Post: #1

I'm a young guy, 18 years old and still in high school, that is going to do some jobs in the near future to make some money.

I have limited experience with working due to my young age, I have literally only worked 2 days in my life, so I have some really broad questions about it:

- How do I deal with women in the workplace? What's the biggest difference between women and men in the workplace? How do I handle those crazy HR bitches?

- How do I act the best towards my co workers? Should I just act professional and 'sober' with them?

- How would you advise the way I compose myself and act towards my superior/chief/boss? Should I act a bit 'ignorant' by asking a lot of questions?

- What are some things that I should absolutely do or not do at work (as a young guy)?

- What's your view on 'manipulation' at work? I am currently reading '48 Laws of Power' and it would be interesting to apply this at work.

- Which general tips would you give me in terms of work?

I may be asking too much but I want to be prepared well and give off a good impression at work, I want to improve on that matter: I did one job as a cashier in a gas station and I generally had a good work day and I come along pretty well with my co workers. Still, the interim office told me that they (the company in the gas station) didn't want me again because 'I didn't fit into the team'. I wondered why, it was probably because there was some confusion going on with the interim office (I was supposed to do an application according to them but I thought I immediately needed to work which I did and the boss didn't like that so maybe that is why they were thrown off + my young age/limited experience).

The girl at the interim office said I shouldn't worry about it that much and that they didn't really said any specific things about me, or at least she said so. She urged me to act a bit ignorant towards my superiors by asking a lot of questions and not to act arrogant etc and she said she struggled too with finding (vacation) jobs as a teenager so I shouldn't worry too much according to her.

The other day I worked was at a factory and had a little conflict there: we were struggling with something and a superior came to help us and after a while she was getting repetitive at what she was doing and saying and I told her to go away because of that and then she got mad at me (which was a stupid to do/say of course, I know that). I still had a good work day there though but still: the 2 work days I talk about (gas station/factory) weren't 100% successful so I feel a bit insecure about my future working endeavors because of that and that's why I made this thread.

Anyways, I am probably thinking too much about those 2 days and the negative aspect/side of it while there were certainly positive things about it too. I'm going to stop here because I am rambling and it's getting late here...

- Raccoon

Post: #2

Just apply to a lot of jobs and keep your head down.

I've worked over 20 jobs, never had an issue with HR. You literally see them at orientation and then maybe once more if you need to clarify PTO or sick days.

Realize women generally can get away with more and don't look to them to set the high bar that you want to achieve.

Yes ask questions. You're 18 with 2 days work experience, you are ignorant. Though I would wait as long as possible to ask, and if you're still stuck ask a coworker, not your boss.

Don't show up late. Don't say anything stupid. Don't think anyone cares about your opinions. Don't call in sick. Don't stay at a shitty job longer than you have to.

If you have a shitty job my advice is to ALWAYS be looking to move up or move to a better job

Post: #3

Put the 48 laws of power down for the moment. You don't want to be like one of those game noobs that "can't seem to make a connection with girls" because they are saying and doing weird shit they learned in a book.

As Sonoma said, you have to recognize that you're at the bottom of a ladder under people who have much more experience in what you're doing.
Put your head down, be agreeable, listen and do what they say, try to gain as much info about the environment as you can before getting cocky or anything. You're the most easily replaceable person there.

As for women in the workplace, I've always been a fan of "Don't shit where you eat". Avoid drama with them.

Post: #4

I'll be writing a second part to my Corporate Finance data sheet this week and it'll answer some of your questions specifically. However a lot of things in all my data sheets apply to jobs beyond Finance as well. So feel free to take a read. Links in my signature below.

Post: #5

Good posts above. I'll try to address each question. Feel free to ask for further detail, as long as you're specific.

Quote:- How do I deal with women in the workplace? What's the biggest difference between women and men in the workplace? How do I handle those crazy HR bitches?

With respect and courtesy. You are a gentleman to women at work, regardless of what you're like in your personal life. As far as you're concerned, there is no difference between men and women at work. With time, you will learn that there are, but that's not important for you right now. Walk before you run.

