Surprise email from Supervisor

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh no. Yeah you can't tell your boss your neighbor is loud so you will be working from home. Doesn't work that way. Discuss the noise issue with your boss. I would definitely plan to be in the office on your assigned days (with a good headset).

I was in the office but in a different location not at my cube due to noise. Telework request is a different request.

Argumentative and defensive - things won’t go well with supe if you don’t change your attitude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
i am a new fed.

I was surprised to receive an email from my supervisor asking me not to change my telework days and spend a minimum eight hours a day in the office. I had notified him few weeks ago a situation that would prevent me to be on the office on a specific day I had suggested. an alternate day he never responded. After a few weeks. He sent an email copying my skip Level asking me to stick to my approved in person days only. I am very confused. Is this a disciplinary action? Why did he never speak to me or respond to my communication sent earlier and just sent me Written, communication adding my skip level. I thought i was keeping him informed it looks like something is amiss. I am anxious and confused. what should I do

Was it a one off re: telework day you were seeking permission to change or is it that you want a permanent, ongoing schedule change?

Them thinking you are not working 8 hours because you are not at your desk is a really unfortunate impression that has been created and one that will take time and consistency to correct. You need to understand you are asking permission to make changes, OP, not informing. They think you are playing fast and loose and are taking advantage. You need to correct that in words, in writing and in consistent action of being where you are supposed to be during agreed to hours. If you need a different work station make a proposal to your boss and get his/her decision.

The agency parking was full on the first few weeks of my in person day hence I requested a different day when parking was available. So one off request.

Oh, OP, you aren’t a problem solver are you? You think you are fixing things but you just don’t understand that being new means you keep quiet, do your work, pay attention to how things work. You accommodate them and once you’re established yourself as a good work, then you can slowly see about getting things changed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl. Everyone has to deal with the crappy parking situation. That is not a good reason at all. It is making you out to be kind of a diva. The noise, the parking, everything bothers you. What did you do before? This does not seem like a great fit for you. Federal government is not glamorous or comfortable.

how do you know i am a girl. i could be a guy.

It’s DC Urban MOMS and people use the generic she here - it’s refreshing.

But you do sound like a dude - a whining, defensive, argumentative dude whose job is in peril.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
i am a new fed.

I was surprised to receive an email from my supervisor asking me not to change my telework days and spend a minimum eight hours a day in the office. I had notified him few weeks ago a situation that would prevent me to be on the office on a specific day I had suggested. an alternate day he never responded. After a few weeks. He sent an email copying my skip Level asking me to stick to my approved in person days only. I am very confused. Is this a disciplinary action? Why did he never speak to me or respond to my communication sent earlier and just sent me Written, communication adding my skip level. I thought i was keeping him informed it looks like something is amiss. I am anxious and confused. what should I do

Was it a one off re: telework day you were seeking permission to change or is it that you want a permanent, ongoing schedule change?

Them thinking you are not working 8 hours because you are not at your desk is a really unfortunate impression that has been created and one that will take time and consistency to correct. You need to understand you are asking permission to make changes, OP, not informing. They think you are playing fast and loose and are taking advantage. You need to correct that in words, in writing and in consistent action of being where you are supposed to be during agreed to hours. If you need a different work station make a proposal to your boss and get his/her decision.

The agency parking was full on the first few weeks of my in person day hence I requested a different day when parking was available. So one off request.

You young people. Get.there.earlier.use.public.transportation. Why is it so hard for you people to understand the world doesn’t revolve around your needs. Lol.

Our agency has a parking request queue which fills up months ahead of time. She may have started and not realized her in office days were already oversubscribed in parking. I doubt it was part of her intake briefing of current allocation.

Who cares. Find a way to get to work and to your desk to do your work. Period.

Yes looks like no one cares. I was getting to work but on a different day. I did raise noise issue when no action was taken I found a quiter place in office to get work done. Wrong assumption on desk situation but not wrong intentions. I am very thankful to folks who gave good suggestions and tried to help. Grateful to all of them. Rest of the folks it good learning even in the bitterness I received from negative comments. God bless you all!

OP I don't know why people are piling on. You are in a shtty fed job with a "supervisor" and it's no surprise people want to treat you like a non-thinking automaton, especially the fed managers on here. If you were my employee, I would have measurable ways to check progress and would not be watching you in your chair. I'd be giving you the flexibility to succeed in your first few months. It's so gross that there are feds that just keep track of other people and not their own business. Sickening for taxpayers. They are probably all in the lunchroom eating nibbles of cake (just a taste) but they are gluten free...

