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I am fairly good at my job. Meet deadlines, clients always rave about me, but to achieve that level of success, it definitely takes a toll. This office has a lot of turnover. In order to boost morale, HR does these silly little games and contests. Last week, it was write a spiffy little poem about how you feel about the job and the best one wins a $25 gift certificate. Basically, my poem was about how my butt hurt and how I couldn't wait to go home. My colleagues loved it, but HR wasn't pleased. Was I really out of line? If you don't want to know how I am feeling, don't ask.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Well, if they are going to make you participate in their silly little games, it's likely to backfire some times. Reminds me of that commercial where the head guy has to reveal that his password is "IHATEMYJOB1". I have never worked at a place where everyone, even upper management loved their job. In fact several upper executives have left for greener pastures over the last few years. I actually do love my current job but that's after over 40 years of working in jobs I was not that crazy about. Were you out of line? No, but I would have spun it as applying to that particular day when you spent more than the usual amount of time sitting. Your poem, was honest, and your management including HR probably sympathized, but it was definitely something best left unsaid - considering that it could be considered negative at future raise, promotion, or layoff time.
A place I worked at would do a write up about employees who hit milestone anniversaries with the company.
One of the HR people would do it and they hardly wrote anything about the employee or any praise.
All the questions/interview was geared so it only came across as him praising the company and being so thankful to be working there.
I am fairly good at my job. Meet deadlines, clients always rave about me, but to achieve that level of success, it definitely takes a toll. This office has a lot of turnover. In order to boost morale, HR does these silly little games and contests. Last week, it was write a spiffy little poem about how you feel about the job and the best one wins a $25 gift certificate. Basically, my poem was about how my butt hurt and how I couldn't wait to go home. My colleagues loved it, but HR wasn't pleased. Was I really out of line? If you don't want to know how I am feeling, don't ask.
Yes.
Problem is, they know morale is low, and what you did reinforced that. You've made it very easy for them to blame you for the next time unhappiness spikes. "It's that ny789987 guy spreading discontent again!"
Employers generally don't expect employees to love their jobs, just to not act like they hate it. Someone who hates their job isn't going to do a good job, will spread negativity, and may even be (unintentionally) sabotaging things.
IIWY, I'd be looking, even more so today than yesterday.
I am fairly good at my job. Meet deadlines, clients always rave about me, but to achieve that level of success, it definitely takes a toll. This office has a lot of turnover. In order to boost morale, HR does these silly little games and contests. Last week, it was write a spiffy little poem about how you feel about the job and the best one wins a $25 gift certificate. Basically, my poem was about how my butt hurt and how I couldn't wait to go home. My colleagues loved it, but HR wasn't pleased. Was I really out of line? If you don't want to know how I am feeling, don't ask.
I think if they don't want to know, they shouldn't ask people to write poems. I personally wouldn't participate in this crapola.
I am fairly good at my job. Meet deadlines, clients always rave about me, but to achieve that level of success, it definitely takes a toll. This office has a lot of turnover. In order to boost morale, HR does these silly little games and contests. Last week, it was write a spiffy little poem about how you feel about the job and the best one wins a $25 gift certificate. Basically, my poem was about how my butt hurt and how I couldn't wait to go home. My colleagues loved it, but HR wasn't pleased. Was I really out of line? If you don't want to know how I am feeling, don't ask.
I hear you, but I'd have kept my "Butt hurts" poem to myself. We have had some of those "Theme" days I refuse to join in only as I don't care to go out and buy some stupid shirt or costume just to make points with the office manager.
She complained once that I should "Join in" more and I said "Pay for my clothing and I will" she didn't care for that answer...Oh well, still employed there...
I am fairly good at my job. Meet deadlines, clients always rave about me, but to achieve that level of success, it definitely takes a toll. This office has a lot of turnover. In order to boost morale, HR does these silly little games and contests. Last week, it was write a spiffy little poem about how you feel about the job and the best one wins a $25 gift certificate. Basically, my poem was about how my butt hurt and how I couldn't wait to go home. My colleagues loved it, but HR wasn't pleased. Was I really out of line? If you don't want to know how I am feeling, don't ask.
Roses are red
Violets are blue
I work here
So I don't have to be like the old woman from that nursery rhymne who lives in a shoe
But seriously, to answer your tagline question (and not really directed at you personally, but to answer the general question), I think a good baseline is to not actively proclaim dislike for a job. Or if someone does dislike their job should find a way to either change some of the most dislikable aspects of their work (no job, even self employment, is going to be perfect), or work towards making a change in their life that will make them happier concerning how they earn their living.
The poem idea is interesting, but sometimes HR can be in its own little bubble and forget the "unintended consequences" and awkwardness of its "morale boost" ideas issue. At the very least, such a contest shouldn't be mandatory.
They do not necessarily expect everyone to "love" their jobs. They do expect people to carry themselves with positive attitudes. Hiring these days is very focused on finding people with high levels of emotional intelligence who can handle jobs that are not always fun, but remain positive and productive throughout as negativity is a drag on efficiency and productivity.
The little contests are just a light hearted attempt to have and spread some positive vibes, and to give a break to the serious grind of the day.
They just expect positive attitudes and optimism. I hate those stupid games honestly but sometimes you just have to play along...
PS I thought your poem was hilarious and it would have gone over great at my job. But not at every job...
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