work is getting more difficult!

Post Reply New Topic

I am 22 and a supervisor for a major shipping/transportation company. My job forces me to interact with people and communicate constantly in sometimes high-stress operation. It was my original optimism and internal drive that got me this far. Now with the discovery of AS things are getting more difficult. I realize I don't fit in with my co-workers and that I am the oddball out. To mask my deficiencies I just put up a wall and focus strictly on the work at hand and the operation; my manger likes it because I ensure things get done, don't tolerate stubborn employees, and pay great attention to detail. I notice the other supervisors try to befriend everyone and are afraid to give directions and demands to employees. They want to be liked by the people, I could honestly care less whether they like me or not. We are in our peak weak putting in more than 10 hours a day and the demand to conform and integrate is overwhelming. I don't know office politics and science of small talk. The only reason I get respected and listened to so much is because of my management position. Otherwise I'd be walked all over. I just can't see myself doing this job for longer than a few more months.

There is this 18 year old employee on another shift that I am very interested in. We've talked and she seems to reciprocate interest as well. She has stunning eyes and a body that is just jaw dropping. I have no problem breaking policy and dating this girl since she is on another shift but find myself now intimidated and at a loss for words. Tonight she wore this shirt that her chest practically popped out of. What is a guy suppose to do? I plan to double shift the rest of the week and by Friday something may happen or nothing at all. She is really easy going and seems easy to please.

Re-read your post - I don't see a problem there. As a supervisor you don't need to be friends with co-workers. Don't blame the AS for difficulties, it could become a habit. Get it out of your head at work. I waitressed, which is lots of people- you learn tricks to deal with them. Sounds like you are doing a good job. You could come work for me anytime. I wish I had more employees like you. And the girl -- AS or not people always have anxiety about the opposite sex and finding the one. If she likes you great, if not move on. Good Luck

My aspie son-in-law used to be coached before he took my daughter on dates.

Have you seen the dating thread on WP?

Good luck.

You can make "friends" with employees by having very obvious rules and sticking to them. Make sure that you and they know that you won't be playing politics and that the "truth" is all that matters to you.

Be nice to people, but don't play politics and you'll be ok.

I'm agreeing with Sufi on this one--supervisors should be friendly but not friends with the workers they're supervising. The last thing you want to do is take sides or favor some people over others, and getting too friendly will lead to this. You sound like you're very well suited to your job, and congrats on being successful in your career at such a young age!

As for the girl on the other shift, it sounds like you're lusting over her physically more than you are interested in her personality. The fact that she's "easy to please" is not a reason to date her. Maybe try and get to know her better before you make a move, and be sure you know the company policy about dating co-workers. What if she gets switched to your shift? It could jeopardize things.

despaired,

It sounds like you are OK. Personally, I HATE idiot managers that seem to CONSPIRE with employees, and let THEM slack off, while I protect them. One of these days, I may just quit and leave them high and dry. I reduced one obvious ASPIE symptom to get one supervisor fired. He would use my detailed answers, tendency to correct, and willingness to help, to do work and act like he did everything. One day, I didn't speak so much, or correct his mistake. HEY, I didn't tell a lie, or do anything bad. It isn't MY fault that he wanted to go off half cocked.

As for the woman? You are LUCKY(MAYBE)! BE CAREFUL! Some women use their appearance as a weapon. Hopefully she is a good worker, or does things YOU don't supervise A different area or shift doesn't count. Anyway, she can use your actions to blackmail you, or improve her situation. Also, make sure she is at least 18. Of course, if you don't feel tied into your job, you can freely approach her.

I really DO wish you the best, but there are women that think that way, so YOU have to watch it also.