Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Aug 8, 2014 0:51:42 GMT -5
But that is exactly what he is doing. I say that because his first thought is to challenge the decision everytime the supervisor has an issue. First with performance and not following her requests, now this. I agree with you but I don't think Phoenix thinks of it that way. I could have gotten my former supervisor on A LOT of technicalities and according to the employee handbook I had every right to do so if I chose. I probably would have won. But after discussion I decided it was far more important to salvage my future employability than to be right. Phoenix isn't doing anything wrong by having challenged his former supervisor or this one, I just don't think he's aware of how much long term damage he's doing in the eyes of future prospective employers. Sometimes you need to tuck your tail in-between your legs and run. I'm not sure where everyone is getting the idea that I'm hot to trot to challenge my employer. Believe it or not, I haven't actually challenged anyone on anything yet. I've expressed frustration and discussed PLANS to challenge things, but I have not made a move yet.
The jobs I've applied for aren't just for show. I've stated many times that my goal is to get out of dodge before going toe to toe with management.
The saying goes "hope for the best, prepare for the worst." I'm hoping for the best by applying for jobs and "tucking my tail and running" but preparing for the worst by documenting things and planning strategies. Believe me, I know fighting the boss and trying to be "right" is a lopsided battle best left unfought.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Aug 8, 2014 7:40:12 GMT -5
How did your interview go yesterday?
Sent from my ADR6410LVW using proboards
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Aug 8, 2014 7:42:17 GMT -5
I just don't know what else to do though
Definetly check out hospitals and universities. We have an entire radiation safety department they handle all the labs on campus and all the offices in the hospital that deal with radiation.
I'm not sure what they make but it seems like a pretty good deal.
Environmental safety might be another one to consider as well or Lab safety.
Lab safety wouldn't be radiation but you are in a unique position since you've been on the government side. You'd be a lot more familiar with dealing with the federal side of things than some inspections I've encountered. I'd bet any office would be thrilled to have you.
I don't think you're 100% fault and I totally agree it takes two to tango, but something's going on. It was a bitter pill for me to swallow when I forced myself to recognize a lot of the things I did wrong in my previous job. I can't think of anything I could have done to make it "right" because at the end of the day it was the PI's decision to go that route, not mine. But introspection did help me avoid similar pitfalls at this job, it also helps I now work for people whose personalities line up much better with mine too.
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Aug 8, 2014 7:45:23 GMT -5
How did your interview go yesterday? Sent from my ADR6410LVW using proboards
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happyhoix
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Post by happyhoix on Aug 8, 2014 7:48:10 GMT -5
Do you have access to an employee assistance program? If not, look up counseling services for your area and see if you can find a counselor who could do a personality assessment for you.
Everyone has their own personality, but people generally fall into personality types. There are a lot of ratings scales clinicians use to peg people into what 'type' they are - one common one is the Briggs Meyers. You can find a test for it on line. It will help you find which 'type' you mostly are (rarely is someone 100% one type or another) and once you know that, and once you understand something about other people's personality types, it can help you figure out what kind of boss meshes the best with your type.
I'm an old broad, and I've worked about 30 years, for a wide variety of bosses, and I know that I'm an INTJ personality type (which is a quirky personality type that often annoys other personality types - and it's also the smallest personality type, at 1 - 2% of the population) so I know now, when I sit down for an interview with someone, if he has a certain type personality, he and I will clash. And knowing that I have kind of a weird sense of humor, I've learned, in professional settings, to keep my mouth shut and stick to business so I don't annoy anyone. This self reflection has helped me a lot in my professional life.
By the way, there is no 'good' or 'bad' personality type, you just are what you are, but some personalities don't mix very well, so it's helpful to not marry or work for one of the types that you aren't compatible with.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Aug 8, 2014 8:59:45 GMT -5
How did your interview go yesterday? Sent from my ADR6410LVW using proboards As far as I can tell, it went pretty well. I was only caught off guard by one (minor) question relating to safety interlocks. I think I answered their questions effectively and was able to relate my past experience to the current job duties.
