Nepotism: the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.
My mom got me a job at her office. It was to come in and help out with office administration type things. I have done it before and I did go through an official process, I had to take typing tests and go through interviews. But, in the end, I was flagged for the job because she was my mom.
It's not that I'm not capable or qualified, but it was nepotism that guaranteed me the job. After the job ended, as it was a temporary position, I went on to other things.
However, I am now working in the office again, though not in her department, because her boss wanted me to come back and work there.
Yet, I cannot help but wonder if all of it is still connected back to that original act of nepotism. Has the rest been tainted? Or because they asked me back on their own because I am a good worker, does that make it separate?
This is a question that I've thought about a lot. Though, I'm still not sure of the answer. I think sometimes people who come in that are also new think that it was only nepotism. I mean, they're not in the same department as me, so much as people I work with outside of it but still with the same overall employer.
They know my mom works in the same place and sometimes they seem to talk to me in a manner that suggests they don't think that I have experience doing....anything, really. Sometimes they even try and tell me how to do the job that I have been doing longer than they have. I have been working admin. positions for like 8 years. I have been in and out of this office (really, different positions all working in the same building for the same person) for 4 years. I have a typing speed of around 55 WPM. I have taken classes in using word and excel. I have the skills and experience.
But I am treated differently because my mom works here. At least, at first.
After a few days working together they realize that I am capable and treat me like anyone else in the office, even coming to me for help.
But the whole thing does make me wonder about nepotism. Is it still nepotism if my current job is one I got out of skill, if the person who hired me only learned about me through a position I got through nepotism?