A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:HiI started a new job and before we signed the contract,I asked my boss that I do not to wish to do particular tasks at work - which we have discussed at the interview but he forgot all about them once he handded out the tasks...I reminded him, and he agreed.One thing the boss was NOT wise to do, was the transition of these tasks from under my name to another colleague. The transition was NOT transparent, and thus the colleague, saw my name and most surely did NOT know what happened during the interview between me and the boss, who obviously forgot to keep in mind my "condition". Now my question is: I feel that the colleague is very much offended and hardly cracks a smile at me even when I greet her using her name. It is true that I pretended I knew nothing about the matter, when I overheard her venting her spleen, because it does NOT affect me, I am NOT to blame if the boss forgot to rectify my timetable given my condition, on the account of this worker of hers. I am not the one who caused her more chores, it was merely the boss's mis-management and failure to meet employers expertise in putting the right man/woman in the right place.Now, do I go on doing my job without justifying since I don't feel I need to justify anything to anyone and was even ready to pack and quit. Or do I confront this co-worker and let her know that it was the boss's fault. thanks in advancex
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reader, anonymous, writes (18 September 2013): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThanks for your replies folks, I appreciate it.I have and will keep my mouth zipped about what went between me and the boss during the interview. And have not nor plan to justify anything to anyone. I just needed extra confirmation from your side, that I did handle it well...As I mentioned earlier, I did make it clear on the day I asked the boss to change my timetable that I was more than ready to LEAVE and could NOT care less if he wanted to do without my services, but he was happy to keep me and understood his mistake at overlooking my status when allocating tasks.I did stick to my guns and refused to be given any tasks to do with certain clientele. However, to make the image of my boss better and since he's been understanding, I did accept to do three hours of the that task per week just to show the boss and everybody at work that I am ready to adapt. That was as much as I could compromise. I do NOT need the job and was offered a better one, and I did brazenly mention that to my boss before sigining the contract. I can go back to my old firm where they're more than happy to have me, or even find a new one. I am flexible and have always been a yes person, and it's the FIRST time ever for me to set rules and preferences. I now do a mixed bag rather than one single chore which not only bores me to death but also might put my health at risk.For privacy though, I will NOT state exactly the nature of the job, but we're in Education, just in case your mind is wondering where it needn't be... :)
A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused  +, writes (18 September 2013):
 I get it. I have severe ADHD that does NOT respond to medication and as such I have some limitations on certain detail oriented tasks. It's in my team's best interest for me to NOT do them. I've been open and honest about it with the team (but we've been together 8 years now) and everyone understands that if it's something I'm good at I'll do it over and over and gladly... but that my doing certain things would mean that someone else would have to double check it all over again actually making double work... so it's better that I limit myself to tasks that I can easily accomplish and contribute meaningfully to the running of our team.
That being said I agree... do NOT bad mouth the boss.... you got it straightened out... that is all that matters.
continue to smile and be as friendly as you can.. do everything you are supposed to do timely and properly and keep plugging along and it will improve over time.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie + ♥, writes (18 September 2013):
 You go to work, do your job, go home.
Give it a little while and it will all settle. Confronting (as you put it) the other colleague who have been there LONGER then you and suddenly is burdened with a bigger workload is NOT the right thing to do.
In a way, you starting the job and not wanting these tasks DID give HER more work, so it's not just about the boss miss-managing. HOWEVER, he should have sat her down and made her understand that she gets these tasks added on instead of passing it on from you(basically) to her (since your name was on it).
Give it a little time. I would DEFINITELY NOT go around talking smack about your boss's mistakes. Nor would I CONFRONT a co-worker. Now if this co-worker comes to you and ask why you aren't doing these tasks, I would tell her that it was agreed upon when you accepted the job, that those tasks were left off your work load.
Put the shoe on the other foot, how would you feel if you were in her position? Would you smile HAPPILY at a new person who cause your work load to be bigger then it was? Or all of a sudden YOU would have to do these (apparently unpleasant) tasks? I bet you wouldn't.
Just keep being polite and do your job.
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A
female
reader, sugarplum786  +, writes (18 September 2013):
 I would be curious as what is the nature of the job, that you don't want to do and the other staff has to do? You cannot go around being critical of your boss, firstly you are new, secondly he has advised the other staff, late but was done.
Also see it from her point of view, unfair that you get to specify what you do and don't. You need to bite your tongue and do your work before you find yourself out of a job.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (18 September 2013): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThanks llifton, I thought so too. To add to the awkwardness some were going out for a drink on Monday night and I didn't join them mainly because I had a sore throat..I don't like to socialise with co-workers, so I'mm bound to be branded as the weirdo/odd one out as I don't drink and I've got different roots! Peace x
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A
female
reader, llifton +, writes (18 September 2013):
 You stay quiet and just do your job. Don't create anymore drama and fuss than need be. Just go in, do your job, and leave.
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