Do I tell a Co-Worker that she is jeopardizing her job?

[Naive]

Hi Everyone.

 

A new girl just started working in the law firm that I work at. She is young like me (21) but she is very immature for her age. She has a 2 year old daughter and she is a very nice person. Her boss hired her as a temp for now while he checks out the way she works. Her boss is very picky and hard to work for. He really abuses his employers which is not cool but whatever. He keeps telling her that the prior girl might come back (which I know is a lie). This chick really needs the job.

 

The problem is that she is a bit too out there, get me? She is a bit ghetto, not that there is anything wrong with that but when you are at work you should be as professional as you can. She says that one day she is going to be a famous rapper (aren't we all in Los Angeles?) She talks to her ex (her baby's father) and argues with him over the phone. I do not know if I should tell her that she has to shape up if she wants him to keep her but at the same time I don't know if it's even worth it since he is such a d*ck with his employees.

 

If I tell her something I run the risk of it getting out and maybe even getting in trouble but I also feel bad for her. What do I do?

[alphamale]

Originally posted by ~Naive~

What do I do?

you do nothing and say nothing!

[Merin]

I would mention to her at lunch maybe (when perhaps you're not in the office) that her Boss has a reputation for being difficult and particular..

 

That HE expects a lot out of his employee's so you just wanted to give her a heads up...

 

IF she still f'cks it up.. then all her, but at least you warned her.

[locomotion]

it's called mind your own business.

[HokeyReligions]

Unless you are in HR you really can't say anything. You can offer to help her, ask her how she's settling in, etc. and maybe she will open up and ask for advice from you regarding her boss or the office etiquete or something and you can make some suggestions. Without directing comments to her, you can in the course of conversations bring up some things that you know are expected in the workplace--relate them to yourself and not at her. If she picks up on them good, if not---she is not your responsibility.

 

There is a fine line between helping a new employee settle in and find their own way, and in teaching or coaching a new person to help them keep a job that for which they may not be suited because you feel for her.

 

I think its great that you want to help her, but you have to be careful---especially about talking about other employees--including her boss. She has to form her own opinions. I was 'warned' once about someone and as it turned out I got along great with that person.

 

Say something like 'Your boss is very thorough, especially about the filing. I'm familiar with the system, let me know if I can help you get up to speed' not 'Your boss is very difficult to work with, he has a fit if the files are not perfect' something like that.

[johan]

My policy is to let people stand on their own. I'll give advice if 1) I'm asked, and 2) I know for sure the person asking is looking for the truth. Otherwise, she has to make her own way. I doubt she is so dense she doesn't see the difference between herself and her co-workers, but if she doesn't, she's a lost cause. And if she does see the difference, then she is making her own choice not to fit in, and the best you can do is respect her choice. Otherwise you risk coming off as judgmental.

[laRubiaBonita]

i would also say nothing, unless you were friendly with her.

 

On the bright-side She just makes you look THAT much more mature and competent!

[Naive]

Well sadly enough she was fired the day I posted this, I forgot to post an update.