Slightly off-topic, but as someone who reads DCUM but is not from DC area, I often find the concrete, black and white thinking and parenting on here really puzzling. Such an odd mix of high education and low cognitive flexibility. Now, with this thread, I am starting to understand! Sociologically, it's fascinating. Sad, but fascinating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
i am a new fed.

I was surprised to receive an email from my supervisor asking me not to change my telework days and spend a minimum eight hours a day in the office. I had notified him few weeks ago a situation that would prevent me to be on the office on a specific day I had suggested. an alternate day he never responded. After a few weeks. He sent an email copying my skip Level asking me to stick to my approved in person days only. I am very confused. Is this a disciplinary action? Why did he never speak to me or respond to my communication sent earlier and just sent me Written, communication adding my skip level. I thought i was keeping him informed it looks like something is amiss. I am anxious and confused. what should I do

Was it a one off re: telework day you were seeking permission to change or is it that you want a permanent, ongoing schedule change?

Them thinking you are not working 8 hours because you are not at your desk is a really unfortunate impression that has been created and one that will take time and consistency to correct. You need to understand you are asking permission to make changes, OP, not informing. They think you are playing fast and loose and are taking advantage. You need to correct that in words, in writing and in consistent action of being where you are supposed to be during agreed to hours. If you need a different work station make a proposal to your boss and get his/her decision.

The agency parking was full on the first few weeks of my in person day hence I requested a different day when parking was available. So one off request.

You young people. Get.there.earlier.use.public.transportation. Why is it so hard for you people to understand the world doesn’t revolve around your needs. Lol.

Our agency has a parking request queue which fills up months ahead of time. She may have started and not realized her in office days were already oversubscribed in parking. I doubt it was part of her intake briefing of current allocation.

Who cares. Find a way to get to work and to your desk to do your work. Period.

She did. She requested to modify her schedule to match the available parking and be more effective with her working day. That is a way, and a quite reasonable one.

The agency should have guest parking she could utilize until she is fully integrated, that is amateur hour.

Absolute nope if this is an HQ office in downtown DC. They assume most employees are taking public transportation and there are private garages within a few blocks if needed.

If the office is in some remote place, that's different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
i am a new fed.

I was surprised to receive an email from my supervisor asking me not to change my telework days and spend a minimum eight hours a day in the office. I had notified him few weeks ago a situation that would prevent me to be on the office on a specific day I had suggested. an alternate day he never responded. After a few weeks. He sent an email copying my skip Level asking me to stick to my approved in person days only. I am very confused. Is this a disciplinary action? Why did he never speak to me or respond to my communication sent earlier and just sent me Written, communication adding my skip level. I thought i was keeping him informed it looks like something is amiss. I am anxious and confused. what should I do

Was it a one off re: telework day you were seeking permission to change or is it that you want a permanent, ongoing schedule change?

Them thinking you are not working 8 hours because you are not at your desk is a really unfortunate impression that has been created and one that will take time and consistency to correct. You need to understand you are asking permission to make changes, OP, not informing. They think you are playing fast and loose and are taking advantage. You need to correct that in words, in writing and in consistent action of being where you are supposed to be during agreed to hours. If you need a different work station make a proposal to your boss and get his/her decision.

The agency parking was full on the first few weeks of my in person day hence I requested a different day when parking was available. So one off request.

Oh, OP, you aren’t a problem solver are you? You think you are fixing things but you just don’t understand that being new means you keep quiet, do your work, pay attention to how things work. You accommodate them and once you’re established yourself as a good work, then you can slowly see about getting things changed.

OP literally solved the problem by offering to switch telework to a different day. Which is a totally logical thing to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He didn’t respond right away because he was talking to others (HR, his boss) about how to handle. They clearly told him to respond in writing. I would be very, very careful, OP. You are still on probation period, so getting a strong start should be your highest priority. Whatever it is that would keep you out of the office on a day you’re supposed to be in, you need to find a workaround. Good luck.

Jesus Christ, an employee wanting to switch one day in a week leads to THAT kind of response?

Right? God, I read the posts on this and other threads on this Jobs board, and I'm so thankful my agency and supervisors. They treat me with respect and humanity. And don't rely on arbitrary rules just b/c they can. New employees can also TW from day one.

I would not work anyplace that treated people like some of you think is ok to be treated by supervision. Not unless I had no other optiona and, even then, only until I found something better.

