Mr. WhySoFrackinSerious strikes again and today, it was not even my damn fault.
My senior and I just returned to the office after a long day in the client’s site. After plugging everything back in my cubicle, I opened my outlook and started to go through my emails. I saw his name among the senders and was surprised because I don’t usually receive any emails from him.
I read (behind the lines):
To: Junior
From: Mr. WhySoFrackinSerious
CC: The Partner of the File; Head AdminWhy the hell did you make changes to the file without letting me know? Now, I have to clean up after your crap because of all your mistakes!
Please, don’t ever f*cking do that again.
Thank you.
Mr. WhySoFrackinSerious, CA
I was just about to cry…
It was not my fault. The Partner gave back the file to make some changes on the capital gains. I asked him if he wants me to give it back to the reviewer (MWSFS), but he said no and that I could directly give it back to him. After giving it to him, the Partner made some additional entries that I have no knowledge of.
When the file was in the editing stage, the admin person stumbled upon numerous errors. Of course, she blames the reviewer. The reviewer knows nothing of this and he blames the stupid junior.
I was just about to cry when I heard the Partner of the File standing behind me. He said, “Ignore that email. He should have spoken to me before sending that email. I already talked to him and explained everything.”
But that was not enough. The damage has already been done. What makes me angrier is the fact that I think the reviewer knows that it’s not my doing and uses me to protect himself. He attacks the partner by targeting the blame on me. That’s why he CC-ed everyone in the email.
I left the office and cried behind my wheels on the drive home.
It doesn’t feel good being blamed for something you didn’t do.
Don’t they know that???
Very *not* cool behaviour on his part. I wouldn’t stress about it, despite how harsh it the e-mail was, because the partner’s got your back, and no doubt recognizes the good work you do.
Consider the random angry e-mail a rite of passage. A stupid rite of passage best avoided, but that’s the point: it’s unavoidable. Someone – either internal or external to the firm – tries to make you look bad.
With experience, you’ll come to realize that these e-mails are harmless because you’re hardcore and People Who Matter know that.
Reminds me of a time I got a very angry e-mail from a client who CC’d my bosses. Having a bit of experience, I suspected it wouldn’t be a big deal, but it still shakes you up – you wonder, ‘Um…. WHAT?”
Fortunately the people I was working with at the time quickly let me know it’s ok – this person was known for these kinds of shenanigans, so I hadn’t done anything wrong (as I suspected) and they were backing me up all the way.
Sounds like you’re getting support too – good!
Welcome to corporate hell. Passing on the blame to cover one’s a**, expect it more in years to come. It finally started.
Hang in there, speak, if you think you were wrongly crossed.
The nerve of that guy!! But just like Krupo said, better not to dwell on it too much. You goth the Partner behind your back. They know it’s not your fault.
Hope you’re feeling better now.
One advice: CYA (cover your a**). It’s good that the partner got your back this time but you may not always be fortunate to have that someone. it’s sad to say, but it comes with any job.
once i was accused of doing enron accounting. naturally i was furious, but luckily my boss took care of it and reported that person to our HR. She got reprimanded and apologized.
hang in there, i’m sure you’ll quickly catch up
Poor you!!!!!!!!!! Your firm sucks. You should switch to another one….a nicer one. Those CAs are assholes
Except for this grumpy guy, I actually love my firm.
Well, dear, I’ll be turning into one of them soon (hopefully)
…them assholes.
Yay?