I'm a Fun Upbeat Person, but I'm in a Work Environment That's Dull and Boring

boringjib.png

Dear Nikki, 

My job requires long hours and sometimes weekend work, and the people here are very white and aren’t very fun. I can hardly connect with them. I’m a fun, upbeat person. I like to be stress-free and make jokes, but no one here gets black references or has the same humor I have. Since I have to be here all the time, how do I cultivate a vibrant atmosphere for myself in a dull workplace?

Entry-Level

Los Angeles, CA 

Advice Column
I'm Doing Someone Else's Job. How Do I Get out of It?
I'm Doing Someone Else's Job. How Do I Get out of It?

I appreciate the opportunity to lead and learn new things but I'm overwhelmed.

I Asked Him How He Is Liking the Job, He Said Racist Remarks Has Been Thrown at Him Since His First Day
I Asked Him How He Is Liking the Job, He Said Racist Remarks Has Been Thrown at Him Since His First Day

You should review your company's policies.

I’m a New Employee and Already I’ve Noticed Some Racial Comments That Make Me Uncomfortable
I’m a New Employee and Already I’ve Noticed Some Racial Comments That Make Me Uncomfortable

This is always a little bit tricky...

Nikki: 

Do you enjoy the work you're doing? If so, pop some headphones in and focus on the work. The workplace environment may be crucial for your survival at work, but it's not necessary and it's not why you're there...

You were hired to do the job. Not the make friends! So, if you enjoy the work and can see yourself growing there, then find a way to make it work. Find a good podcast to listen to that feeds your spirit! Listen to some inspirational music to help you get through the workday. 
 

If you really want to be able to express your personality at work and if this particular job doesn't let you do that, this may not be the company for you. There is such a thing called a Cultural Fit when looking for jobs. Maybe this company isn't a good cultural fit for you. 
 

Ideally, you'll want to find a company that fits your needs and allows you to get the job they're paying you to do done. Entering into a job is a contract for the work you're hired to do, but you have to be happy doing it. It's not a requirement that you're happy but it helps. What's most important to you? Some companies pour a lot of energy into their company culture. They may even hire based on candidates being the best cultural fit into their corporate environment. I think you should find a company that fits your personal style as long as it also fits your needs for growth and hits the compensation marks for you as well. Look into the total package in your job search!

Nikki Davis

Hey 💕

Thank you for reading this post. We are an independent company and rely on readers like you to help support us! If you want to continue to support Your Corporate Black Girl, you can do so in a few ways:

Subscribe to us! Yes, it's that simple and easy!

Or, contribute! Share an experience, let us interview you. Let us know you.

Thank you!

Team Your Corporate Black Girl

NIKKI

Your curly girl manager, just trying to live her happiest life! 

Wife, new mom, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with 11 years industry experience, 6 years of management experience. Manager a team of men in a male dominant industry, while being the only woman on the team. DIY fashion blogger, a self taught seamstress. Owner/Creator of a monthly subscription service, SewConscious.com. 

Need Nikki's advice?

Funke Adenijinikki, intern, glasses, interview