From Issue #24
And then some...

Get A Grip on Work Issues
Stress on the Job? You bet.
Learn to handle difficult situations with ease

Work isn’t always going to be easy. Every job offers its own challenges—odd hours, demanding customers, irritating elevator music. Unfortunately, there are often far more stressful issues that can make having to go to work feel like a job in itself. On the bright side, if you’re able to minimize stress, you may just enjoy your job that much more.

The challenge: Finding time for homework
The scenario: Sometimes 24 hours in a day just aren’t enough. Balancing
the time you need for homework with the hours you’re paid by a company to
work can be tough. Just remember, jobs come and go, but a great education
lasts a lifetime.
How to handle it: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t panic. Simply speak
to your boss and try to adjust your hours.


The challenge: Gossiping co-workers
The scenario: The whispers and rumours won’t stop. The talk increasingly
bothers you, but you don’t want to contribute to the war of words.
How to handle it: To put a stop to the chatter behind your back, confront
those responsible in a professional manner. Tell them that their behaviour is inappropriate and that you won’t participate.


The challenge: Dating in the workplace
The scenario: Love is in the air and you’ve become romantically involved
with a co-worker. Unfortunately, people who work with you may feel
uncomfortable and grow to resent your relationship in the long run.
How to handle it: Keep things as hush-hush as possible, and keep all flirty business under wraps until you clock out.

The challenge: Sexual harassment
The scenario: It can be a touch, a comment, or a suggestion—all of which
are wrong. If someone is paying you unwanted or inappropriate attention,
either verbal or physical, it should not be tolerated.
How to handle it: Confront the person immediately—if you don’t step up,
they may do it again or do it to someone else. If he or she persists, report
the occurrences to your supervisor, or to the proper authorities, if need be.

 

When’s the right time to leave? Leaving a job is never easy and can definitely cause a lot of stress. You have to know when it’s time to go, and make sure you are leaving for the right reasons. “If you’re not motivated to go to work and [to] do your best while you are there, then maybe it’s time to move on to greener pastures,” explains Lily Lumsden, general manager of the YMCA Career Development & Learning Centre in Burlington, Ontario. “By sticking around, you are not doing anyone any favours.”

How to do it: When you feel it’s time to leave a job, try not to leave anyone hung out to dry. Do your best to give your boss at least two weeks written notice. Include the date you are leaving and your signature. This will give your employer a chance to find a replacement, and could pave the way for a valuable professional reference for future job opportunities.

 

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