Am I being pathetic....?

ap1986

Hi everyone,

Just after some thoughts on something which was discussed at work today...

I currently work in a small office as an administrator. When I say small, I mean there's six of us working in there.

I took over the role a few years ago and something I inherited was making tea for everyone when I got into work each morning. I don't mind doing this as I make myself one so I may as well make one for everyone. Now, over the last couple of months I've noticed that I'm being 'ordered' to make drinks at various points throughout the day. By ordered, I mean that people are telling (not asking) me to 'put the kettle on', people are putting their cups on my desk and saying 'tea' and clicking their fingers and pointing at the kettle and, although today they've suddenly said its all jokingly (which I haven't felt that it had been jokingly - and I'm pretty laid back and class myself as someone with a good sense of humor ) but was asked how I feel about it. I said I had no problem with making drinks in the morning as I'm normally making one for myself so its not issue but said that I do get a bit miffed when people demand it.

To save going through the whole discussion (because I'm sure you're bored enough already) it was put to me that, because I'm female and an administrator, it should be my job to make the tea at 9am, 3pm and if anyone visited the office (for merchant meetings etc) and then if anyone wanted a drink throughout the day at any other times, they should make it themselves. I took this as a joke and, whilst laughing, said that I'm not prepared to accept that just because I'm female etc.

All of a sudden the conversation got very serious to the point where the director stated it would be written into my job description and contract so therefore would be 'my job'

Now, I understand that this may seem very pathetic to some but its actually bothered me a bit. Surely, this could be classed as unfair and unreasonable if not sexist?

I've never complained or mentioned the tea making before, I was asked how I felt about it and it became one of those 'well, actually, now you come to mention it...' conversations.

Again, I appreciate this may seem like I'm just ranting for the sake of it or just being childish and pathetic so rib me if you must but, if you had been told this, how would you feel? What would you do? Suck it up and take it or make an issue about it?

Takeaway_Addict

Are you the least senior person in the company? If so then yes its your responsibility if they don't share it out.

That's life.

If however there are less senior people then I would be annoyed.

ap1986

I am the senior, yes. As I said, I have never complained about it before. The fact that they have now used my sex as one of the reasons I should make it really bothers me

ap1986

Sorry, that should have said I am the least senior, not that I am the senior

BabyBoots

Tea making is no more part of an administrator's job than it is part of any other office worker's job. I've only worked places where people either made all their own drinks, or took it in turns to do rounds. I would suggest it's someone else's turn, or just make your own!

Takeaway_Addict

ap1986 wrote: »

I am the senior, yes. As I said, I have never complained about it before. The fact that they have now used my sex as one of the reasons I should make it really bothers me

I'm presuming you meant to say least senior

Unless they are all blokes I don't think you have a chance in hell of successfully complaining of ex discrimination personally.

It sucks and if someone else less senior does come in and you still end up doing it then I would say you have something to complain about.

Until then its the perils of being the lowest in the food chain.

Takeaway_Addict

BabyBoots wrote: »

Tea making is no more part of an administrator's job than it is part of any other office worker's job. I've only worked places where people either made all their own drinks, or took it in turns to do rounds. I would suggest it's someone else's turn, or just make your own!

No but in some places it is common for the least senior to get the crappy jobs.

Personally I agree that it should be shared but if the status quo has always been that then I see little in fighting against it.

Funky_Bold_Ribena

Hi ap1986 - 'We are thinking of putting 'tea making' into your job description because you are a female'.

ap1986 - 'Can't wait - I have a lawyer on standby. I am also noting down each conversation about this so to make life easier for her - could you pop that in an email to me. Cheers'.

ap1986

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

I'm presuming you meant to say least senior

Unless they are all blokes I don't think you have a chance in hell of successfully complaining of ex discrimination personally.

It sucks and if someone else less senior does come in and you still end up doing it then I would say you have something to complain about.

Until then its the perils of being the lowest in the food chain.

They are all blokes!

jm2926

Generally directors don't make the tea, and anywhere I've worked it falls to the lowest person(s). If there are more than one admin person they should take turns. I'm at a level above admin below director, and I wouldn't ask anyone to make my cuppa unless I was tied to my desk for hours. Normally make my own unless someone has offered to make me one, but I will make for everyone at the same time. The clicking is not very nice, they could just ask politely.

Takeaway_Addict

ap1986 wrote: »

They are all blokes!

That changes it slightly. I still think they will go down the least senior route but if you are not happy and you feel its discriminatory due to sex then it maybe worth talking to a solicitor.

But be aware if you do go down this route that will be the end of the relationship with the employer.