Is it Paranoia??

I have to vent.  Work is driving me crazy.  And maybe some of you will have other ideas about the situation.  I will try to be objective if I can.   We have a policy: Respect for the Individual    With that being said, I have been in my current position for 5 years now.  Policy in my dept has changed many times, but all of the changes are reflected in the handheld computer scanner that operates in my dept.

In the past, one of the "checks and balances" has been someone observing what's being tossed in the trash, making sure that each item has been accounted for in the computer program.

One of the changes in the system is items that used to be tossed in the trash are now sent to our Returns Center for recycling.  I've discussed these changes with our Asset Protection Manager, Barb..

Just the other day, AP Barb came to me and said that a member of management must escort me to the trash compactor and observe my throwing things out.  OK, I said (cuz I always want to be in compliance) but I tried to ask questions, to make sure that what I'm doing, and what management is observing, is what is being asked by Home Office.  The only thing that came out of her mouth this time was "We need to make sure that markdowns are being taken correctly."  Ok.  I asked if the other departments are being monitored ... no, just me/mine.  I explained once again that markdowns aren't being tossed out, they're being recycled.  But she was adamant about being compliant and insisting that management watch the garbage being tossed.

Because it feels as if I'm being singled out, and because I am the only dept being checked on, am I out of line for feeling disrespected, for feeling as if there is someone digging in order to find a problem?  Am I being paranoid???

Every day, I try to do my job to the best of my ability.  I'm reasonably smart, I know the ins and outs of my dept, and I have a working knowledge of accounting, so its not like I am working in a void.  I understand the need for checks and balances.  And I want to do my part -- but is it too much to expect that there is a conversation, some one asks me about the practices I've been doing for the past five years?

Its really bothering me, in case you haven't gotten that.  So much so, that I'm at the point where I feel that if there isn't going to be a little more respect, and a little bit of trust, then I'm in the wrong position.

Wish job openings for women over 50 were more than entry level / retail jobs.

and if you're under 40, high school educated, and reading this.....  my advice:  go to college, get an education and find a position that you love!   wish I had done that!