Yup. These responses are over the top and many are unhelpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
i am a new fed.

I was surprised to receive an email from my supervisor asking me not to change my telework days and spend a minimum eight hours a day in the office. I had notified him few weeks ago a situation that would prevent me to be on the office on a specific day I had suggested. an alternate day he never responded. After a few weeks. He sent an email copying my skip Level asking me to stick to my approved in person days only. I am very confused. Is this a disciplinary action? Why did he never speak to me or respond to my communication sent earlier and just sent me Written, communication adding my skip level. I thought i was keeping him informed it looks like something is amiss. I am anxious and confused. what should I do

Was it a one off re: telework day you were seeking permission to change or is it that you want a permanent, ongoing schedule change?

Them thinking you are not working 8 hours because you are not at your desk is a really unfortunate impression that has been created and one that will take time and consistency to correct. You need to understand you are asking permission to make changes, OP, not informing. They think you are playing fast and loose and are taking advantage. You need to correct that in words, in writing and in consistent action of being where you are supposed to be during agreed to hours. If you need a different work station make a proposal to your boss and get his/her decision.

The agency parking was full on the first few weeks of my in person day hence I requested a different day when parking was available. So one off request.

You young people. Get.there.earlier.use.public.transportation. Why is it so hard for you people to understand the world doesn’t revolve around your needs. Lol.

Our agency has a parking request queue which fills up months ahead of time. She may have started and not realized her in office days were already oversubscribed in parking. I doubt it was part of her intake briefing of current allocation.

OP here that is absolutely correct. It was part of intake but I couldn’t find anything for my in office days for first 5 weeks. Now I am all set for future weeks.

Did you switch your in office day once, or once per week for the five weeks?

Don’t answer this OP. It doesn’t matter now. OP knows what he needs to do. I hope it works out for you!

Why in earth shouldn’t OP answer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
i am a new fed.

I was surprised to receive an email from my supervisor asking me not to change my telework days and spend a minimum eight hours a day in the office. I had notified him few weeks ago a situation that would prevent me to be on the office on a specific day I had suggested. an alternate day he never responded. After a few weeks. He sent an email copying my skip Level asking me to stick to my approved in person days only. I am very confused. Is this a disciplinary action? Why did he never speak to me or respond to my communication sent earlier and just sent me Written, communication adding my skip level. I thought i was keeping him informed it looks like something is amiss. I am anxious and confused. what should I do

Was it a one off re: telework day you were seeking permission to change or is it that you want a permanent, ongoing schedule change?

Them thinking you are not working 8 hours because you are not at your desk is a really unfortunate impression that has been created and one that will take time and consistency to correct. You need to understand you are asking permission to make changes, OP, not informing. They think you are playing fast and loose and are taking advantage. You need to correct that in words, in writing and in consistent action of being where you are supposed to be during agreed to hours. If you need a different work station make a proposal to your boss and get his/her decision.

The agency parking was full on the first few weeks of my in person day hence I requested a different day when parking was available. So one off request.

Oh, OP, you aren’t a problem solver are you? You think you are fixing things but you just don’t understand that being new means you keep quiet, do your work, pay attention to how things work. You accommodate them and once you’re established yourself as a good work, then you can slowly see about getting things changed.

OP literally solved the problem by offering to switch telework to a different day. Which is a totally logical thing to do.

Except that isn’t how it works in Op’s agency. Or she wouldn’t have received the email from her supervisor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
i am a new fed.

I was surprised to receive an email from my supervisor asking me not to change my telework days and spend a minimum eight hours a day in the office. I had notified him few weeks ago a situation that would prevent me to be on the office on a specific day I had suggested. an alternate day he never responded. After a few weeks. He sent an email copying my skip Level asking me to stick to my approved in person days only. I am very confused. Is this a disciplinary action? Why did he never speak to me or respond to my communication sent earlier and just sent me Written, communication adding my skip level. I thought i was keeping him informed it looks like something is amiss. I am anxious and confused. what should I do

Was it a one off re: telework day you were seeking permission to change or is it that you want a permanent, ongoing schedule change?

Them thinking you are not working 8 hours because you are not at your desk is a really unfortunate impression that has been created and one that will take time and consistency to correct. You need to understand you are asking permission to make changes, OP, not informing. They think you are playing fast and loose and are taking advantage. You need to correct that in words, in writing and in consistent action of being where you are supposed to be during agreed to hours. If you need a different work station make a proposal to your boss and get his/her decision.