I have two more later today.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Aug 8, 2014 9:04:06 GMT -5
Good luck phoenix. Keep us posted.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Aug 8, 2014 9:04:15 GMT -5
I just don't know what else to do though
Definetly check out hospitals and universities. We have an entire radiation safety department they handle all the labs on campus and all the offices in the hospital that deal with radiation.
I'm not sure what they make but it seems like a pretty good deal.
Environmental safety might be another one to consider as well or Lab safety.
Lab safety wouldn't be radiation but you are in a unique position since you've been on the government side. You'd be a lot more familiar with dealing with the federal side of things than some inspections I've encountered. I'd bet any office would be thrilled to have you.
I don't think you're 100% fault and I totally agree it takes two to tango, but something's going on. It was a bitter pill for me to swallow when I forced myself to recognize a lot of the things I did wrong in my previous job. I can't think of anything I could have done to make it "right" because at the end of the day it was the PI's decision to go that route, not mine. But introspection did help me avoid similar pitfalls at this job, it also helps I now work for people whose personalities line up much better with mine too. A lot of jobs outside the government want you to have a CHP certification. I hope to get one over the next couple of years, but it will take time. But I suppose it's something to consider, doing safety outside the government, perhaps in a hospital or university environment.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Aug 8, 2014 9:08:09 GMT -5
I think some of my problems have been related to my Asperger's. While I don't think I do anything too weird, I think sometimes my mannerisms and ways of interacting with people rub them the wrong way. Showing facial expressions isn't something I'm good at, and as a result, people can't tell if I'm joking or not. I think in the past, some people have gotten offended when I didn't really mean anything. So I don't joke around much at all at work, but that too can lead people to dislike you. There may be other things like that I'm not aware of.
I think happyhoix is right, some of my problems I don't think are related to my competence or the way I do my job, but how others perceive me. In other words, a personality clash.
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Bonny
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Post by Bonny on Aug 8, 2014 9:38:59 GMT -5
I think some of my problems have been related to my Asperger's. While I don't think I do anything too weird, I think sometimes my mannerisms and ways of interacting with people rub them the wrong way. Showing facial expressions isn't something I'm good at, and as a result, people can't tell if I'm joking or not. I think in the past, some people have gotten offended when I didn't really mean anything. So I don't joke around much at all at work, but that too can lead people to dislike you. There may be other things like that I'm not aware of.
I think happyhoix is right, some of my problems I don't think are related to my competence or the way I do my job, but how others perceive me. In other words, a personality clash. I believe Asperger's IS a big part of the problem and that you need to seek some counseling/coaching classes which could help you respond more appropriately (or perhaps more "within the norm"). Sure it will initially feel like you're "acting" but over time you'll get better at it and it will come more naturally.
But I also think that this manager is too young/immature/inexperienced to be able to work with folks who don't immediately jump to her beck and call.
You'll get through this Phoenix and hopefully you'll get some positive lessons out of it.
Good luck with the job interviews!
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emma1420
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Post by emma1420 on Aug 8, 2014 9:50:03 GMT -5
I think some of my problems have been related to my Asperger's. While I don't think I do anything too weird, I think sometimes my mannerisms and ways of interacting with people rub them the wrong way. Showing facial expressions isn't something I'm good at, and as a result, people can't tell if I'm joking or not. I think in the past, some people have gotten offended when I didn't really mean anything. So I don't joke around much at all at work, but that too can lead people to dislike you. There may be other things like that I'm not aware of.
I think happyhoix is right, some of my problems I don't think are related to my competence or the way I do my job, but how others perceive me. In other words, a personality clash. Does your current supervisor know about the Asperger's? Right now I don't think it would do any good to tell her if she's not already aware. But, it may be helpful in your next job to talk to your direct supervisor up front and let him or her know that sometimes you can offend without meaning to, and that you hope that if you do offend someone that they tell you that, so that you have an opportunity to clarify what you mean. I also think Bonny is right about your manager being too young/immature/inexperienced to deal with anyone who doesn't do exactly as they are told.
