In a world of live and let live…

[nala]

Does it bother you when your coworkers don’t pull their weight?
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Lately, I am frustrated at the lack of work ethic I see in my colleagues. I’m a teacher. We owe our kids more than what I see. Some teachers will complain endlessly about the importance of perfect attendance yet they—the teachers—are absent a lot!!! They complain that students have no motivation yet they don’t bother to grade consistently or to plan engaging lessons!
The point is—I am becoming bitter bc it’s the kids who pay the price. It’s hard to maintain an atmosphere of respect among a faculty when many don’t seem to take their profession seriously. Not to mention, these teachers give teachers and unions a bad name. Ugh.
So how do you deal with coworkers who suck?

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Hmmm, well in my previous insurance life, it would bother me to no end that I was so efficient and other people did half a$$ work. I was in my 20’s back then and yes I was bitter and could be nasty as a result. Not proud of it.

Now I’m nearly 43 and just started working again, it is an environment that is fast-paced and now I find myself constantly thinking I’m going to slow. I have overheard one of my co-workers making a remark about my pace

This is obviously from the other perspective but maybe some (not all) your co-workers are doing the best they are personally capable of. Of course there is the group that doesn’t care and does the bare minimum to get by, but there is nothing you can do about it, so I say live and let live because worrying about them will make you crazy and accomplish nothing else.

 

[lilmosun]

Unless they report to me or there is something I have control over/can influence, I have learned to let it go.

There will always be people who do less and make more. Fixating on or getting frustrated with others I can't influence hurts only me - not them.

What's important is that I feel I am recognized for what I do, make a fair wage and enjoy what I do. If the environment is such that I can't achieve that, I leave.

Since @YadaYadaYada mentions age. I am in my early 60's and know that I am not as fast (or good at multitasking) as some of my younger co-workers. I have a same-age peer who gets frustrated by others who don't carry their weight. I tell her to be thankful because if it weren't for them, we wouldn't be needed

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Nala i feel sad for your situation because it effects kids' future
But you're doing the best you can and that's worth more

from my own experience (and in no way do i mean your's Nala because we do vastly different kind of work) but there is way too much looking at what he/she is doing instead of focusing on one's own work in a lot of environments

in my last place of employment it was rife with bullying and someone thankfully actually stepped in and took out a personal grievance on my behalf because i was being gas- lighted at every turn and it was making my productivity much much worse

I once had a friend who was fortunate enough to transation to management and i remember her words after she came back from a course one day
people are angry at work because they feel powerless
Im not saying that would necessarily make some co-workers slacken off but there could be good reasons for some

it does pay to try to walk the odd mile in another's shoes

The thing that gets on my wick the most is the rip, sh*t & bust mentality of a workmate and when management assume all that expeeded energy and fireworks is productive above a more steady as she goes method of getting the job done, i am not fast but i am thorough
It takes all sorts to make a team

i hope Nala your situations improves soon and the others take up the slack for the sake of the kids' education
i had teachers who went the extra mile and ones that bearly did the bare minimum
The kids will know this too

 

[nala]

I should add that we just underwent a WASC review and have yet to get our rating! In the past, we have always gotten a 6 year (highest rating) but this year, it doesn’t look well. Unfortunately—none of these observers walked into my classroom!! As luck would have it, they visited and revisited the classrooms of these slacker teachers and left us much deserved criticism. So even if I look the other way on the daily, If we get a bad rating—which we deserve —it will be sooo embarrassing! And we will have to repeat the process next year!! Yuck! There is no “I” in teaching, hence my frustration.

 

[lilmosun]

in my last place of employment it was rife with bullying and someone thankfully actually stepped in and took out a personal grievance on my behalf because i was being gas- lighted at every turn and it was making my productivity much much worse

I should say that there are certain behaviors that are not acceptable and no one should ignore/let go. Bullying or any form of harassment included.

 

[nala]

I should say that there are certain behaviors that are not acceptable and no one should ignore/let go. Bullying or any form of harassment included.

Agree. I’m sorry you went through that.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I should say that there are certain behaviors that are not acceptable and no one should ignore/let go. Bullying or any form of harassment included.

It was a miserable time and i had a lot of sickness but my supervisor finally noticed what the problem was
that entire workplace operated on a culture of blame, it was toxic

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Agree. I’m sorry you went through that.

I did still manage to get my work done but it was total bull-s*it, if i was off sick or just on leave my two co-workers would work hell to leather to ensure they finished all my work, where they wouldn't even answer the phone to help me when i was there

Over the years things improved, i worked out if one workmate was stressed financially i didn't take her behavior towards me to heart

But is that the way one should behave towards others???