The agency parking was full on the first few weeks of my in person day hence I requested a different day when parking was available. So one off request.

You young people. Get.there.earlier.use.public.transportation. Why is it so hard for you people to understand the world doesn’t revolve around your needs. Lol.

Our agency has a parking request queue which fills up months ahead of time. She may have started and not realized her in office days were already oversubscribed in parking. I doubt it was part of her intake briefing of current allocation.

Who cares. Find a way to get to work and to your desk to do your work. Period.

Yes looks like no one cares. I was getting to work but on a different day. I did raise noise issue when no action was taken I found a quiter place in office to get work done. Wrong assumption on desk situation but not wrong intentions. I am very thankful to folks who gave good suggestions and tried to help. Grateful to all of them. Rest of the folks it good learning even in the bitterness I received from negative comments. God bless you all!

OP I don't know why people are piling on. You are in a shtty fed job with a "supervisor" and it's no surprise people want to treat you like a non-thinking automaton, especially the fed managers on here. If you were my employee, I would have measurable ways to check progress and would not be watching you in your chair. I'd be giving you the flexibility to succeed in your first few months. It's so gross that there are feds that just keep track of other people and not their own business. Sickening for taxpayers. They are probably all in the lunchroom eating nibbles of cake (just a taste) but they are gluten free...

Slightly off-topic, but as someone who reads DCUM but is not from DC area, I often find the concrete, black and white thinking and parenting on here really puzzling. Such an odd mix of high education and low cognitive flexibility. Now, with this thread, I am starting to understand! Sociologically, it's fascinating. Sad, but fascinating.

Very interesting meta-analysis of this thread and DCUM, and I could not agree more! It is very odd and off-putting profile: non-creative, extremely risk-averse, formulaic, status-obsessed, rigid and often highly educated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
i am a new fed.

I was surprised to receive an email from my supervisor asking me not to change my telework days and spend a minimum eight hours a day in the office. I had notified him few weeks ago a situation that would prevent me to be on the office on a specific day I had suggested. an alternate day he never responded. After a few weeks. He sent an email copying my skip Level asking me to stick to my approved in person days only. I am very confused. Is this a disciplinary action? Why did he never speak to me or respond to my communication sent earlier and just sent me Written, communication adding my skip level. I thought i was keeping him informed it looks like something is amiss. I am anxious and confused. what should I do

Was it a one off re: telework day you were seeking permission to change or is it that you want a permanent, ongoing schedule change?

Them thinking you are not working 8 hours because you are not at your desk is a really unfortunate impression that has been created and one that will take time and consistency to correct. You need to understand you are asking permission to make changes, OP, not informing. They think you are playing fast and loose and are taking advantage. You need to correct that in words, in writing and in consistent action of being where you are supposed to be during agreed to hours. If you need a different work station make a proposal to your boss and get his/her decision.

The agency parking was full on the first few weeks of my in person day hence I requested a different day when parking was available. So one off request.

You young people. Get.there.earlier.use.public.transportation. Why is it so hard for you people to understand the world doesn’t revolve around your needs. Lol.

Our agency has a parking request queue which fills up months ahead of time. She may have started and not realized her in office days were already oversubscribed in parking. I doubt it was part of her intake briefing of current allocation.

Who cares. Find a way to get to work and to your desk to do your work. Period.

Yes looks like no one cares. I was getting to work but on a different day. I did raise noise issue when no action was taken I found a quiter place in office to get work done. Wrong assumption on desk situation but not wrong intentions. I am very thankful to folks who gave good suggestions and tried to help. Grateful to all of them. Rest of the folks it good learning even in the bitterness I received from negative comments. God bless you all!

OP I don't know why people are piling on. You are in a shtty fed job with a "supervisor" and it's no surprise people want to treat you like a non-thinking automaton, especially the fed managers on here. If you were my employee, I would have measurable ways to check progress and would not be watching you in your chair. I'd be giving you the flexibility to succeed in your first few months. It's so gross that there are feds that just keep track of other people and not their own business. Sickening for taxpayers. They are probably all in the lunchroom eating nibbles of cake (just a taste) but they are gluten free...

Slightly off-topic, but as someone who reads DCUM but is not from DC area, I often find the concrete, black and white thinking and parenting on here really puzzling. Such an odd mix of high education and low cognitive flexibility. Now, with this thread, I am starting to understand! Sociologically, it's fascinating. Sad, but fascinating.

