Possible problems at work. (Co-workers and Task Responsibility)?

	Possible problems at work. (Co-workers and Task Responsibility)? I just started about a week ago at a call center for customer service. The company does health insurance and I handle client inquires and mandarin speaking people. However, of the batch that was hired and some of the people that are still there I have noticed several things and have additional concerns. A little about me: Raised as a Navy Brat by a cool dad that was a Colonel for Intel. Mom was a HS science teacher(Biology) College Graduate with BA in Psychology, Political Science and Philosophy - As such I pick things up pretty quickly and am able to execute most tasks with speed, precision, and excellence. - Somewhat of a leader, unless someone I feel that is better than me establishes themselves. - I have a ridiculousness amount of planning, perpetration, and organization for nearly all my tasks. But this is possibly causing problems at work. - Most of my co-workers are not college educated, nevertheless they do have skills in their respective tasks. But I find myself having to explain what I say (Comments, puns, lunch room conversation, words, quotes) to my co-workers and sometimes even my boss. - Dealing with callers. My degree in psychology helps me in dealing with many if not most of my callers in a professional and courteous manner. Even with heated guests I am able to get them to calm down and then help them. Also, I have a personality that seeks to please because of my dad but mainly my mom. As such my calls are sometimes 30 seconds longer than the typical call, which is perfectly fine. BUT, My boss says that I am TOO nice and professional (I know most of the material because I reviewed it over the weekend) on the phone because with some of the regular callers have started requesting me. - Job Performance: My boss likes my skill set, my enthusiasm, preparedness, and degree of knowledge. But most of the time I find myself giving the correct advice, however they still want me to confirm with them about the correct course of action. -Preparedness. As a teacher my mom has a TON of office supplies. Because my work just moved in about 5 weeks ago they are still setting up. On they third day I was there, I arrived around 30 minutes early (permitted by company policy) and brought a keyboard cushion, document holders, the pens my mom and I like, and just some (company policy approved) nick-knacks a Terra Cotta statue bookend, petrified wood paper weight, Crystal Dolphin that my sister made me for my birthday, Arabian rug with a companion desk lamp etc.) So when everyone came in they were somewhat surprised that I had furnished my table. My boss made a couple jokes about it as did some of the co-workers. In closing, this is my first job out of school and I would like to keep it. However, I just feel that some of my attributes may be a factor. Do you guys have any experience working with a office staff that has a different level of professionalism/ other factor than you and what are your solutions? Asked By: Josh - 10/10/2012

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
So you're the newbe with all the answers. They're so lucky to have an educated overly qualified person like you-----sarcasm. Do as your boss tells you, he signs your check. Stop instigating problems in the office by being so full of yourself, the only one impressed is you. You are setting yourself up for a hard fall. While you may think you are better than your coworkers, there's no good substitute for experience. Answered By: 49 copperhead - 10/11/2012

Additional Answers ()

You just think you are smarter than everyone. You're new, you don't have their mindset. They all explain things a certain way because they've gotten to know what works best. They don't find what you find important because they are senior and know what actually matters to the organization. Stop trying to set yourself apart and act bigger than you are. You're a junior employee. Put in your time and show respect by listening to others. You havent handled all aspects of the job yet so you only take a small amount into consideration when everyone else takes much more into consideration. You either explain things poorly or your lack of knowledge overlooks things that are obvious to senior people which confuses them because they know better ways to go about stuff and dont know why you wouldnt do it that way.. Answered By: F - 10/10/2012

Most jobs have clicks. And most veterans at any job automatically write newbies off. But if you show them respect and are friendly, they will eventually come around. It does however sound like you are intelligent and like to flaunt this and use it to make others around you feel inferior. Now I could be way off but if this is the case take a step back and try to not be SO FREAKIN INSECURE!!!! Answered By: Bryant - 10/10/2012

Well, I'm at a point in life where I don't really have a boss and I can do things as I like at work. Unfortunately, you're not there yet. As you say, this is your first job out of school. It doesn't require independent thinking or leadership. The way for you to succeed in this job is to follow instructions and fit in with the office culture. If that means reducing your call times, checking your decisions with your boss, or not making jokes that other people don't get, then that is what you should do. Trust me, if you do not accept your boss's instructions about how to fit in, you will only create stress for yourself and hold yourself back in your career. The thing is, students are taught that leadership and independent thinking are great qualities to have. They are--in certain jobs. But in jobs where there's a boss who has his/her own vision for how things should be done, employees need to follow instructions. As for people making fun of your supplies, I wouldn't worry about it. Work is often boring in an office and people look for things to be entertained by. You're the young guy and the older workers will make fun of you. That is just how things are. Shrug it off. It isn't a big deal. I had jobs like yours when I was your age. I'll be frank: they totally sucked. Those jobs motivated me to get further education and training and get better jobs. This is what I advise you to do. At your age, my advice is to spend every waking hour looking for new opportunities. If you have to sleep four hours a night to get out of this job (by applying for new jobs, volunteering, going to school at night, working a second job to e********y to travel), then do it. If you speak Mandarin, then I'd bet there are other opportunities out there. Have you ever thought of spending a few years teaching in China? I have a friend who teaches college chemistry at an international school there. Why not think about aiming for something like that? You wouldn't have supervisors breathing down your neck all the time. Good luck. Answered By: Antst - 10/10/2012

1. This job has not molded your perception like the co-workers you talk about but they are not worried about a great job being done or their future in the industry. My brother had a similar situation where he worked with uneducated people and he was educated. They could tell. Let's be real you must understand and get along with them because one day you will be managing them or be higher up. Also a great place to practice your general people skills. I work with people in my job who are the same. Everyone has something interesting about them, you don't always have to find common ground and sometimes you can just listen. It is the best place to learn how to deal with the little guy because later in your life you will be the big girl in a suit. The whole situation with your table, maybe you are getting ahead of yourself. Being efficient and knowing procedure is one thing but going over board to do an easy job is another thing though when a real boss come in they will notice and remember you so keep it up np. Just remember, these are people who just made different life choices then you, get along and don't look down on anyone for any reason. Answered By: Jonny - 10/10/2012

U sound a little full of yourself.. u look down on others cause they r different than u (uneducated Blah blah) Im sure ure not perfect either, so stop analysing why/how u r so much better than everyone and just do ur job and be nice to pple. Working in an office is more about getting on with others than anything Answered By: muskettcat - 10/10/2012

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