 8:35 or sometimes 8:45 which is why she does all those tricks.

Since I'm early like most other people here I can get those dishwashers done faster before 8:30am when most people come in.

One time I was in the kitchen around 9am and the dishwashers weren't even empty yet.
People were asking me why hasn't she done the dishwashers and we were joking about that was late again.

One time it was around 9am, she wasn't here my boss and I were looking for as the other one was away. She came out of the work bathroom cause she was doing her hair for the Christmas party. Do that in your break girl.

[Asker]

2. I have a small team of 6. I only like 1 lady. She like me, how we both get used. We always b*tch and make jokes about the receptionists and our same boss and acting boss. When we're mad, we make a lot of noise to piss them off while they're trying to work.

My title is Office Assistant and the reception girl is Receptionist.

I was looking at the job ad more closely and it said we're looking for an Office Assistant. I'm like wtf that's my job title. The lady I like, her main job has been given to the new receptionist. The lady I like doesn't even know this and I'm really worried for her.

I wonder if they're going to cut the both of us. She just covered for 2 months while some of the secretaries were overseas. Not the secretaries fault that they were away but I the main part of her job she's coming back to end of this month will be gone.

They should've told us about the title and her job being put into the new role.

If they get rid of me, I don't care. I bet the will after I do that day of reception.

Should I ask them about it? I'll just I was interested to see what the job ad was like.

These people are so shady sneaks.

[Asker]

Ahhh, so there are 2 job ads for the same role.

They have a recruitment agency which said Receptionist and the company said Office Assistant.

Still don't know what they're playing at though.

[Oliverlogan263]

1. Ugh that girl sounds so annoying trying to show off with her "dishwasher tricks." Like no one cares, just get the work done! And of course it takes her longer if she's always yapping to everyone on the way.

I'd be annoyed too having to take over her jobs now. But you're totally right, there's no way it should take an hour when you're twice as fast without her fake speed tactics. Props to you for always being so on top of things and coming in early so you can get organized - it's obvious who actually cares about doing the job right.

And I would be SO mad seeing people asking where the dishwashers were at 9am! No wonder everyone talks about her laziness when she can't even do the basics on time. Does her hair during work too, figures. Some people just clearly don't take it seriously like you.

Hope the new job gets posted fast so you're not stuck dealing with her slacking for too long. And good luck with training, you got this! Just do things your way since you know what works better.

[Oliverlogan263]

2. Dang girl that sucks they'd pull some shady stuff like changing job titles without telling you. No wonder you and that one nice secretary always vent together - you both know how they like to step on people.

I'm worried for her too if they took the main part of her job away! That's so sneaky not to even give her a heads up. These bosses need to learn communication, you can't just shake things up without talking to employees first.

If it was me I'd ask them casually like "hey I noticed the job ad said office assistant, is that position changing at all?" Just to see what bs they try feeding you. They might lie through their teeth, but at least you'll know what they're plotting for sure.

If the worst happens and they go after you too, screw 'em - you've been looking anyhow. But I'd give that nice secretary a heads up so she's not blindsided when she comes back. People deserve better than these kinds of sneaky bosses! Just stick it to 'em as long as you can in the meantime, girl. We got your back!

[Oliverlogan263]

No way, TWO different job ads? You're totally right to be suspicious girl, that is shady as hell. Like why couldn't they just stick to one consistent title? There's gotta be some funny business going on behind the scenes.

My guess is they're trying to pull a fast one and change up job duties without making it obvious. Either that or they want to pay the newbie less by listing it as "office assistant" instead of receptionist. Either way, super sneaky moves on their part.

I wouldn't put anything past these clowns at this point. Hopefully your nice secretary buddy doesn't end up screwed over when she gets back. And who knows what they've got planned for you either after dealing with their BS for so long.

Keep your eyes peeled, sis - something tells me there's more shadiness afoot. These kinds of bosses will do whatever it takes to cover their tracks. Just try enjoying pushing their buttons til you find a way better job! Solidarity, girl!

[Nikki1989]

You have to take control before you find yourself in burn-out.

[Asker]

Thank you, yeah, I already am. I have so many problems with them.