Of course, that's not to say you bend over and let them walk all over you.

As for HR, don't think of them as "crazy bitches". That's not helpful. You do not want to piss off HR. Courtesy and respect.

Quote:- How do I act the best towards my co workers? Should I just act professional and 'sober' with them?

Of course. With time, you might establish closer bonds with certain colleagues. However, never consider any colleague to be a true friend. None of my closest friends even work in the same industry as I do, and I prefer it that way.

Quote:- How would you advise the way I compose myself and act towards my superior/chief/boss? Should I act a bit 'ignorant' by asking a lot of questions?

You are your boss' bitch. As long as it's ethical, you have to do anything he/she tells you to. And remember Law 1 of the 48 Laws. There is a reason why it's the first law.

Quote:- What are some things that I should absolutely do or not do at work (as a young guy)?

Do: show up on time, get your work done, ask when you don't know something, listen

Don't: make the same mistake twice, talk too much, shit where you eat, act like you do when you're with your friends

Quote:- What's your view on 'manipulation' at work? I am currently reading '48 Laws of Power' and it would be interesting to apply this at work.

Like Sooth said, put the book down. Stuff like that may (or not, I'm just guessing) explain why you didn't get rehired for cultural fit reasons. Walk before you run. If you have to apply 48 Laws, only apply the ones that are about your own mindset/actions (e.g. Law 1).

Quote:- Which general tips would you give me in terms of work?

Find a more experienced guy who looks like he knows what's up and ask him for some advice on a minor issue. Listen carefully, and apply the advice even if you think it's dumb (if it's really dumb, maybe find another guy). Report back that you followed his advice and what the results were. Rinse and repeat until you have a mentor. Mentors help you learn faster and they're the key to expedited career progression, if that's your thing.

Edit: Awesome Cobra! Your previous datasheets were gold. Looking forward to part II.

Post: #6

(12-29-2015 07:15 PM)RaccoonFace Wrote:  I'm a young guy, 18 years old and still in high school, that is going to do some jobs in the near future to make some money.

I have limited experience with working due to my young age, I have literally only worked 2 days in my life, so I have some really broad questions about it:

- How do I deal with women in the workplace? What's the biggest difference between women and men in the workplace? How do I handle those crazy HR bitches?

- How do I act the best towards my co workers? Should I just act professional and 'sober' with them?

- How would you advise the way I compose myself and act towards my superior/chief/boss? Should I act a bit 'ignorant' by asking a lot of questions?

- What are some things that I should absolutely do or not do at work (as a young guy)?

- What's your view on 'manipulation' at work? I am currently reading '48 Laws of Power' and it would be interesting to apply this at work.

- Which general tips would you give me in terms of work?

I may be asking too much but I want to be prepared well and give off a good impression at work, I want to improve on that matter: I did one job as a cashier in a gas station and I generally had a good work day and I come along pretty well with my co workers. Still, the interim office told me that they (the company in the gas station) didn't want me again because 'I didn't fit into the team'. I wondered why, it was probably because there was some confusion going on with the interim office (I was supposed to do an application according to them but I thought I immediately needed to work which I did and the boss didn't like that so maybe that is why they were thrown off + my young age/limited experience).

The girl at the interim office said I shouldn't worry about it that much and that they didn't really said any specific things about me, or at least she said so. She urged me to act a bit ignorant towards my superiors by asking a lot of questions and not to act arrogant etc and she said she struggled too with finding (vacation) jobs as a teenager so I shouldn't worry too much according to her.

The other day I worked was at a factory and had a little conflict there: we were struggling with something and a superior came to help us and after a while she was getting repetitive at what she was doing and saying and I told her to go away because of that and then she got mad at me (which was a stupid to do/say of course, I know that). I still had a good work day there though but still: the 2 work days I talk about (gas station/factory) weren't 100% successful so I feel a bit insecure about my future working endeavors because of that and that's why I made this thread.

