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Why do I get so mad, so fast, at arrogant young new construction workers, fresh out of school, who think they can teach me all the things I didn’t learn in 30 years in the construction trade?
I guess this is just a rant, but I should be able to just let the job knock them on their a%^ the way it has all of us, but they still irritate the h*^# out of me. I know who I am, and what I can and have done, so why do I let these snots get to me. Can anyone explain?
Terry
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Replies
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It is the arrogance of youth I guess.
In the military, you can be active duty for years and earn your way to the top, yet in just a few short weeks, a snot nosed kid can go to Officer Candidate School and be your boss.
It seems to be the same issue with me when I work for a female boss. She inevitably always tries to make me feel incompetent, when I am fully capable of running circles around her.
Don't let it get to you--sometimes people thrive on making others question their experience and knowledge. Just consider the source, laugh to yourself, and blow them out of the water with what you know.
*Terry ,I dont know if my last post made it as I was mugged by my 3 y.o.. Ill try to post it again...I always enjoyed working working with a young motivated, enthusiastic person. I remember when I was a young 1st year apprentice working with some old steamers. They not only taught me how to do a job but most importantly they taught me "about" the job particulars. Some philosophies I still use today some 25 years later. yea it can be a little frustrating but when they settle down and listen to you , you'll have a chance to influence them much as the steamers influenced me and your mentors influenced you. But it is like dealing with your own kids, ya gotta get their attention and respect settle them down. Maybe also they have so much repect for you that there trying to get your respect. That is a neet thing. Like I deal with my kids kids. Let them know theres only one rooster in the henhouse, then its all down hill from there. Man I envy you. After I got out of the trade and got a office job I dont see that kind of enthusiam anymore. its all about them playing politics and not learning the experiance and techniques I would so freely give them.
*RonI keep re-reading your post. You make some excellent points. These are the ideas I'm grasping for. I just need to hear them in my head. I love enthusiasm, people have described me as intense. This flatters me, but I know I have to direct it positively to get the results I want. The people I described are probably struggling with the same lack of direction. What do you think?TerryMaybe I get frustrated because they take so much patience and self control on my part.
*You know what frustrates me? When I see a younger person making the same kind of mistake I made when I was younger, and they don't listen to me any more than I listened to older people. I think I'm really frustrated at myself; I just blame it on them. :-)
*When I'm 90, I'll still think I'm smarter and better than my elders. I'll sure I'll never learn to shut up and learn something no matter how many times I get knocked on my back side doing something stupid.
*RyanI like your spunk. Just a couple of questions.Can you learn from someone else? Are you sucessful? How long did sucess take you? You probably are stronger, smarter and prettier than me. If I'm around when you're 90 you can still use just as much energy to prove it. Or we could prove it together.Tabula RasaTerry
*I don't know, man. I'm 59 and still framing with the kids. I love em all......it's them old timer pissing and moaners that get on my nerves.......... Besides the kids are the only ones interested in my stories....and they don't mind when I ask for help.
*JimI'm not talking about the ones who can do it faster, harder, longer. I love them too, as I love sharing. I'm just trying to come to grips with my own shortcomings. I get frustrated with the ones who are way to smart to learn anything. I dislike the old prs & mnrs too. Come to work happy ready to kick the world a new tail and we'll get along fine.Terry
*JimI admire what you said and what you do. You can share stories with me anytime. I got a special place in my heart for you old guys.Terry
*Hey, watch it. 59 is not old - it's prime time!
*Hey Lisa........You know what?...........It is....it really is..............if only my body would agree (after a day hanging beams)
*>I'm just trying to come to grips with my own shortcomings.Terry,.....On a bit of a serious note, it's a new world out there and that's a fact. Respect is not guaranteed anymore (for the boss or the old timer) we must earn it........and you don't have to wear a red bandana or your hat backwards to do so. I've found kindness, a sense of humor and inner strength to work even with the hard cases. Respect is the word...you can beat a guy to death (physically/verbally) and never gain his respect. Listen to that cocky dude next time and learn to see beyond the obvious tough guy act...let him know somehow (everybody has a soft point/button to press) that you can see through his BS, but you care about him anyway......sometimes it's necessary to send a guy packing, but most will come around....lead by example, not position. I know....easier said than done. Make a good New Year resolution to try though ....wouldn't it?
*>You can share stories with me anytimeWell, since you asked......:-)
*I think Ron hit it on the head. They're not trying to teach you, but get you to respect them by showing you that they're worthy of your time. They are trying to prove themselves to you. They're just doing it in an annoying way, but don't know any better.SHG
*Don't be too hard on them, Terry. I think most of us have had a phase of being cocky smart-asses at least once in our lives. I used to hate it when I was young and tried to run an idea by someone older. It's really frustrating when no one listens to you, or brushes you off because you're "just a kid". Young people tend to be more open to new ideas, while us old timers just want to do things the "right" way, like we've always done. Maybe a little bit of both is needed.
*Jim, wonderful story....I collect Indian legends for my students as they are a great way to teach Native American culture.......
*i 59 is not old - it's prime time! It's all prime time Lisa, it's just up to us. Jim Walters has got grit, as well as patience. They're both things I need more of.Good story Jim, share some more if you have them. If you have time e-mail me and we'll share some lies.i lead by example, not position. Jim, it took me a long time, but I know now that that is the only way to lead. As far as the young-uns getting on my nerves. I do like the cocky ones and aggressiveness is good, I can channel these into great things. The real problem ones are the book smart ones who find themselves in a position of power. They make all of our lives harder, and they're generally to insecure to be of any use to themselves or anyone else. A few of these I've had to knock on their rump, just like you'd spank a child. This is getting easier for me, so unless you guys have a better plan....(well do ya)?TerryI appreciate all of the imput so far, it's really been helpful in defining where my frustration lies and how I can manage people better.
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Why do I get so mad, so fast, at arrogant young new construction workers, fresh out of school, who think they can teach me all the things I didn't learn in 30 years in the construction trade?
I guess this is just a rant, but I should be able to just let the job knock them on their a%^ the way it has all of us, but they still irritate the h*^# out of me. I know who I am, and what I can and have done, so why do I let these snots get to me. Can anyone explain?
Terry