Very interesting meta-analysis of this thread and DCUM, and I could not agree more! It is very odd and off-putting profile: non-creative, extremely risk-averse, formulaic, status-obsessed, rigid and often highly educated.

Wouldn't you expect this of high-achievers, government employees, lawyers, etc.?

We get rewarded for consistently showing up, going the extra mile, making and playing by rules, etc.

D.C. is not a "fail fast" or "move fast and break things" kind of place.

What has messed things up socially is whiplash RTO after WFH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
i am a new fed.

I was surprised to receive an email from my supervisor asking me not to change my telework days and spend a minimum eight hours a day in the office. I had notified him few weeks ago a situation that would prevent me to be on the office on a specific day I had suggested. an alternate day he never responded. After a few weeks. He sent an email copying my skip Level asking me to stick to my approved in person days only. I am very confused. Is this a disciplinary action? Why did he never speak to me or respond to my communication sent earlier and just sent me Written, communication adding my skip level. I thought i was keeping him informed it looks like something is amiss. I am anxious and confused. what should I do

Was it a one off re: telework day you were seeking permission to change or is it that you want a permanent, ongoing schedule change?

Them thinking you are not working 8 hours because you are not at your desk is a really unfortunate impression that has been created and one that will take time and consistency to correct. You need to understand you are asking permission to make changes, OP, not informing. They think you are playing fast and loose and are taking advantage. You need to correct that in words, in writing and in consistent action of being where you are supposed to be during agreed to hours. If you need a different work station make a proposal to your boss and get his/her decision.

The agency parking was full on the first few weeks of my in person day hence I requested a different day when parking was available. So one off request.

Oh, OP, you aren’t a problem solver are you? You think you are fixing things but you just don’t understand that being new means you keep quiet, do your work, pay attention to how things work. You accommodate them and once you’re established yourself as a good work, then you can slowly see about getting things changed.

OP literally solved the problem by offering to switch telework to a different day. Which is a totally logical thing to do.

NP but not necessarily, if their original in-office day overlaps with a lot of team members, but their new day does not.

OP is unfortunately being high maintenance in two different ways right off the bat. One may be acceptable, but two may be rubbing their supervisor the wrong way, especially if OP is not a superstar otherwise. But OP can take the advice given by PPs and hopefully recover.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
i am a new fed.

I was surprised to receive an email from my supervisor asking me not to change my telework days and spend a minimum eight hours a day in the office. I had notified him few weeks ago a situation that would prevent me to be on the office on a specific day I had suggested. an alternate day he never responded. After a few weeks. He sent an email copying my skip Level asking me to stick to my approved in person days only. I am very confused. Is this a disciplinary action? Why did he never speak to me or respond to my communication sent earlier and just sent me Written, communication adding my skip level. I thought i was keeping him informed it looks like something is amiss. I am anxious and confused. what should I do

Was it a one off re: telework day you were seeking permission to change or is it that you want a permanent, ongoing schedule change?

Them thinking you are not working 8 hours because you are not at your desk is a really unfortunate impression that has been created and one that will take time and consistency to correct. You need to understand you are asking permission to make changes, OP, not informing. They think you are playing fast and loose and are taking advantage. You need to correct that in words, in writing and in consistent action of being where you are supposed to be during agreed to hours. If you need a different work station make a proposal to your boss and get his/her decision.

The agency parking was full on the first few weeks of my in person day hence I requested a different day when parking was available. So one off request.

Oh, OP, you aren’t a problem solver are you? You think you are fixing things but you just don’t understand that being new means you keep quiet, do your work, pay attention to how things work. You accommodate them and once you’re established yourself as a good work, then you can slowly see about getting things changed.

OP literally solved the problem by offering to switch telework to a different day. Which is a totally logical thing to do.

Except that isn’t how it works in Op’s agency. Or she wouldn’t have received the email from her supervisor.

Or OP’s supervisor is rigid, in addition to being a poor communicator. Come on people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
i am a new fed.

I was surprised to receive an email from my supervisor asking me not to change my telework days and spend a minimum eight hours a day in the office. I had notified him few weeks ago a situation that would prevent me to be on the office on a specific day I had suggested. an alternate day he never responded. After a few weeks. He sent an email copying my skip Level asking me to stick to my approved in person days only. I am very confused. Is this a disciplinary action? Why did he never speak to me or respond to my communication sent earlier and just sent me Written, communication adding my skip level. I thought i was keeping him informed it looks like something is amiss. I am anxious and confused. what should I do

Was it a one off re: telework day you were seeking permission to change or is it that you want a permanent, ongoing schedule change?

