Everyone has had at least one bad experience at a job. Whether it is your co-workers, the customers, or the job itself, working while your in college can have you dreading going to work. After all, these jobs aren't made to be permanent. We take what we can get!
I decided to write this article after coming across a very poorly run car dealership. I'm going to be honest here- most, not all, but most car dealerships operate like this. Nepotism, condescending attitudes, very little training, inappropriate comments, poor management, (etc.) This list is only the beginning.
On my first day at this new 'job', the dress code was thoroughly explained to me, reminding me of its level of importance. The dress code. Not employee conduct, meetings, new hire information, or anything that a new employee should learn. Instead, my mind was filled with superficial information reminding me how people here play grown-up job.
The reason I am expressing my dissatisfaction so quickly is because this environment was extremely toxic. Shortly after my lecture on the dress code, I became very aware of how employees behaved. The person training me was very condescending, but had me fooled for my first day- she acted like my friend, as someone in favor of my great work ethic and willingness to step out of my comfort zone. That is until I made one wrong move.
I was in undergrad while working at this silly car dealership. I became craving something more meaningful than the daily grind of making coffee. Looking back, I'd trade serving than this job any day.
On my first day, I was briefly introduced to everyone in the building. One man decided to later come over to me at the end of my first day, and say, "everyone who works here is retarded." Yes, those were his exact words. I sat there speechless, disgusted, and confused. He went on to say that this job doesn't require a Ph.D. - no kidding. If you can pretend to be nice, in that cringe type of way, where putting on a fake smile makes you feel drained by noon, this is that job.
I was confused at this point about why that comment was made. I was supposed to feel safe and comfortable at a new job. This was not that. Aside from that, the job itself was extremely vague. There were no real tasks for me to do, the 'dealership' wants you to overly dress, use fancy words, and sit there waiting for a rich snob to rudely grab your attention.
I was very bored. The person training me was VERY full of herself, of course, because she had done that job for 5 years. Did I forget to mention that her spouse was the manager? And everyone who works there is somehow related to someone else? Yeah, that was fun...
I learned very early on that I was expected to be an expert at this job. I was supposed to greet people with a phony, fake, script like phrase over the phone, and if I was not perfect at that within 1 week, I was looked down upon.
I was left alone for extended periods of time, the 'meetings' were filled with pointless information that only they would consider important. At the end of my first week, I was left alone, expected to transfer phone lines, greet clients, complete busy work, etc. After 4 days filled with meaningless small talk, inappropriate comments, and dress code lectures, I was expected to be an expert at this 'job'.
The reason I put quotes around the word job is that it isn't really a job. Making people feel intimidated by wearing heels and dresses and using fancy words isn't a career, its barely a task. It is sad because to these people, it is. And they thrive off making others feel bad.
To say that I was mistreated at this job is an understatement. I wouldn't be surprised if the only reason they hired me was to fill some sort of obligation. Imagine the "popular" or "mean" girl in your high school, and that is how everyone at this job behaved. Condescending, cruel, and just unfriendly.
Now let me clarify: I am not writing this to be even more mean than them, justify my leaving this job, put anyone else down, etc. I am simply venting about my horrible experience, reminding others that sometimes jobs aren't always how they seem. This particular job is heavily predicated on intimidating others. That's the car 'biz.
At this dealership, Audi's and BMW's were sold. Most, not all, but most drivers of those cars can be stuck up. Not only did we have demanding clients, but we also had very condescending employees. My guess is that the employees behaved in such a way to make themselves feel better. You know, being middle aged waiting on customers isn't the most satisfying, and doesn't exactly scream success. No excuses: treat people with respect. The person training me was so focused on her own reputation and selfishness that my being trained was the last of her priorities.
I am someone who doesn't care what car you drive, how much money you make, or where you went to school. If you treat me with respect, I will treat you the same. I will welcome anyone into my life with open arms, as long as they treat me how they wish to be treated.
The person training me was very full of herself. It only added to the stress, fear, and pressure I felt starting this new job. It's worth mentioning that this job didn't include actual tasks. My primary responsibilities included sitting down, shutting up, and looking professional. That was their motto. Sadly, this is a lot of car dealerships mottos.
On my last day of "training", I was brought into a room and for lack of a better term, insulted. I was told that my confidence needed improvement. I was also told that there was no position for me here.
I'm sorry, but I'm just as confused as you are reading this. I was confident that with my level of education, combined with work ethic and desire to succeed, never mind a positive attitude, I would excel in any area of employment given to me. I was confident that people should be treated with respect, no matter what the circumstances. I was confident that using the term "retarted" isn't acceptable at all, but especially in the workplace. I was confident that my co-workers put others down to make themselves feel better. I was confident that this "company" is filled with nepotism, toxic people, poor management, and a widespread lack of maturity.
My only guess is that because I didn't drink the kool aid, or fall into this snobby pretentious way of thinking, I was looked down upon or thought of differently. Everyone here acts like they are better than you and you will be looked down upon if you don't act the same. I felt ridiculed and judged only for doing this "job" the way that they ask.
Do not work in a car dealership, especially in an already up tight atmosphere like Cape Cod. I hope that these individuals find their peace - and can act their age without putting others down. Sad, despicable, and just ridiculous doesn't even begin to describe my experience here.
What goes around comes around, right?
