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I'm getting trash talked at work, what do I do??

(TLDR at the end, but I would recommend you actually read the whole thing.) I'm 15 and I work with some other teenagers so my mom said it was normal im getting trash talked since. yknow. they're teens. But it's not the teens that i'm having a problem with, It's the literal grown adults. I recently had a shift with my coworker Jess (I think she's like 28), my friend who also works there, and another person around jess's age. I work at Zumiez and I was working in the back with the skateboards since I was the only person on shift that actually skated. My friend randomly texted me while she was on break and apparently Jess and the person around her age were trash talking me in the break room and saying this. "She's lazy, she acts like she can just take over the entire store because she knows how to skateboard." Her friend also said "all the teenagers don't do anything" which is ironic because the last time I checked literal high schoolers were running the store that day and her and Jess spent almost all of it in the break room. I have no idea why.. as a 28 year old grown woman you have a problem with a 15 year old just tryna make some money. Anyways, should I report her to HR?? Should I quit?? I'm just really fed up with it since this isn't the first time she's done this.
TLDR; My 28 year old coworker and her friend are trash talking me when i'm literally just a 15 year old girl tryna do my job and idk what to even do at this point.

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Blaine’s Answer

I’ll say just ignore it let your work talk for itself, wether their jealous or just drama starters just ignore it because there will always be people like that, no matter where you go. Somebody’s gonna talk trash and talk behind your back. You can ignore it but if you want to do something about it especially if it gets worse then either report it to hr or just go talk to them and tell them, I know your trash talking me but at least I do my job. But just ignoring it is the best thing with petty stuff like that, especially if it doesn’t really affect you other then being annoying. Having thick skin and letting it go and letting your work show for itself is better.
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Wendi’s Answer

Hi Avery
Unfortunately there will always be these type of people. They're trash talking has more to do with them than you. People who behave this way don't think highly of themselves and are insecure. Tearing others down makes them feel powerful. Being 28 years old doesn't make you mature. This is happening at your job and they are creating a hostile work environment. If it escalates or gets worse don't engage in the drama. speak with a supervisor or HR. no one deserves to be treated this way especially at work. Hope this helps. Good luck.
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Kim’s Answer

First, in the grand scheme of things, this is PETTY. Like Blaine said, be known by your work. You don't need to defend yourself. And don't trash talk to them. If they come to you for help with skateboarding issues, don't rub their face in it. Just be mature, and help them.

Second, why is your "friend" seeing the need to tell you this? What are they hoping to accomplish? Are they trying to get you to quit?

I understand it's hard to work with people who are talking trash, but, do it anyway, and do it gracefully. If you confront them, or take it to HR, then everyone knows your friend is a snitch, and that won't help either. Let it go. And, this does not fit the legal definition of "hostile work environment." HR has a lot more serious matters to deal with.

I leave you with a funny story. I was a police officer. A male police officer kept telling me that a female police officer was trash talking me. One day, whatever he said that she said was so outlandish I knew it could not be true. So, I made him come with me when I went to "confront" her. That put an end to that! He was sooooo embarrassed!
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Karen’s Answer

They have chosen to take the low road but you can take the high road -- not talking about others behind their backs or spreading negativity. Doesn't really matter what others say about you. The only one who has control of your life is you. There may never be a time when you know about how someone observed the good things you do and that made them a better person.

With every good wish.
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Jadie’s Answer

Unfortunately, being an adult doesn't automatically make you mature. I agree with the others, do not engage the petty behavior and just report it to HR. However, please note that the investigation may take a while so it might be worth it to start looking for other jobs if you are absolutely miserable. Otherwise just ignore them and get your money.

Also, talk to your manager and ask for feedback on your work. That way, you know you are doing everything you are supposed to do. This will invalidate their comments if they try to paint you lazy to your manger later on.
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Ann’s Answer

The immature behavior of others can't be controlled by you. You have options, based on my experience:

Try to talk it through with them honestly. If that doesn't work, go over their heads with management. Or, in the most serious case, go to the company's HR department. There are risks, but if you feel that strongly, you could try.

In your free time, look for something else. If you get a new job, be honest about why you're leaving and hope they will learn from it.

Truly wishing you the best.
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