Upset....more like pissed off.
Grrrr.... Ok. I am going to vent a bit probably. It may not be very coherent or easy to follow. Just a warning.
I am having a real hard time with my boss. Keepers have to work the holidays of course because the animals need to eat and still be cared for. 3 Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day), 4 areas = 12 openings for 7 keepers. I know I am low on totem pole, BUT i am also the one whose family, whose entire family is the farthest away (10 hours, different state). The next farthest person is the other new keeper whose family is in Buffalo (3.5 hours away), but she goes home often. Almost every weekend she sees her family and friends. The boss is working with her so that she can get home Christmas evening and have several days off after that to spend with family...
When I asked for a few days before Christmas, I was told "No. So and so has asked for the week off, and so and so also needs to be considered.. etc.." Everyone's family, EVERYONES is nearby except for mine. I told her I wasn't going to be able to see my family at all because they can't come see me because of various circumstances.
I haven't seen my family since July. And while, this isn't too big of a deal, generally it really, really upset me when she said "No.". PArt of the problem was the way she said. She was just SUCH a bitch! She didn't care, she didn't listen and there was NO respect at all. I was SO mad and upset. I generally don't cry or get very emotional along those lines, but after walking out to my car, I almost, almost started to cry. I guess I had my hopes up to see my family and my dogs more than I anticipated and for them to come crashing down in such a brutal fashion was shocking and somewhat painful.
The other big issue is that the boss is working with the other new keeper to get her time home. Technically I have seniority over her by 1 month, 2 if you count my month long internship. She is my very good friend, and I don't want to screw her or get her involved in a mess, but I feel that this is horribly unfair. So, I probably will have to pull seniority and try to use it to fight for a day off or two around the holidays.
Another reason I want to get home for a day or 2 over Christmas is that my aunts, uncles and cousins who are all from California are coming to Michigan, my home for the holidays. They only do this every 3 years. Hence, I haven't seen then in at least 3 years.
I don't know. I am so disillusioned by all this. I'm angry, I'm upset, I feel hurt and betrayed. I know this is the real world, but I expected a litlle bit more respect, not much, just a tad.
Now I have to decide whether I let it all slide, or talk to my boss. And if I do talk to her and remain calm, do i fight for a day or so somewhere around the holidays? When she tells me, "tough" do I tell her that I will remember this, that this is poor management, that I am giving her my 2 weeks notice and quit? . I'm upset, but quitting seems drastic. I really need more experience as a keeper before I can get another position. Though, I am applying to other places. I have lots and lots of resumes going out to zoos and wild animal parks all over the country, but I haven't heard anything back yet . Keep your fingers crossed for me and if you know of any jobs taking care of animals feel free to let me know all the details. :)
I sometimes wonder if I will ever find a place where I will be happy for a sustained length of time. Sorry, slipping into a bit of a lethargic attitude.
Anyway, I think I am done venting. For now, at least.
I am having a real hard time with my boss. Keepers have to work the holidays of course because the animals need to eat and still be cared for. 3 Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day), 4 areas = 12 openings for 7 keepers. I know I am low on totem pole, BUT i am also the one whose family, whose entire family is the farthest away (10 hours, different state). The next farthest person is the other new keeper whose family is in Buffalo (3.5 hours away), but she goes home often. Almost every weekend she sees her family and friends. The boss is working with her so that she can get home Christmas evening and have several days off after that to spend with family...
When I asked for a few days before Christmas, I was told "No. So and so has asked for the week off, and so and so also needs to be considered.. etc.." Everyone's family, EVERYONES is nearby except for mine. I told her I wasn't going to be able to see my family at all because they can't come see me because of various circumstances.
I haven't seen my family since July. And while, this isn't too big of a deal, generally it really, really upset me when she said "No.". PArt of the problem was the way she said. She was just SUCH a bitch! She didn't care, she didn't listen and there was NO respect at all. I was SO mad and upset. I generally don't cry or get very emotional along those lines, but after walking out to my car, I almost, almost started to cry. I guess I had my hopes up to see my family and my dogs more than I anticipated and for them to come crashing down in such a brutal fashion was shocking and somewhat painful.
The other big issue is that the boss is working with the other new keeper to get her time home. Technically I have seniority over her by 1 month, 2 if you count my month long internship. She is my very good friend, and I don't want to screw her or get her involved in a mess, but I feel that this is horribly unfair. So, I probably will have to pull seniority and try to use it to fight for a day off or two around the holidays.
Another reason I want to get home for a day or 2 over Christmas is that my aunts, uncles and cousins who are all from California are coming to Michigan, my home for the holidays. They only do this every 3 years. Hence, I haven't seen then in at least 3 years.
I don't know. I am so disillusioned by all this. I'm angry, I'm upset, I feel hurt and betrayed. I know this is the real world, but I expected a litlle bit more respect, not much, just a tad.
Now I have to decide whether I let it all slide, or talk to my boss. And if I do talk to her and remain calm, do i fight for a day or so somewhere around the holidays? When she tells me, "tough" do I tell her that I will remember this, that this is poor management, that I am giving her my 2 weeks notice and quit? . I'm upset, but quitting seems drastic. I really need more experience as a keeper before I can get another position. Though, I am applying to other places. I have lots and lots of resumes going out to zoos and wild animal parks all over the country, but I haven't heard anything back yet . Keep your fingers crossed for me and if you know of any jobs taking care of animals feel free to let me know all the details. :)
I sometimes wonder if I will ever find a place where I will be happy for a sustained length of time. Sorry, slipping into a bit of a lethargic attitude.
Anyway, I think I am done venting. For now, at least.