How do I deal with a troll at work? I’m 30 but still work in an entry level position. He likes to get under my skin and I am too sensitized at this time to deal with it. I don’t want to get into my personal issues at work but I want him to leave me alone or at least stop busting jokes on me. Advice ?

Even if you do or don't speak out, I hope things work out for you. In the meantime, Silentone is right. If they throw sh#t at you, throw it right back out. You're above it all. Good luck and let us know how things work out.

This sounds ridiculous. You’re not being too sensitive. You’re being mature and professional. I wouldn’t have the patience to deal with this. I think you should be straightforward with them. And I don’t think you need to use “being sensitive” as a qualifier for wanting them to stop. “Please stop sending around jokes about my mother.” If they ask why or make fun of your “thin skin,” you can say “is there a reason refraining from making derogatory jokes about my family in the workplace is impossible for you? What’s stopping you from meeting this simple request?” And if they keep going, “I no longer want to hear jokes made at my mothers expense on the workplace. If you feel you can’t stop this during working hours, I’m happy to sit down with HR so we can work out a plan.”

I'm dealing with the same issue and had to go to my manager and to HR.

That's so sad and deplorable that some people can be bullies well into adulthood. I agree with jajusuina that bullies are insecure people with issues themselves. Have you seen the movie IT chapter 2 (the one with the kids set in the 80s).?

yeah . I watched a video on yt few days ago . It was a video of Brad Mondo the hairstylist ,he's gay. He opened up about his coming out in high school and said that one guy who was always bullying him back there after 6 years confessed randomly that he secretly liked him . Lol

Bullies want to get a reaction out from you, so with me I just ignore it. But still think about going to a manager because how will they know? Is there anyone else besides you facing the same issue. I'm still in the HR office.

Hey I like Brad Mondo too! He's actually very smart and technical about hair products. I go to him for advice on hair products.

Sounds like they are jealous. Don't let them hold you back

You should be yourself

I think it’s a sales team thing. I got that when I worked in sales way back when. You’re doing the right thing by moving out to another area that suits you better. One thing that might help is if you ask them to explain the joke, and then persistently not understand the explanation. Like so: “yo mama so fat the earth orbits her” “I don’t get it, is that supposed to be a joke” “Yeah because your mama is fat” “When did you meet my mother? She lives in Arizona” And so on. The thing about shitty humour is that trying to explain it is horrible and someone not getting the joke is frustrating as hell. So this tactic really involves annoying them into leaving you alone.

Silentone thanks ! It can be helpful for everyone!

Just wanted to also say believe in your strengths and keep your focus and energy on your goals. Good luck!

Yes, I agree, but it won't stop until you speak to a manager. Just finished my meeting with my manager, HR, and the coworker I had problems with. It turns out she wasn't aware of her behavior and how it was affecting me. In the end she agreed not to continue this behavior. Keep in mind, do what it is that makes you feel comfortable.

What exactly is he doing ? Tell us example

It changes everyday but he can tell that I’m sensitive so he cracks jokes at my expense. He asks what I’m eating for lunch about 10 times a day and sarcastically asks if everything is ok because I’m usually quiet. I work in sales so maybe I’m not a great fit for that culture. This other douchebag at work says I need think skin if I can’t handle the jokes. He makes fun of my mom and posts pictures of her in the office and email chains. It’s high school mentality. Basically taking jabs at me for various things. Every time I send out a lead to the field he makes fun of me saying I sent out a cheesy lead aka not a quality lead

Im sorry it sounds horrible. Can you talk about it with your boss? This Guy probably has big problem with himself and is full of insecurities. It sounds like a middle school bullying

So sorry you're dealing with this too.

Yes go to manager . I was bullied in school i know how it feels

I'm actually in the office with HR right now and came across this post.

I don’t want to go to HR or my manager because I’m very close to a promotion. I don’t want to be seen as that guy who can’t handle jokes. I’m worried if management sees me as someone who isn’t a good culture fit for the company because I don’t like mom jokes. Lol it’s ridiculous but maybe when I promote I will be around people who aren’t in entry level points in their career

Where do you live

tell him he should be an actor in The most unfunny tv programm in your country

I’m trying to casually tell these clowns that I’m too sensitive for their shit.

Maybe hes attracted to you hahha

Well one guy is 42 and still works in telemarketing. He lives at home with his cat. So he’s pretty much a loser anyways. The other kid is just a troll but they feed off each other at my expense. I don’t want to work in sales anymore so they pick on me about wanting to move into an operations role at my company. Very annoying

How old is this troll?

Hahha jcm I love his videos

One troll is 42 and the other is 26

Still waiting for the manager to speak to me.

They are soo old and so stupid

How long till you move into the operation role?

But shouldn’t I have thick skin or have an easy going personality? My whole department has this mindset where they bust balls and joke with each other. I’m not strong enough right now for that

@jajusuina Agreed! We're on your side. I feel like telling them to grow the F up! But don't say it out loud. I don't want to get you in trouble. Is there another coworker you trust?

Ah, now I understand, but is your manager aware of this culture? Where I work, it's not acceptable.

Yeah he gets it , it’s just what people do here. It’s an entry level sales job where the majority of people are fresh out of college or don’t have much life experience. It’s probably more the fact that I’m and still work in an entry level position.

Me I work in my mom's company Xd and I'm 26 and I'm a spinster with a cat . Lol someone could call me loser and make jokes out of me but life isn't easy for everyone

By throwing shit back at them then that means I’m going down to their level and not above it

Not neseserily