Abuse In the Workplace

I'm sure you've all experienced it. I'm sure I'm not alone. We all know what being the "new guy" at a job is like. I've had quite a number of jobs in my "career": Retail, retail management, retail ownership, computer technical, corporate purchasing, deli & restaurant work, & a few other jobs here & there. I've had to deal with the "new guy" syndrome many times, but never have I had to deal with the hostility & rudeness of the kids with whom I'm working now.

Let's set aside the clear fact that getting work the past few years -- growing stronger for maybe ten -- has become more about appearances, those of one's personal look as well as a piece of paper which often hasn't anything to do with the work one does. It's also become more difficult due to another clear fact; one has to know someone to get an interview for many decent paying gigs, but few people are willing to do more than suggest one should apply for whatever position. No one, in my experience, is willing to put themselves forward to a hiring manager by so much as to offer to give their manager a copy of your resume, let alone "talk you up" to the boss.

I know there was a time when knowing someone meant something. I know that there was a time when starting a new job with new procedures & personalities to learn wasn't made more complicated by the abuse of outspoken, short-sighted, judgemental, self-righteous coworkers. There was a time when one could walk into a new job & meet new people who may or may not like you, but were willing to get to know you before they'd judge you inferior.