Perhaps your workmates are just tired of being teachers
when i started school i had very old teachers (but this can apply to any age)
One teacher told mum if she got a 1/4 of the class to listen she was happy (this was in the mid '70's)
If people don't want to teach, should they really be teachers ?
ive had teachers who just want to be the most popular kid in class - so we learnt nothing that year but the popular kids had a really good time

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Ugh, after reading about the rating, I can understand your frustration.

 

[kenny]

...
So how do you deal with coworkers who suck?

I used to care and try to fix things.
I eventually gave up.
I like that saying, we can't change others, only ourselves.

I have changed myself.
Now I try to ignore others (unless they report to me), do my job well, and mind my own business.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

That's awful and frustrating in the extreme, especially because there really is nothing you can do directly to rectify it. It's unfair and I'm sorry for you and the kids it impacts.
All you can do honestly is your best; and maybe let slide some snide ass remarks from time to time as opportunity arises in the break room, you know, for sanity.

 

[dk168]

Hell yes!

And I won't stand for it, and would always do something about it.

I would take it up with the person directly first, on the understanding that I would bring the issue to the attention of his/her supervisor/line manager if the situation did not improve.

I had to do this a few times as the supervisor/line manager of reportees who were not pulling their weights, and had to go down the disciplinary route that ultimately led to dismissal.

The last time I took up the issues of a colleague who was not able to pay sufficient details to her work repeatedly, for her mistakes to be picked up and rectified by the reviewer and approver (me), I was cited as being too picky and unhelpful by my manager who was also her manager!

This was the last straw that pushed me over the edge in a job that I was not happy with due to a number of reasons, and I resigned from it in 2018 - it was my last job as a permanent employee.


DK

 

[missy]

I was lucky as I didn't have anyone else who did what I did at work so I didn't have to deal with someone not pulling their weight. It would have bothered me I am sure though. I find people can be lazy and less than competent so I have little desire to work with those type of people. I am sorry you are dealing with this @nala. It sucks for the kids and for you.

I am not a team player anyway and always preferred to work by myself. on my own merit, and not having to rely on others.

But that's me and of course there is no one right way. Some people love working with others. That isn't me. Never was. I was never into team sports either. I always preferred to compete against myself and not others. I was on the swim team but again I was competing against my previous speed/time and not competing against others.

For me, it's always about self improvement and my goals have little to do with others and everything to do with myself.




So you can just do the best you can do and in the end, ultimately, people like you will be rewarded I hope for all their hard and loyal work whereas the others will get what they deserve. That is what I would tell myself and I would just keep doing the best I could do.

 

[autumngems]

I know it is frustrating, while I don't deal with children, I deal with military members. I have co-workers who are not doing these service members justice with their work ethic. It can be true what is said about civil service. There are those that are just here for a paycheck and do as little as possible to get it. One in particular annoys the living hell out of me. She is a foul-mouthed, look-at-me, I am so much better and know everything type of person. She has gotten another employee moved and demoted for something SHE did (there was evidence) She is a favorite of the big boss (main problem) so whatever you say, she can do no wrong. She comes and goes as she pleases for hours on end while reporting on those who take a few minutes longer on a break. I am a program manager and she constantly boasts that she is the highest paid admin in the organization and nobody else could do her job. I have been in meetings where she drops the F bomb and not even a glance from the big boss. Her manner and attitude towards our military irks me to no end. I have to live and let live because I can't let it bother me on a daily basis, I AM helping our members and their families and that's all I can do, as saying anything has not resulted in change or punishment.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I would think the opportunity to say something will come when the evaluation results are in from these observers. If these results show a slide in quality, I would think a meeting will be called to discuss them. Have your points ready, but make them general and non-accusatory. I personally do not think you should mention attendance by teachers, as their union contract allows a certain number of sick days. I would talk up, for example, the importance of lesson plans in creating superior learning skills for the kids. If a meeting is called that would be the time, If not, suggest a meeting be called to discuss how to improve for next year. Seems like an ideal time to me.

Annette

 

[diamondringlover]

I get very frustrated with the lack of work ethics in my co-workers...I work from home and my walls hear alot of choice words....the company I work for is only about numbers, they dont give a crap about quality and never have in spite of what they say. I have been with this company for almost 25 years, I am only 5-6 years out till retirement, I intend to stay with the company but it frustrates me to beyond belief.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I know it is frustrating, while I don't deal with children, I deal with military members. I have co-workers who are not doing these service members justice with their work ethic. It can be true what is said about civil service. There are those that are just here for a paycheck and do as little as possible to get it. One in particular annoys the living hell out of me. She is a foul-mouthed, look-at-me, I am so much better and know everything type of person. She has gotten another employee moved and demoted for something SHE did (there was evidence) She is a favorite of the big boss (main problem) so whatever you say, she can do no wrong. She comes and goes as she pleases for hours on end while reporting on those who take a few minutes longer on a break. I am a program manager and she constantly boasts that she is the highest paid admin in the organization and nobody else could do her job. I have been in meetings where she drops the F bomb and not even a glance from the big boss. Her manner and attitude towards our military irks me to no end. I have to live and let live because I can't let it bother me on a daily basis, I AM helping our members and their families and that's all I can do, as saying anything has not resulted in change or punishment.

