How to survive the clique at work?

Question

Just when I thought high school was finally behind me...

To make a long story short, it sucks being the youngest new hire in my company right now. Im not married yet, dont have any kids - so I pretty much dont meet the top 2 criteria to be in the clique at work.

What sucks is that they openly make jokes about my age when we all get together. And I cant say anything back, because they would be insulted that Im calling them "old."

Now they're starting to CC my boss on emails, if they correct me on things...GREAT...

Im trying to keep my job, and do my best - and I dont really feel supported at work with their attitude. I feel like they WANT me to quit, just so they can have their happy little mommy-circle again...minus the young newbie. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!

PS - I've tried "just ignoring them" and laughing along with their jokes at my expense. I need an option thats empowering.

Answer 1

Steve's right - the best thing you can do is to make yourself known to the people who outrank the cats in the kitchen.  After all, you aren't aspiring to THEIR jobs - you want to rise above them.

Make sure you visit your boss's office often - and report to him/her directly about the work you are doing.  Think of your boss as your equal, and you will have a better sense of self - it is time to grow out of all those 'respect your elders' ideas that will no longer serve you well.  If the 'elders' are under 50, it doesn't count.

  Deal only in facts and the work at hand - whatever you do, don't play into any of the goings-on in the lower ranks.  Be polite and cooperative, but down deep, your job depends upon those who are in a position of decision-making. Keep in mind, you cannot be fired unless you are found to be stealing from the company, or some other major infraction.

  These days, it takes a LOT to be sent packing, and although they can try and make you look bad, but if you are actually doing a competent job- and making it easier for them to do theirs, that will be a matter of record, and you will have kept that in view of your boss - and his/her boss, if you're smart.

Remember how it is in the real world - not in the office, but how you would like to be treated by others, and no doubt treat them.  Remember the simple saying, "If you can't say anything nice, say nothing at all".  It will come in handy down the road, as you will not be quoted saying anything you will regret.

  Instead, make sure you do your best job, and make sure that you 'check in' with your boss, and the person above him - as well as perhaps someone in anotehr department who has influence, whose attention to your work can be explained.  The farther your reputation goes for being a help to the company, the more strength you will have, and no cackling bunch of women will be able to touch you.

  Your best defense is to simply be more mature and sophisticated than the clique, and you will soon find yourself in with the boys - and that is a whole different world.

   Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best -

                    "Make yourself necessary to someone".

  Not bad advice, in alot of places.

  

Answer 2

here are a few website that might help you out and also find a topic out most of them like and look up on it and impress them by knowing something beneficial to what they talk about don't let them run you down i hope this sites help i have felt this ways before i honestly left that job due to some be 2 yrs younger then my boss and only been there 7 months compare to me being their 3 yrs and i was like 10 yrs younger then my boss she comes to me like don't use you panic attacks as an excuse but why did you throw that cup at  angel i  was like i was trying to get the job done and she started yelling at me and i was like you know i am tired of this you want to take her side i am gone and i left my name badge and took off and never turned back and to this day i still feel like i did the right thing. i hope this help look at from  another person view

Answer 3

My advice: rather than ignore them, bypass them. Assiduously cultivate relationships with the people who DO matter -- your boss and the other decision makers in your company. You cannot stop a group of cats from meowing. All you can do is neutralize their influence by making sure the right people know the value of your work.