The slang term " going postal" was originally coined after a series of real life shootings in the postal service. It has come to be associated with becoming extremely and uncontrollably angry, often to the point of violence, and usually in a workplace.
This morning I became extremely angry over a filthy workplace.
I'm tired of being the only person in the office to shovel snow, move boxes, clean up when the shredder pukes, and wash windows.
Our office vacuum cleaner was thrown away months ago. The vacuum for the building I supervise has been broken for weeks. The cleaning staff has been directed not to work in support or administrative areas of the company but rather to focus on customer-facing areas.
After a day off I I came back to work and focused on the dirt. Poop and pee on the floor and walls of the bathroom. Black mold along the baseboards. Dried up (and fresh) food across the floor of the break room. Staples, wads of paper, and stones all over the floor of the common area.
I became determined to find a working vacuum.
I went to HR (the director there brought in her own personal vacuum).
The department that oversees house-keeping gave me a vacuum that didn't suck dirt. Instead, it spilled black clouds of dust into the air. I promptly returned it and widened my search to other buildings.
I was especially annoyed when, in the middle of my cleaning spree (using my own Clorox wipes on the walls and toilets), the Office Manager asked if I had ordered water.
I mumbled under my breath..."when I'm done washing your toilet and kitchen floors, I'll fetch your water."
I feel like Cinderella. My clothes are stained, my hands are filthy, and my contacts are full of dust.
I wish I could explain why I feel this situation is wrong, instead of turning into an emotional, angry employee.
It's not like me to say, "that's not my job." Perhaps, however, we could rotate the responsibility or post signs in the break room reminding people to empty the garbage before it rots and overflows.
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