You know that bi*ch sounds insecure
It is indeed very annoying to have someone like that at work

i always make a point of praying for my enemies


And @missy i totally get where you're coming from
Although i need the company i prefer to have my own job on a team - like a goal keeper or wicket keeper (cricket's version of a back stop)

 

[seaurchin]

If I ever get another job, it will definitely be either my own business or some type of contract work where I have very little ties to others in the organization. Too many workplaces are just such giant toilets.

 

[OreoRosies86]

I worry only about my own work. It’s a sanity saver.

 

[nala]

I worry only about my own work. It’s a sanity saver.

You are lucky to have the luxury to do that. I inherit students who have had teachers with low expectations, who have failed to teach them the basics, etc. And trust me, I don’t do anything about these issues besides work harder to help my students. It’s not like I can discipline adults. I guess the fundamental difference is that I don’t view my profession as “my own work.”

 

[OreoRosies86]

You are lucky to have the luxury to do that. I inherit students who have had teachers with low expectations, who have failed to teach them the basics, etc. And trust me, I don’t do anything about these issues besides work harder to help my students. It’s not like I can discipline adults. I guess the fundamental difference is that I don’t view my profession as “my own work.”

I mean… you don’t know what I do for work. So it’s not a matter of luxury, just that I cannot control other people. I can only do my personal best and hope it sticks to the people I’m attempting to help. You asked, so I answered.

 

[nala]

I mean… you don’t know what I do for work. So it’s not a matter of luxury, just that I cannot control other people. I can only do my personal best and hope it sticks to the people I’m attempting to help. You asked, so I answered.

I did ask. You did answer. You prefer to live and let live—bc you cannot control others. I get it. It’s a choice you are making. I’m aware that I can make that choice—hence the title of this thread. Ty for sharing

 

[OreoRosies86]

I did ask. You did answer. You prefer to live and let live—bc you cannot control others. I get it. It’s a choice you are making.

Yup, and it’s not wrong or bad or uncaring to prioritize your own mental health. Hope you can find a way to a path that’s less bitter and more balanced. Take care!

 

[Lookinagain]

I think my answer depends on their capability. If they aren't pulling their weight because they aren't capable that's a management problem. If it's because they are just lazy, yes, that's a management problem too, but one where co-workers can perhaps try to get them moving a bit more. I'm not sure that I'm stating things correctly, but I do think capability and laziness and lack of caring are different things and for me, the former is not as irritating as the latter.

 

[nala]

Yup, and it’s not wrong or bad or uncaring to prioritize your own mental health. Hope you can find a way to a path that’s less bitter and more balanced. Take care!

The reality is that I realize my school is becoming a toxic environment bc of the trickle-down effect. I know that I have options and can transfer to one of the district’s better schools—where teachers take pride in their profession. Sadly, that would mean one less dedicated teacher for kids who really need me. Sigh.

 

[kenny]

The reality is that I realize my school is becoming a toxic environment bc of the trickle down effect. I know that I have options and can transfer to one of the districts better schools—where teachers take pride in their profession. Sadly, that would mean one less dedicated teacher for kids who really need me. Sigh.

You can't save the world, but you can save yourself.

 

[nala]

You can't save the world, but you can save yourself.

Thank you. That is kind of you.
And maybe I will take that step if admin doesn’t start making changes. The bad rating is only a threat right now, but if it becomes a reality there will be some good to come out of it. I want to be there for that.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

You are lucky to have the luxury to do that. I inherit students who have had teachers with low expectations, who have failed to teach them the basics, etc. And trust me, I don’t do anything about these issues besides work harder to help my students. It’s not like I can discipline adults. I guess the fundamental difference is that I don’t view my profession as “my own work.”

And that's why the kids who get you as a teacher are very fortunate
And hopefully one day they will realize that
and hopefully the parents realize that now

Do the parents complain about the sub standard teachers ?

 

[nala]

And that's why the kids who get you as a teacher are very fortunate
And hopefully one day they will realize that
and hopefully the parents realize that now

Do the parents complain about the sub standard teachers ?

Awww. Ty!
Sadly. No. And that’s why these teachers do it. They know they can get away with it because they know they teach in a low-income district where most parents don’t speak English nor do they know the first thing about advocating for their kids.
This creates a culture of low achievement and then teachers blame kids for not being motivated. The kicker is that these same teachers pride themselves in sending their own children to private schools bc they value education so much. It is really infuriating—Ugh.