It is human nature to feel uncomfortable with many different things that we may encounter. Sometimes, being uncomfortable tells us something is unsafe and / or not morally correct. We also can feel uncomfortable with new things, certain information, learning something new, and helping someone personally. I have found that staff can lump these types of discomforts together, and this can interfere with learning the job and performing the duties. In this document, I will explain the differences.
I would expect you to be uncomfortable with the following.
- Being expected to help with breaking the law.
- Being involved in any sexual activities.
- Doing unsafe things, like going up and down stairs without a handrail.
- Not doing anything when you know someone is being abused and / or neglected in any way.
- Being intimated by a coworker.
In the above situation, you need to act on your uncomfortable feelings. For example, assist me with getting out of an abusive situation and NOT ignore your uncomfortable feelings. We should be uncomfortable in situations for a reason, because they are a call for action of some kind.
With this being said, there are many things that can make us uncomfortable for a while, and we should tolerate our uneasiness and doubts. I say this, because pushing through our uncomfortable feelings often gives us new skills, insight, and even new hobbies. We never know what going out of our comfort zone may do for us and our future.
I know how hard going out of one’s comfort zone can be, as I need to use new technology when my assistive technology already becomes obsolete. I often like the technology that was installed into my old eye-gaze communication system better than the technology in new communication devices. Trust me, I do not like learning to use a device. It is hard on my eyes, tiring, frustrating, and even depressing. I have no choice but feel uncomfortable with this whole learning process. Otherwise, I eventually would not be able communicate freely when my old communication device died.
Like with any job, there will be some aspects with this job that can make you uncomfortable, but you need to forge ahead and deal with such aspects. From doing this, you can develop new skills, knowledge, and even personal growth.
Even if you may feel uncomfortable, you still need to do the following.
- Learning all of the job duties, expectations, and requirements. Learning something brand new can be tough, especially at the beginning. I have a lot of different training tools, but you need to use them.
- Participating in all the training is a job requirement.
- Accepting any additional training graciously is expected. As your site manager, I am the one who determines whether you are adequately training. Please, don’t be embarrassed or offended if I arrange additional training for you. I want you to succeed at your job.
- Doing all of the job duties is essential. If you refuse to do just one of the duties, it will affect my life negatively, and it is grounds for termination.
- Communicating with me about any concerns that you may have is important. If I don’t know when something is bothering you, I can’t find a solution for it. Sometimes, I may not be able to solve every issue, since I have 4-7 other employees who I need to be fair to.
- Helping with cat care is important. Often, when someone is uncomfortable with doing something very specific, I schedule two staff to do the task together.
- Working two weeks if you need to quit for any reason is the respectful thing to do, especially for your co-workers.
- Accepting the fact that your workplace is my home is important to me. I do my best to be professional at all times. Doing this 24/7 is nearly impossible, so I slip up from time to time. Reprimanding me for it is not your job or right.
Please, remember that being uncomfortable is a common emotion. I have outlined those uncomfortable situations that you need to act on. At the same time, you will encounter uncomfortable things that you should try to work through.