Thursday, July 7, 2022

Job responsibilities (update in the comments)

 I'm getting pretty tired of going up to the school during my summer break. It's been necessary this year because there's no one working through the summer that can (or would be willing to) feed the fish and put fertilizers in the planted aquarium. I've been going up at least twice (sometimes three times) a week to do those things. It's less than two miles from my house and it only takes a few minutes, but after getting let down over the job promotion my heart just hasn't been in it. Then on Tuesday afternoon I had to go up there with Gregg. The principal wanted the big aquarium in the lobby moved to an inner hallway of the office area. It was a big job, but he's a professional and he had it done and looking great in just over 2 hours. I mainly just hung out with him and watched.

I also had another talk with the principal while I was there, at her invitation. When the secretary position didn't work out, I had had a long discussion with her about my current job responsibilities and how overwhelmed I was. How there wasn't adequate staff to cover me when I needed to take a sick day or even a lunch break sometimes. How I had gradually ended up doing the job of two or even three people. So when she asked to speak with me while Gregg worked on the aquarium, she wanted to run some ideas past me for making things better. 

First of all, she told me that she couldn't get the district office to approve an addition a dedicated secretary for the guidance department, at least not at this time. That was her first thought for me. Instead, she's giving me a private office and my job description is going to change and I'll be responsible for attendance and discipline record keeping, as well as conducting truancy interventions with families. I'll be the person that helps the guidance department with their records, too.

I'll no longer have to be in the main lobby by the front door, monitoring the camera and who to let in. At the end of last year, they installed weapons detectors and those have to be monitored now, too. I won't have to sign out students, or answer the main phone line, or be the first point of contact for all visitors. Some of that I'll miss, but I won't miss the feeling of juggling dozens of tasks all day long and barely able to keep up. It should be less stressful, and I can take a day off without worrying about anyone having to cover for me. Most of my daily work is about to become much more tedious and pretty boring, but it's essential stuff for the running of the school, and a private office makes up for a lot. It's no extra money, beyond the "step" increase we all get this year, but my stress level should go down after the initial learning curve of my new responsibilities is over. 

While I was typing this the principal called me and asked if I'd be willing to work the student registration days, July 18th and 19th. Of course, I said yes, but........damn it! Two more days chipped off my much-needed summer break. Sigh. I will get extra pay for those two days, though, since I'm not under contract to work them. My first official day back at work is July 25th. It's going to be a very different school year. I hope it's better.


27 comments:

  1. Your new job duties and position sound much better than before! Less stress, no need for coverage and your own office! Frankly, I was worried for your safety, being out in the open foyer and the first person anyone sees when they enter a school. That's very dangerous in these troubled times, alas.

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    1. Yes, Gregg is really happy that I'll be so much safe tucked away in an inner, private office. Being front and center really is dangerous these days.

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  2. It does, on several levels, sound like an improvement. Safer, for starters. Best of luck and keep us posted. This could perhaps lead to other doors eventually opening.
    Paranormal John

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    1. I do think it's going to be safer. That's one positive thing.

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  3. Well, here's a surprise, and not a pleasant one: the principal called my husband this afternoon and told him she wants him to come remove both of the school aquariums. She apparently had a talk with the bookkeeper and thinks the school is spending too much money per year on their maintenance. She could have had the decency to tell him that BEFORE he went to all of the trouble to move the lobby tank! He said she was very curt with him and didn't sound like she gives a shit. And that's a little less money in our pocket each month, too. Gregg's been maintaining those aquariums for years now, far longer than I've worked there. What a disappointment.

    None of this seems to bode well for what to expect from this woman. :(

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    1. You're telling me she didn't know this before your talk???? The cheese is smelling in Denmark.... almost as if she "created" this position to lighten the blow to Gregg you ask me.

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    2. What a strange woman, she sounds very devious.

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  4. You work too much
    Americans have a tendency to

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    1. We kind of have to. It's how things are set up.

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  5. I hope your job description works to plan and you feel less stressed. Schools are stressful enough without all the extra things/

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  6. Oh, Jennifer! At first I was going to say - well, at least she heard you and listened and tried to come up with another plan that would be more suitable. But then after I read about her calling Gregg and asking for removal of the aquariums, I'm not feeling very happy about her in the least. I am so sorry.

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    1. I'm growing increasingly anxious about the new school year, Mary. And I struggle with anxiety anyway, so this is all starting to get to me a little. All these changes, and I'm not thrilled with how she's handling things. At this point I just want to start the year and disappear into my office, doing my work each day, clocking out, and coming home. At least with the aquariums being gone I won't have to worry about checking on the fish during work holidays! Also it's one less thing tying me there. Maybe by next year I can move to another school (at least) if I'm still not happy with her.

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  7. Goodness, what mess. I hope this works out for you, Is she trying to put her stamp on a new job that was run all that well before you came ? The Aquarium could have been handled better.
    Maybe the new office and job description will at least work out better for you.

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    1. She basically told Gregg that she found out how much it costs to service the tanks and she doesn't want to spend the money. Fair enough, I guess. But after letting me down like she did about the secretary position I feel like she could have waited a few months to spring this on us--plus, he JUST moved one of the tanks this week. That's a lot of work to now find out he needs to take it down AGAIN. Not very considerate!

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  8. Extra pay is always a good thing, unless you have to cancel plans to get it. Not being in the lobby is also a good thing. Private offices are nice.

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  9. Oh Darling Girl, my stomach feels the way it does when I know that something is not going to be right but I do it anyway...
    This news is upsetting to say the least. I do not like that woman at all, my first thought about the position and that whole disappointment was "snake in the grass"... An entire school year with her at the helm could be , um, challenging???

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  10. This is not looking like an optimal situation. I hope I am wrong. Best wishes for a happy new year.

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  11. Talk of someone sending mixed signals! Like some of the others here who have commented, at first I thought this sounds good, the woman has some decency after all. But the way she has treated Gregg is just NOT ON.
    Still, your new job sounds a lot safer and less stressful than before. Hopefully, this will at least partly make up for the negative vibes.
    How sad that schools need weapon detectors.

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  12. I really don't like the sound of that woman, Jennifer. I feel for you. xx

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  13. The change in responsibilities and situation sound like a significant improvement, and at least you get paid for those registration days. Too bad about all the summer work, but I hope the rest of the year turns out to be much better.

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    1. Quick note to you...I can't get on your blog and several others hope to work it out !

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  14. Well, it seems like it's a better deal for you, but dang, they could throw some money your way, too. I'd be conflicted, for sure. (Remember My Cousin Vinny? $200 or a good ass-kickin'!) You won't know how this new office and work feels until you're in it - and I am with you, I don't like to feel trapped! Sending GOOD vibes to you!

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  15. ooh, you need to learn how to say nooooooooooooooooooo

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  16. I'm glad that there has been some positive news. I hope they realize how much you do and appreciate it!

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  17. I read your post and was quite pleased with your new position and private office, it has some pluses to it. But then I read about her cancelling the aquariums, and right after Gregg did all that work to move them. The woman seems deceitful! The new position may be an improvement for you though.

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  18. I like to say 'yes - with reservations" or better yet, pause and say "let me get back to you on this" to give you pause. Good luck.

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