Why does working that USPTO suck so much?
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Anonymous
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lost my job during the recession and managed to get hired at the USPTO. A lot of the folks that got hired over the past several years were just like me... out of work and highly qualified and took a pay cut just because its the only job many of us could find (over 40 crowd). The pay is low and the work hours are long and the management is horrid. There are threats of being fired. The work environment just feels hostile. The production system is unreasonable. The first two years at this place I've worked 60 - 70 hour work weeks and I'm just now getting to the point were I'm able to get a weekend off in the middle of the bi-week. Count Mondays suck because the manager/reviewers don't bother to sign off on my work until the very last minute. Most of the guys in my work group feel the same. We've have about 50% of the new hires leave within the first year which is a probationary time. Yes.. today I worked for around 14 hours. It sucks.
I'm wondering if its just my tech center or is it more wide spread. Is there anyone else out there that has had the same experience? |
Anonymous
This is old news. I worked at the USPTO straight out of college nearly 20 years ago. I could have written your post nearly verbatim. The guy that was supposed to be signing off on my work was not interested in being a SPO, so he just didn't do it. He would put it off until count Mondays. No, it is not just your art unit/tech center. This is life at the USPTO. |
Anonymous
| That sounds awful. I know a few people who work from home full time for USPTO but I haven't heard these complaints. Could be the position though. |
Anonymous
| I think the turnover rate at PTO is about 50% the first year, and another 30-50% the second year. Those who fit the PTO mold and survive the first 3 years seems to enjoy it. Didn't they have a guy died on the job on weekend and no one found out until Monday? I would never fit that type of work/life. |
Anonymous
| Is this just for patent or trademark too? |
Anonymous
| my opposite sex boss will not sign off on sick leave for doctor appointments unless I tell here what the doctor appointment is about. for example.... hey larla I submitted a sick leave request for 4 hours so I can see a doctor. I saw it but you didn't fill in the comments section telling me why you are seeing the doctor so I can't approve it until you do that. Umm..... I'm having to wake up at night to pee so I need to get a prostrate exam...... |
Anonymous
| It's because you're dealing with engineers and lawyers. Two of the worst "people" people in the workplace. And, God help you, some of them are engineers who went to law school. Just look at the patent law firms. Really toxic places. |
Anonymous
| Prostate not prostrate. |
Anonymous
You need to report this one to HR. |
Anonymous
+1. If she thinks you're abusing sick leave, she can likely ask for a doctor's note, but she cannot ask you for private medical information. How are there people in government that still don't get it? |
Anonymous
Agree that if there is a concern about abuse of sick leave, documentation can be requested. But OMG-I so do NOT want to know the details when someone requests sick leave. |
Anonymous
If sick leave is accrued/earned, how can there be abuse? |
Anonymous
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OP it looks like you are on the Patent side. Don't paint the entire USPTO with the same broad brush. I've been an attorney on the trademark side for 19 years, the last 12 from home. I work 40 hours a week and get my work done easily. I work with great, helpful coworkers, my boss leaves me alone and trusts me to get my work done and I am represented by a union that is very proactive. It isn't perfect, but I feel so lucky to have this job every day. (I'm on leave right now lest anyone call me out on my use of the govt computer during work hours).
If you have so many issues, you need to talk to your POPA reps. |
Anonymous
Bc it's meant for sickness and/or dr appts -- not bc you just want a day off. NOT suggesting that that makes PP's boss correct. Who on earth would want to know about someone else's prostate exam?? If she's so strict why not just require a dr note w/o requiring a medical reason?? |
Anonymous
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I think you're not as talented as you think you are, OP. I know a number of people who started working there right out of law school All are still there, and all are enjoying the perks now that they are several years in (remote work, etc).
Heck, I used to hang out and play video games until like 2-3am with the guys I know who work there. Then again, they are exceptionally smart and talented people. So again, maybe you aren't as hot as you think you are. |