Ever get the feeling you can't bl00dy win?!?

[SlugLobber]

I took last week off (hence zero input on here), but before I did, I worked my botty off doing a sneaky protein prep with a protocol I wanted to try (but boss didn't). So, I did it on top of my usual schedule and ended up with 3x the yield I normally get, ultra pure. The mutts nuts of protein preps. I sent him a Powerpoint file of all the data today and what do I get back?

" Just to be clear, priority is xxxxxx protein and we should concentrate on getting more of this"

No 'well done'. No 'wow, that looks good'. Nothing positive whatsoever. Right now it's a good thing he's off site, or I'd tell him where to stick this effing job. If his precious post-doc so much as sneezes, he gets a congratulatory slap on the back. I swear they're having an affair. It's not like I didn't do my regular work, I did this IN ADDITION!!!

[shirlthegirl43]

I don't even pretend to understand a word of it SlugLobber but have a big pat on the back from me

[HeyWayne]

Funnily enough I was having similar thoughts the other day (one of the drawbacks of doing monotonous, repetitive tasks - gives you time to think).

Not sure the last time I heard a heartfelt thank you or well done.

Been doing a lot of thinking lately on teh subject of jobs and career.

At least yours sounds interesting.

Well done from me whatever it was you did.

[allotmentlady]

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) bosses dont appreciate workers too much.............your appreciated on ere xxx

[Flummery]

Ungrateful beggar - lob a slug at him chuck!

[Nicos]

I'd send a covering e-mail saying that you are -of course- prioritizing on protein xxx....but you had a hunch- which you followed up in your own time - which seemed to pay off...and could you also have some feedback as to YOUR results when he has spare time to 'cast an eye over them'?????

Ungrateful person....he should be impressed that you were following a scientific hunch...how else can inventions/discoveries appear from no-where....good on you for thinking laterally!!...it might even of had a spin off regarding what to do to improve the protein yield of the one you are all concentrating on

Can you think up some method of improving the yield of my fruit and veg by 3 fold now please?????

[SlugLobber]

Sure, Nicos. Plant 3x as much. See? Problem solved.

He also said that we needed more cell pellets of x, y and z and we should concentrate on those, too. I have since sent an email back to say that I already have a stock of these in the freezer and the xxxxxx protein I have a second batch of, so it's ALL ready to go. Got a slightly more positive response to that, but I have to say, lobbing slugs at him might be the way to go.

Hope your boss appreciates you a bit more, Wayne. It sucks when they just don't *do* positive reinforcement, doesn't it?

I was dreading coming back to work today. I really enjoyed digging my ditches and catching up on garden stuff last week. I so want to work from home, but alas, there's no room for a lab, lol! My old boss might have been psycotic, but he at least gave praise where it was due!

[Hilary B]

Be thankful you aren't assistant manager of a shoe shop! Friend of mine who is got slated last week because Head Office decided to take customers' word for it, without even asking her whether it was true.
Policy is, sale goods only count for refund if faulty, not for 'change of mind' (but exchange still possible) 2 different customers both decided to demand H/O number etc and deny being told this, so wanted refunds. I KNOW she isn't lieing when she says she emphasised the policy, but she was forced to get in touch with customers and apologise!
She has decided to see what other jobs are going......

[jackie j]

Try working in large supermarkets where you are just a number.
Good on you for doing extra work. I never do anything extra these days no overtime not that there is any as boss wouldnt get such a big bonus, or anything thats not on my list of jobs expected of me.

[rogesse]

Afraid I have to agree with Jackie through experience - being first in, last to leave and putting yourself out earns you nothing except the expectation that you'll always do it

[kirsty b]

I used to work for a supermarket that had a T in the name and lasted only 4 months before I jacked it in.
I now work for the NHS and even on the worst days I wouldn't be anywhere else.

Lob slugs at him, ungrateful so and so. (even though I don't really understand what you do/did, its obvious you must have worked hard to do it)

[SlugLobber]

Doing the work in addition was the only way I could prove that this is a better protocol. It cuts the prep time by 1/3, so it makes me (and thus the lab) more productive and saves me time in the future.

I do fully appreciate the 'being a number' bit. Have been there and done that. Used to have to clock in and everything (do they still do that in factories? By eck, that was ages ago!). Kudos on anyone who can stick it in a supermarket. I can't stand even shopping in them and the urge to smack someone else's kids (AND the parent) must be almost uncontrollable sometimes.

[bobleponge]

Does sound very clever SL, I am truly impressed with everything you have done, even though its far too clever for my small brain.
Not having appreciative bosses seems to be fairly common, and in my experience doesnt really change, no matter how far up the ladder one seems to get. It was something I was acutely aware of as I climbed the promotion ladder myself, and always tried to appreciate the efforts of others.

[willowstar]

Hi SL, he was probably just peed off that you 'discovered' something he didn't... I have worked in research for years now and have come across some horrible PIs who have made it to the top by trampling on people and being hugely competitive. I came up with a good idea at work recently but before the big boss could say, yes, that is a good idea, he first of all had to admonish me for adding a research question in that was not part of the original proposal, but then went on to see that yes, there could be a paper in it so lets do it. Just because he didn't think of it himself I'm sure. So, its just his own insecurities. Think of another tactic and try again I'd say.

[Nicos]

I think I'd do something to protect YOUR research...maybe e-mail you line manager's line manager just to mention what you've done and that you are concerned that your line manager won't be looked at in a 'bad light' for allowing you -in your spare time- to think laterally...
..just a thought...you might put your line manager 'en garde' ...but hay..if you say the right 'nice words' about him- he won't get pulled into check - and your efforts may well be recognised!!!

,,,,don't hide under a stone and let other benefit from your abilities!!!!