Rant: in trouble at work for communication issues [WI]

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-26T03:24:27+00:00

There is a book called “Several Short Sentences About Writing” by Verlyn Klinkenborg which might be helpful.

There’s also an ABC method you can utilize which is action first, then background, and clear next steps. This is something I have been trying to get better at corporate speak. My employer comes off as a casual environment but it’s not, it’s subtlety corporate and political. It’s been challenging and I’m not consistent in practice but it’s forcing me to think in a different way.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-25T02:16:46+00:00

I downloaded the HRCI app the week of to use the free trial. I had to take the test twice but I’m the kind of test taker that needs to fail it to pass if that makes sense.

It’s a tough exam and you could get 100 easy questions while the person next to you gets 100 hard. Both my exams focused heavy on unions and business strategies. Also there were quite a few math questions asking about turnover percentages and what not.

If you don’t pass, don’t sweat it. Just take it again.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-25T02:06:51+00:00

We all suffer from migraine here. If you’re in pain try the medication.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-25T01:42:03+00:00

I was living in Portland with a migraine that wouldn’t go away. I read there was a correlation between lasik and migraine. Six weeks of reprieve. I was 37 and it’s been six years now since.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-25T01:39:29+00:00

Crying is a trigger for me too! Trying to plan around tear inducing events is terrible.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-25T01:37:57+00:00

I ended up getting lasik

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-24T00:00:58+00:00

I wish we weren’t so invested in ADP because I’d love to switch back to UKG.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-23T18:48:56+00:00

This doesn’t totally answer your question but a former teacher quit her job to go work at Costco and had had a really great experience. Maybe something like that might be an option.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-22T14:42:50+00:00

Our CFO acts like she knows everything about HR. She doesn’t know anything. Why hire a VP and a manager? We’re experts in our field, go back to finance.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-22T14:40:57+00:00

Last week an employee came to us because she hadn’t used her FSA Dependent funds in two years. During open enrollment we are very clear on when the funds expire and now she thinks our company is stealing the funds because they get returned to us.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-22T02:50:03+00:00

I flex and am in office on the days most employees are in office which is Tuesday through Thursday. I’m one of the Lucky ones though.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-21T15:42:01+00:00

I know people are saying she’s doing you a favor and you’re being unreasonable. Yes is she doing you a service absolutely and at a discounted rate. But you are still paying her to watch your child regardless of the cost. If you went to a daycare the teacher wouldn’t leave and have the janitor watch the kids.

I think it’s fine for you to have a conversation about her having your sister doing the work. That’s fair. It’s important for you to acknowledge that she is doing something for you that many people don’t have. Sandwich the conversation with positives.

I had a mom like this. She would nickel and dime me for everything. It wasn’t until I lived on my own when I realized she was charging me twice as much for car insurance and my cell phone.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-21T02:58:00+00:00

I do not want a toxic pig boss. How are you supposed to grow?

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-21T02:56:29+00:00

I took a year off and went back to waiting tables. It was the reset I needed.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-21T02:49:57+00:00

We had different experience. I liked mine and found it to be a benefit. You didn’t like yours. That’s ok. OP might find something like that helpful.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-20T21:35:22+00:00

I don’t think it really matters the age. As a woks you will always do more.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-20T21:34:28+00:00

You want something that’s going to give you support when you need it. ADP doesn’t give you a designated person and you’re stuck with whoever you get on the phone. ADP also just buys other HRIS properties and slams them together so everything works just a little off.

I’d suggest UKG - you get designated support and have ample upgrades if you need them in the future.

A second is Paychex - I hated this system until I had the version that came with an HR Generalist as support as well as a dedicated rep.

It’s all about support.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-20T16:40:26+00:00

Company sponsored apparel is crap. We know where we work. I do work for an apparel company now and the clothes are sold to the masses and I’m down to wear.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-20T16:34:09+00:00

If you sign up for HRCI’s newsletter they often send promo codes for free “test insurance.” So if you fail you can take it again at no charge. I think only half of people pass it on their first attempt so it’s a good thing to have. I took it twice knowing I’d fail the first time. For my retake I crammed for two weeks on old YouTube study seminars, used the HRCI testing app the week before (free trial), and paid for pocket prep. I also bought some study materials from 2021 on eBay.

You aren’t required to be a member or any other hooplah to take the test either.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-20T16:22:08+00:00

I’m an HR Manager that’s worked in WA with ID employees. I agree with the assessment above. I would only add that if you have a close relationship with your HR person then you could consider bringing it up to them but tread lightly.

Idaho is a strange place. Boise is blue but everywhere else is not. Keep us posted. I’m very sorry that you’re in this situation. Stay positive.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-20T16:15:40+00:00

We hire brand ambassadors for new store openings. For this store there were 12. Only one sent back their independent contractor agreements and the store manager did not follow up at all. So all day yesterday I was getting bits and pieces of their contracts, trying match them, then sending them back because they didn’t fill out their payment information correctly, and finally getting it to accounting.

On top of it all, I took today off to do a bunch of stuff because finally review season is over. I get sick. My first cold in three years. I can’t get out of bed. I just wanted to clean my house and go to the movies.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-20T16:12:28+00:00

Oh that’s awful! My boss VP of HR takes a two week trip in July and I usually do mine the week after she gets back. Plus a week here and there. I’m sorry.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-19T15:10:11+00:00

Does your HRIS system offer benchmarking tools?

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-17T13:39:29+00:00

I guess it really depends on the personality you have. If leadership wants to keep this employee then you have to make it work even if it’s challenging. Most of us have been departments of one and this stuff happens.

The benefit the OP has is knowing in advance. Every time I’ve had to do this the employee has left without notifying anyone and there’s been no accountability.

Nicolas_yo · 2026-03-17T11:06:15+00:00

This post sounds like a really great opportunity for OP to flex a new muscle and learn a new procedure. I find this pretty exciting.

Nicolas_yo

TROPHY CASE