Jealousy

It is a trait found in everyone but it can get you in trouble and can ruin a relationship. We try not to be jealous of others but there is always something someone else has that we want. Unfortunately I have found it in my workplace.

When I moved to Winfield I was scared out of my mind; not sure if I would be any good at what I was hired for. I had just left all my family and friends behind to move to a place I knew nothing about. When I first met my boss I knew we had a few things in common. I didn't think it would turn out the way it is. She is the definition of a person reaching out. She instantly became not only my boss but my friend, sister and even motherly figure. I look up to her and know she'll help me in any way she can. The only problem is that we get along so well that others at our work are beginning to draw conclusions.

I work in the safety department of two. Me and the boss lady. Both of our offices are in a triple wide trailer in the back of the plant. We share this trailer with the HR and finance departments. I have an office next to the lady I call "the plant gossiper". She and another girl are constantly talking about whatever dirt they can scrounge up. I've never felt truly accepted by them and I don't know if it is something personal but I just feel uncomfortable around them.

It has been brought to my attention as well as my boss's that people think I get special treatment and that my boss lets me do whatever I want to do. I don't think it is any of their business what I do. I don't think they understand at all what being in the safety department entails. We work all the time; whether we are physically at the plant or not. We are on call when ever someone has an injury or if something goes wrong at the plant. We aren't able to go home at 5 o'clock every day and not have to think about work until the next day. I've been told that I basically have to have a secret friendship with my boss now. We can't discuss what we do outside of work while we're there for fear of someone overhearing and taking it the wrong way.

So what do I do? Guess I'll have to sit back and see.   

"Jealousy is simply and clearly the fear that you do not have value.  Jealousy scans for evidence to prove the point - that others will be preferred and rewarded more than you.  There is only one alternative - self-value.  If you cannot love yourself, you will not believe that you are loved.  You will always think it's a mistake or luck.  Take your eyes off others and turn the scanner within.  Find the seeds of your jealousy, clear the old voices and experiences.  Put all the energy into building your personal and emotional security.  Then you will be the one others envy, and you can remember the pain and reach out to them. "

~Jennifer James