Peeve

I have this pet peeve. I'm sure I have several, actually. But this one really puts a bee in my bonnet.

Today after story-time at the public library, my son played in the children's area while I gathered books, videos, and music to borrow. This is our usual routine. When he can, my son likes to have a turn on the computer. Even though he plays computer games at home, I think he thinks it's special to sit at the child-size table at the library and play there. So that's where we were when I couldn't help but overhear the kvetching.

The librarian took a phone call which obviously stirred something in her. Upon hanging up, she proceeded to talk with her colleague (in a non-library-voice, mind you), about this, that, and the other thing. And how she's not going to put up with it any more. There was talk of funding, and volunteers, and blah, blah, blah. And there was lots of head-shaking.

Call me old-fashioned, but I think it's incredibly unprofessional to bitch about your service job in front of your customers -- in this case, the library patrons. Namely me. I was within 10 feet of this bitch-fest.

Is it just me? Or is anyone else bothered by those in service occupations who complain about their jobs in front of their customers? Isn't that what the back room is for? Or lunch outings? I've sure been to many a bitch-fest lunch -- no where near those who fund my paycheck.

I don't get it. Obviously everyone has things they don't like about their jobs. But people have jobs to fill a need, which is paid for by some sort of consumer.

Is it so hard to be a professional? Isn't this common sense?

Comments

[Sarcasmom]

Once I was having a conversation about a customer with some co-workers when another customer ame within earshot. I apologized to her and she said that she was a nurse and if I thougt we were catty Ishould hear what nurses say aout the patients.
I agree with you though. It isn't professional behaviour.

[Chris]

I agree with you completely. I also am one who would have said something. Nothing like pointing out what they're doing! Also along this line is something else that bothers me: When a manager, supervisor, etc., will reprimand or talk down to an employee right in front of a customer. It's horrible for the employee who is being talked to and extremely unprofessional for the supervisor. I even once said in front of a supervisor to the employee that was getting reemed for no reason, "I don't care what he says; I think you're awesome!". The supervisor did manage to look chagrined. LOL

[Uisce]

boy have you got your finger on the tip of what's wrong with everything in society -- bitch bitch bitch and I should be doing bigger and better and greater things because I'm so great and I'm number one and... uggh.

[nat]

I agree with you, and at work we bitch about the customers behind their backs after they leave! ;) Well, only the snotty, know-it-all, mouthy, mean ones anyway.

[Jody]

It was completely unprofessional and I would have approached her supervisor. But then, I'm probably the kind of person they bitch about! :)

[kristi]

Yup. I totally agree with you. Those kinds of coversations should be saved for lunches and walks outside, or at the very least, they should have whispered.

I'll add another complaint-cashiers who gab with their coworkers while waiting on (and ignoring) you.