Horrible P.A

[Notveryhappy]

I have been in my new job for three weeks and i'm just getting used to the way things are working.

A few days ago, the Directors' P.A came downstairs and had a go at me due to some post being in the wrong folder. The way she did it was out of order as there were people there. I admitted i was wrong, but she was a bit harsh.

A bit later on, she came down again and had another go at me because she thought i was taking too long to complete a task, but the task was difficult and time consuming. She was repeating the same question, 'are you struggling, why is it taking so long?' I got a bit upset and started to cry on Reception (Puff, i know) and she still carried on asking me. Then when i said in a more raised voice, 'no, i'm not struggling, it's just time consuming', she said i had an attitude problem.
I couldn't talk at this point as i was so upset and felt really incompetent and stupid. A visitor then came in and i couldn't answer his questions as i was so upset. Unprofessional in my opinion!!!

Today, there is a meeting and and two of the people were late. So I asked him to sign the visitors book and to take a seat. I told the P.A, he was here and she said ok, carry on with what you're doing and i'll sort it. When i came back to my desk, she had a go at me for not making him a drink, even though she said she's sort it and told me to carry on with what i was doing.

I can't win, i didn't want to complain, because I haven't been here long and they may sack me.
Any advice would be good on what to do next.

[squarebear]

It doesn't matter whether you have been here a day or twenty years, this sort of behaviour is bullying. You should have a word with your HR section and nip this problem straight away before it escalates.

[cheries]

Doc, don't be so mean.
I am a PA to a managing director, and I am always appalled by the attitudes of some of my counterparts. I agree with squarebear, you need to speak to someone who can be an advocate for you in this situation.
Perhaps this PA is intimidated by you?

[Doc_Spock]

Here is some advice. Turn AB off and pay some attention to your duties.

[cheries]

Admin staff respond to the needs and demands of the office. Sometimes you don't have anything to do, and it's perfectly acceptable in my company for people to go on the internet when they are waiting for more things to do (ie. minutes of meetings to be typed up....but meeting is still progressing)
The work ebbs and flows.
I hope you can find someone who can support you notveryhappy.

[Pippa68]

Obviously you should only be posting on here if you are retired or on benefits and have beggar all else to do.

Mostly women doing it? what about the blokes we see here, then...they aren't all retired or on benefits.

*rolls eyes*

Change the record, Doc!

[Doc_Spock]

Postmen are well paid!

They were quibblig about extra duties when they had time on their hands. Perhaps give them all an internet connection.

[cheries]

Yes, Doc, but in YOUR day the women were p.a.'s to men who were out hunting wildebeest.
This woman is not a coal miner; she is administrative staff who is expected to meet the demands of the office workflow as it arrives.

[Doc_Spock]

You have got to know your limitations Cherries, which you obviously do.

[cheries]

Don't bring me into this debate, Doc, my employment is not under the spotlight here.
Your archaic views about a woman's place in work, however, are.

[Pippa68]

Give it up, cheries...as mere women we just cannot compete.

Doc is obviously totally oblivious to our multi-tasking skills ;o)

[cheries]

Shall we go back to your lilo, Pippa? :o)