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HoneyBBQ
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Post by HoneyBBQ on Aug 8, 2014 10:42:16 GMT -5
Are you CHP eligible? It might be a nice goal for you to work towards, and diversify your employment opportunities. Good luck, P.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Aug 8, 2014 14:26:16 GMT -5
Are you CHP eligible? It might be a nice goal for you to work towards, and diversify your employment opportunities. Good luck, P. Nearly. You need 6 years of experience in health physics before you can be a CHP, I have 5.
I'll have to pass two exams, which are pretty tough from what I hear. The failure rate is crazy high. I plan on taking part one next year, if I can. It's like taking the bar or the CPA exam, it's a tough test.
It would greatly help my employment opportunities if I could get it, but it'll be two years before I can complete the process. Typically you take part one of the exam one year and part two the next.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Aug 8, 2014 14:36:01 GMT -5
I had the other two interviews today.
The first was strange. They only asked four questions and it was over in less than 15 minutes. I got the impression it was "phoned in" like they were interviewing me just because they had to interview so many candidates. But who knows, maybe that's how they roll. I thought I answered the four questions effectively.
The second went better. I got brownie points for doing such a thorough research job on the agency. The interviewer seemed pleased with my responses and I thought I communicated effectively. I should hear back from them next week.
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Aug 8, 2014 14:43:03 GMT -5
I hope you do hear back from them soon. And with good news!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2014 18:49:18 GMT -5
For what it is worth, from my personal experience....
I know that I don't always come across well to other people. I started having that conversation with people about how I often say things that seem to come out wrong or offensive when I do not really mean them too. I started telling people, in my personal life, that I suffer from depression and sometimes I just can't answer the phone when they call, or whatever...
I have found that both understanding how other people see you, and giving a bit of explanation from time-to-time, can really go a long way in helping the situation.
People can be understanding, but they need the information first.
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Aug 8, 2014 18:56:08 GMT -5
I hope you do hear back from them soon. And with good news! Yeah that.
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Abby Normal
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Post by Abby Normal on Aug 20, 2014 13:22:55 GMT -5
I had the other two interviews today.
The first was strange. They only asked four questions and it was over in less than 15 minutes. I got the impression it was "phoned in" like they were interviewing me just because they had to interview so many candidates. But who knows, maybe that's how they roll. I thought I answered the four questions effectively.
The second went better. I got brownie points for doing such a thorough research job on the agency. The interviewer seemed pleased with my responses and I thought I communicated effectively. I should hear back from them next week. Any updates? Inquiring minds want to know!
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Aug 20, 2014 18:32:50 GMT -5
I had the other two interviews today.
The first was strange. They only asked four questions and it was over in less than 15 minutes. I got the impression it was "phoned in" like they were interviewing me just because they had to interview so many candidates. But who knows, maybe that's how they roll. I thought I answered the four questions effectively.
The second went better. I got brownie points for doing such a thorough research job on the agency. The interviewer seemed pleased with my responses and I thought I communicated effectively. I should hear back from them next week. Any updates? Inquiring minds want to know! I suppose there are.
I didn't get the latter job, and haven't heard back officially from the one that lasted 15 minutes.
However, HR for the job I interviewed the day before contacted me and wanted some official personnel paperwork for "paperwork they were preparing." Obviously they wouldn't have asked for anything if they were going to deny me the job, so I think it's safe to assume they'll offer it to me. But that was about a week and a half ago, and I haven't heard anything official yet.
While it's good, the problem is the job is basically an inspector position with the Navy, and will require quite a bit of travel. There are good things about the job, like the opportunity to get a higher grade, on the job training, and the prospect of doing international travel. I'll probably take it if offered.
The same organization contacted me today however, and wanted to interview for another position I applied for at a lower grade. I'm not sure why they want to do this, but I guess I will play ball. The interviewer will be the same guy from last time.
