What are you looking for?
Featured Topics
Select a topic to start reading.
I became an intern at an office for about a month ago, and at first it was nice, however, people still treat me weird, like i'm still the "new girl". I know i am still new, however, I talked to them a lot and i am quite a friendly and nice person and make friendships instantly. i just can't help but feel rejected from my co-workers. maybe because they see me as just an intern, which is so annoying because i've been nothing but nice to these people. they order food and eat next to me without even inviting me to eat with them. it's not about the food obviously it's about the human sentiment, because i know if i was in their place i would be nice to the new intern who doesn't know anyone and did absolutely nothing wrong and is trying her best to fit in and do her job.
even people my age, the other day when one of them said good morning i said "heyy miss you!" in a friendly way (because it was the weekend and i didn't see her for a couple days) she didn't even say miss you too or something, instead she just smiled awkwardly, which made ME feel awkward and that i'm too much... i've been putting up with this for some time now but it's getting annoying at this point. even my "boss" who's only 3 years older than me, she treats me like i'm a nobody at times, but sometimes she's nice (only when she needs something) like seriously? how am i supposed to work in an environment like that?
it's an unpaid internship too. the only reason i'm going is because it's related to my field and it'll boost my resume. how should i deal with them? i'm a person who's been raised to be extremely nice and satisfy people's needs all the time even if they're rude to me, but i feel like they're walking all over me at this point. I took a couple days off to regain my energy because it's becoming so frustrating how they ignore me and treat me in a fake way while i'm genuinely nice to them.
If you see a comment that is unsupportive or unfriendly, please report it using the flag button.
More Posts
-
Something must be really wrong with me ...
I can't let go off an old friend.. it's been years since we talked ... initially I blocked her because she did something that made me block her ... neither did...
-
A dream or nightmare I remember vividly
I was walking back home in the night with my dad and to sisters. We turned the street corner and I felt like something was different, sort of fuzzy. And then I...
While it would be awesome if all work environments were pleasant sometimes they aren't. I think the employees have more or less set the tone that they simply don't want to be your friend nor include you in their activities. Perhaps they've been burned by prior interns and just don't feel like opening up to you. I'm not condoning any of what's going. Slim chance but it's quite possible that there could be policies in place where contractors/interns are prevented from participating in certain activities. Ultimately the workplace is for working, friendships and pleasantries are optional.
At the end of the day you have to establish your boundaries. People pleasing hasn't worked out for you nor is it recommended as a long term strategy. So you'll have to weigh the pros and cons of the internship. Is it providing you the much needed work experience you seek ? Are you working on projects that matter ? Are you receiving the 'work' mentorship and guidance to move you forward in your career ? Is this a culture you see yourself working and thriving in ? If you feel that you are being mistreated then I'd talk with the intern manager and respectively resign from the position.
Replythank you for giving me a clearer perspective, i appreciate your comment a lot. this internship has honestly taught me so much already (despite the no-so-friendly environment) and i am trying to make the best out of it as much as i can and so far, i think i'm doing well (experience wise). even if my boss isn't cooperative, i try to seize opportunities and just get myself out there to prove to myself and also her that i am determined and i am worthy of respect.
like you said, my coworkers do make it clear that they don't want to be friends with me, which is fair, i just expected us to be kinder to each other, but also i can't expect people to only react in a way that i like and that's totally okay.
you made me realize that i should just act professionally and that it's okay for it to be that way, and to also weigh the pros and cons of that internship. i'm still looking into that as of now and hopefully it works out, if it doesn't, i'll find something else. thanks again.
Reply