Anyways, I am probably thinking too much about those 2 days and the negative aspect/side of it while there were certainly positive things about it too. I'm going to stop here because I am rambling and it's getting late here...

- Raccoon

Skip the corporate bullshit - most likely fast food since you'll be a student out of high school with little in the way of experience suited for an actual office setting - do a construction job instead. You'll meet men from all walks of life, you'll learn to talk like a man, you'll have little issue with talking like a man (no women are going to run to HR over comments you've made), and you'll build strength and character. All things you will not gain by working in some shitty corporate fast food gig.

Post: #7

(12-29-2015 07:15 PM)RaccoonFace Wrote:  The other day I worked was at a factory and had a little conflict there: we were struggling with something and a superior came to help us and after a while she was getting repetitive at what she was doing and saying and I told her to go away because of that and then she got mad at me (which was a stupid to do/say of course, I know that). I still had a good work day there though but still: the 2 work days I talk about (gas station/factory) weren't 100% successful so I feel a bit insecure about my future working endeavors because of that and that's why I made this thread.

Here's a good way to communicate with a boss, when you're doing a low level shit kicker job.

Listen to everything and then repeat back what you understood.

For example: "OK, when I answer the phone, you want me to help the caller with whatever. Unless it involves X or Y, then you want me to pass it to a supervisor".

Another good way to communicate is to protect the boss from surprises.

If something unusual happens at work that your boss might be concerned about knowing, you say something like: "Today X happened. It's on the security camera at 9:53. I did A, B and C. You don't need to take any action about this if you don't want to. I just wanted you to be aware of it".

The ideal employee for a basic job is someone who's reliable and respectful, can do the job, follows instructions and doesn't make waves.

Post: #8

Regarding 48 Laws, I wouldn't put the book down as others have suggested - I would suggest using it as a way of looking at and evaluating the actions of the people you work with. Don't use the book to make power moves of your own (it's too soon) but the 48 Laws are still great tools for understanding the real power dynamics at play at a workplace.

Post: #9

(12-29-2015 07:15 PM)RaccoonFace Wrote:  The girl at the interim office said I shouldn't worry about it that much and that they didn't really said any specific things about me, or at least she said so. She urged me to act a bit ignorant towards my superiors by asking a lot of questions and not to act arrogant etc and she said she struggled too with finding (vacation) jobs as a teenager so I shouldn't worry too much according to her.

Do not be the kind of person that interrupts saying "yes" "right" "ok" after every little thing that you are told. It sounds like you are annoyed and know more than the person trying to teach you.

I like what someone mentioned above about repeating the instructions after they are given. A combination of this and saying nothing usually works. When you say nothing they will ask if you understand or it's implied that you do understand.

Post: #10

(12-29-2015 09:04 PM)Tigre Wrote:  

(12-29-2015 07:15 PM)RaccoonFace Wrote:  The other day I worked was at a factory and had a little conflict there: we were struggling with something and a superior came to help us and after a while she was getting repetitive at what she was doing and saying and I told her to go away because of that and then she got mad at me (which was a stupid to do/say of course, I know that). I still had a good work day there though but still: the 2 work days I talk about (gas station/factory) weren't 100% successful so I feel a bit insecure about my future working endeavors because of that and that's why I made this thread.

Here's a good way to communicate with a boss, when you're doing a low level shit kicker job.

Listen to everything and then repeat back what you understood.

For example: "OK, when I answer the phone, you want me to help the caller with whatever. Unless it involves X or Y, then you want me to pass it to a supervisor".

Another good way to communicate is to protect the boss from surprises.

If something unusual happens at work that your boss might be concerned about knowing, you say something like: "Today X happened. It's on the security camera at 9:53. I did A, B and C. You don't need to take any action about this if you don't want to. I just wanted you to be aware of it".

The ideal employee for a basic job is someone who's reliable and respectful, can do the job, follows instructions and doesn't make waves.

+1, excellent advice. In cases of complicated/important tasking, I'd do this exercise via email, so you have a written record of the boss saying what they wanted done.