Regarding my current job, nothing much new, except now I'm doing virtually nothing. There's not enough work in the warehouse for anyone, so I just sit around all day.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 20, 2014 21:12:30 GMT -5
Good luck! I know you don't care to travel a ton, but getting out of there is the first step, and hopefully from there you will have more options.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Aug 20, 2014 23:22:06 GMT -5
Good luck! I know you don't care to travel a ton, but getting out of there is the first step, and hopefully from there you will have more options. It's good experience. And I'm glad they offer extensive job training, which I think increases in my chances of being successful on the job. If offered the job, I'll go through the NRC's inspector training program, which lasts about a year and a half. Obviously I'll need to work hard and do well in the program, but I'm glad they're doing that instead of throwing me in the deep end. If I can get through that, it will be good training to have under my belt and help in future jobs. If I can stay for 3-4 years, I should be able to apply for other jobs at a later time.
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happyhoix
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Post by happyhoix on Aug 21, 2014 8:16:33 GMT -5
Good luck! I know you don't care to travel a ton, but getting out of there is the first step, and hopefully from there you will have more options. It's good experience. And I'm glad they offer extensive job training, which I think increases in my chances of being successful on the job. If offered the job, I'll go through the NRC's inspector training program, which lasts about a year and a half. Obviously I'll need to work hard and do well in the program, but I'm glad they're doing that instead of throwing me in the deep end. If I can get through that, it will be good training to have under my belt and help in future jobs. If I can stay for 3-4 years, I should be able to apply for other jobs at a later time. Sounds like you have multiple things that might be coming through - good for you.
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Nazgul Girl
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Post by Nazgul Girl on Aug 21, 2014 8:26:57 GMT -5
Best wishes, Phoenix ! I am hoping that things work out great for you !
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Aug 21, 2014 8:57:23 GMT -5
Best wishes, Phoenix ! I am hoping that things work out great for you ! And I'm curious - what's happening with your normal duties? Is someone else doing them? Are they being ignored? In short, is supervisor potentially screwing herself over by not having you doing your standard duties?
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Chocolate Lover
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Aug 21, 2014 11:19:48 GMT -5
Best wishes, Phoenix ! I am hoping that things work out great for you ! And I'm curious - what's happening with your normal duties? Is someone else doing them? Are they being ignored? In short, is supervisor potentially screwing herself over by not having you doing your standard duties? Let's hope so
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Aug 21, 2014 11:52:13 GMT -5
Best wishes, Phoenix ! I am hoping that things work out great for you ! And I'm curious - what's happening with your normal duties? Is someone else doing them? Are they being ignored? In short, is supervisor potentially screwing herself over by not having you doing your standard duties? I'm not sure really, I'm out of the loop.
Before, when I said I was the only person on staff qualified to do the job duties, that is technically true. There is a reactor on site, and they have their own HP who's pretty good. To put it simply though, administratively we're separate, he handles nothing but the reactor, I handle everything else. But we do have the same profession.
Anyway, they made him the interim HP. But obviously it's collateral duty and he can't devote lots of time to it, not as much time as it requires. We also have a technician contract in place for the last two years and she's still coming.
The short answer, I don't know for sure. But my gut feeling is the contractor is keeping the minimum routine regulatory requirements going and the other HP is just doing the audit of the program my boss wants. However, while minimum regulatory requirements might be met, I'm sure there are things that scientists want done, like decommissioning reports reviewed and labs that need decommissioned and permit renewals that aren't getting done. And there's an audit due in August that I'm sure won't get done because no one else has the time to travel to the location. So far, I bet the minimum has been done, but the longer this goes on, the more stuff will start slipping through the cracks and the more scientists are going to start getting pissed off their stuff isn't getting done.
On the other hand, there are some nuances that others might not be aware of. For example, I know who needs constant reminders to do things, and if they aren't getting reminded, I'm sure the scientists aren't doing their routine requirements in a timely manner. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Aug 21, 2014 12:03:21 GMT -5
Interesting. Thanks.
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