Q&A: Contractor wants ungrateful staffer's job

July 18, 2012

Q&A: Contractor wants ungrateful staffer's job

Post a comment |
E-mail |
Print
- Share:

By Karla L. Miller / The Washington Post
Q: I have been contracting for a company for more than a year. I am reliable and hardworking. I have a co-worker in a full-time position who takes personal calls, even chatting online with a webcam. He’s loud and has a foul mouth. On more than one occasion, I’ve heard him say loudly, “I HATE my job!” He’s constantly in some state of stress or panic, most likely because he doesn’t have to time to fulfill his duties because he’s always doing something other than working!

Somehow he has all our managers wrapped around his finger. I just know I could do this person’s job better, and be nothing but appreciative. Would it be totally out of line to approach our manager and let him know that if the position ever became available (Hint, hint: Fire him!) I would love to be considered?

A: Totally out of line -- and futile. Being a contractor is like being an opening band: You have to rock your heart out to win the audience over. The headliner, meanwhile, staggers onstage late, fumbles lyrics, plays the same three chords for an hour -- and still has groupies swarming the stage door.

Also, you have to account for every billable minute, while the salaried slacker takes home the same paycheck whether he spends his time on marketing or Minesweeper.

Assuming you actually want a full-time gig in what sounds like a dysfunctional sitcom, all you can do is rock on with your hardworking, reliable self -- and keep your boss aware of it -- so that when a position opens up, you are the top candidate. Just realize that if you succeed, you’ll likely end up working with, or for, this potty-mouthed prat.

Submit questions to Karla L. Miller at wpmagazine@washingtonpost.com.

Post a comment |
E-mail |
Print
- Share:

0 Comments

Q&A: Contractor wants ungrateful staffer's job

0 Comments

Leave a comment