Them thinking you are not working 8 hours because you are not at your desk is a really unfortunate impression that has been created and one that will take time and consistency to correct. You need to understand you are asking permission to make changes, OP, not informing. They think you are playing fast and loose and are taking advantage. You need to correct that in words, in writing and in consistent action of being where you are supposed to be during agreed to hours. If you need a different work station make a proposal to your boss and get his/her decision.

The agency parking was full on the first few weeks of my in person day hence I requested a different day when parking was available. So one off request.

You young people. Get.there.earlier.use.public.transportation. Why is it so hard for you people to understand the world doesn’t revolve around your needs. Lol.

Our agency has a parking request queue which fills up months ahead of time. She may have started and not realized her in office days were already oversubscribed in parking. I doubt it was part of her intake briefing of current allocation.

Who cares. Find a way to get to work and to your desk to do your work. Period.

Yes looks like no one cares. I was getting to work but on a different day. I did raise noise issue when no action was taken I found a quiter place in office to get work done. Wrong assumption on desk situation but not wrong intentions. I am very thankful to folks who gave good suggestions and tried to help. Grateful to all of them. Rest of the folks it good learning even in the bitterness I received from negative comments. God bless you all!

OP I don't know why people are piling on. You are in a shtty fed job with a "supervisor" and it's no surprise people want to treat you like a non-thinking automaton, especially the fed managers on here. If you were my employee, I would have measurable ways to check progress and would not be watching you in your chair. I'd be giving you the flexibility to succeed in your first few months. It's so gross that there are feds that just keep track of other people and not their own business. Sickening for taxpayers. They are probably all in the lunchroom eating nibbles of cake (just a taste) but they are gluten free...

Slightly off-topic, but as someone who reads DCUM but is not from DC area, I often find the concrete, black and white thinking and parenting on here really puzzling. Such an odd mix of high education and low cognitive flexibility. Now, with this thread, I am starting to understand! Sociologically, it's fascinating. Sad, but fascinating.

Very interesting meta-analysis of this thread and DCUM, and I could not agree more! It is very odd and off-putting profile: non-creative, extremely risk-averse, formulaic, status-obsessed, rigid and often highly educated.

Wouldn't you expect this of high-achievers, government employees, lawyers, etc.?

We get rewarded for consistently showing up, going the extra mile, making and playing by rules, etc.

D.C. is not a "fail fast" or "move fast and break things" kind of place.

What has messed things up socially is whiplash RTO after WFH.

All of this.

And people are also saying you only have one chance to make a solid first impression. The replies would have been very different if OP said they'd been in the job for r years, viewed as a consistent high performer, and now asked for some minor flexibilities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
i am a new fed.

I was surprised to receive an email from my supervisor asking me not to change my telework days and spend a minimum eight hours a day in the office. I had notified him few weeks ago a situation that would prevent me to be on the office on a specific day I had suggested. an alternate day he never responded. After a few weeks. He sent an email copying my skip Level asking me to stick to my approved in person days only. I am very confused. Is this a disciplinary action? Why did he never speak to me or respond to my communication sent earlier and just sent me Written, communication adding my skip level. I thought i was keeping him informed it looks like something is amiss. I am anxious and confused. what should I do

Was it a one off re: telework day you were seeking permission to change or is it that you want a permanent, ongoing schedule change?

Them thinking you are not working 8 hours because you are not at your desk is a really unfortunate impression that has been created and one that will take time and consistency to correct. You need to understand you are asking permission to make changes, OP, not informing. They think you are playing fast and loose and are taking advantage. You need to correct that in words, in writing and in consistent action of being where you are supposed to be during agreed to hours. If you need a different work station make a proposal to your boss and get his/her decision.

The agency parking was full on the first few weeks of my in person day hence I requested a different day when parking was available. So one off request.

Oh, OP, you aren’t a problem solver are you? You think you are fixing things but you just don’t understand that being new means you keep quiet, do your work, pay attention to how things work. You accommodate them and once you’re established yourself as a good work, then you can slowly see about getting things changed.

OP literally solved the problem by offering to switch telework to a different day. Which is a totally logical thing to do.

Except that isn’t how it works in Op’s agency. Or she wouldn’t have received the email from her supervisor.

Or OP’s supervisor is rigid, in addition to being a poor communicator. Come on people.

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Op is a poor communicator.