Post: #11

As above, get regular clarification on your tasking. If something doesn't go well, ask for detailed feedback - use this template: "what do you think I should have done differently" or "what would you like me to do differently next time?" This helps focus managerial

Be ready to jump in on anything - extra shifts, new projects, etc - and do anything they need done. You're looking to build skills, make contacts and figure out what roles you want long-term, so take the opportunities available asap.

I'd work hard at cultivating a humble, unassuming, learning personality at work. Don't worry about "gaming" anybody at work with 48 laws or any others - be genial to everybody, get to know them personally on a superficial level. Ask parents about their kids, find things important to your coworkers and make sure they think you care. People are far more motivated to do something for someone they like than motivated by their job description.

When it comes time to leave the job - or if you get fired - resist any temptation to tell off someone at work or make a scene. Say a polite goodbye to everyone you worked with or knew. Remember that most of them will have had nothing to do with your getting sacked, they'll appreciate your politeness and their last memory of you will be a nice one.

Post: #12

(12-29-2015 07:59 PM)Cobra Wrote:  I'll be writing a second part to my Corporate Finance data sheet this week and it'll answer some of your questions specifically. However a lot of things in all my data sheets apply to jobs beyond Finance as well. So feel free to take a read. Links in my signature below.

Good stuff Cobra! Your posts are few and far between but always high value. I'm going to sit myself down and compose a resume writing datasheet after the new year as well to help out those who are just getting into the job market.

Post: #13

Some advice from a guy who has drawn far too much attention to himself in the workplace and has no skill in playing the office politics game.

If you're working entry level jobs, you're going to encounter situations that piss you off and worse yet, may dehumanize you. Some workplaces have a purely dehumanizing culture.

Let this motivate you to develop the skills you need so that in the future, you never have to be anyone's bitch ever again.

In the meantime, keep your head down, always be learning and be smart with your money.

Post: #14

(11-30-2015 04:26 PM)Hannibal Wrote:  

• Keep your mouth shut.
• Do an amount of work that looks like you're above average but it the absolute minimum amount of work you're willing to put in to keep your job.
• If you are truly working in a PC environment, do not fraternize or shoot the shit with your coworkers.
• Screen all your coworkers heavily. Not to find people who are more red pill, but to assess risk.
• If they ask what you do on the weekends, make up something boring. Netflix marathons, community service, helping out your parents with yardwork, whatever.
• Look for other opportunities when you should be working.
• Study your workplace environment to figure out exactly when and how to get away with shit. At my old job I used to do 20 minutes of actual work a day, the rest of the time was spent doing random shit like band curls or reading Kindle online in such a way that it looked like I was working. Sometimes I would do calculus on Khan Academy.
  
  
  I'm basically summing up the thread consensus here.

/thread-52002...pid1160449

To add to this, I would not try any fancy manipulation tactics at the workplace until you have at least a couple months under your belt, you know what's going on at work, and you don't give a shit if you get fired. Weirdly enough, your workplace experience will probably improve when you have that mindset. It did for me.

Also, if you want to advance, you're going to have to sell yourself to your boss. It does not matter how good you are at your job if you're simply the most well oiled cog in the machine. The fastest shit shoveler in the business is still a shit shoveler at the end of the day.

In all likelihood, your boss is not going to have a high opinion of you (a millennial) right off the bat. This is not always a bad thing. If you show up on time for work every day, do what you're told and don't act like a faggot about it you'll have a leg up on your misty eyed, babyfaced, thin skinned peers.

Don't hit on your female coworkers if you want to keep your job. If you notice any red flags don't even fucking talk to them. A good third of all the women at my old job spent most of their time causing drama at work out of boredom. One disgusting gutter hippo in particular claimed sexual harassment and got two good workers fired out of the deal.

Above all, don't complain. You're 18. If you work at a factory, you'll meet 40 year old guys with child support to three different women and they have to make ends meet on what you consider a shitty summer job.

Post: #15

what did you end up doing