Your answer brings to mind the two places I worked after graduating. They were starkly different. One was a group company with a foreign feel. There, you could call people by their last name or an intimate nickname, their English name, or even "brother" or "sister." This was meant to highlight the leadership's closeness to the people. The big leader didn't want to be called "chief." The other was a state-owned enterprise. There, management personnel were called "chief so-and-so." Non-management personnel who were much older were called by their last name plus "brother/sister." Those who were a limited age older or the same age or younger were called by their last name. People of the same gender, whether familiar or not, could be called "dear."
There is no set rule for how to address someone by their name. It depends on the company culture and whether the company has any relevant regulations, as well as how people generally address each other, taking into account factors such as job level, age, gender, familiarity, etc. There is no universal formula. It should make people feel respected and at the same time be familiar.
If you're socially anxious, don't like to talk, and don't know anyone, the safest thing to do at the beginning is for managers to call you by your last name plus "general" or "manager." For non-managers, call you by your last name plus the last two characters of your name. If you're much older than the person you're talking to, add "姐/哥" after the last two characters of their name.
It's particularly rude to call someone by their full name when you know their first name. Other ways of addressing people won't offend and are unlikely to be a big mistake.
Furthermore, it is evident that you feel awkward and even reluctant to do your job because you perceive it as troublesome and see no positive aspects in it. However, given your current financial situation, you are compelled to persevere.
Let me be clear: the issue of how to address people is not the crux of the problem. The crux is that you find it difficult to fit in with your current group. And the reason you are reluctant to do so is because you are dissatisfied with your current company. Let me be frank: you look down on your current company and people.
For example, you emphasize that the company may not necessarily go bankrupt at any time, and you are also surprised that the company has even rehired someone who has resigned. You have an invisible sense of superiority between yourself and the company, but when you return to the company, you find that some younger or same-aged people have become your superiors, and you feel a little inferior or awkward or unconvinced. In short, you have some inner complexity.
You don't like being social, so you don't bother managing relationships with other people. This leads to internal conflicts and even thoughts of leaving again.
I understand your current state of confusion and indecision. It's a result of a series of complex thoughts and ideas.
Let me be clear: two people have divorced, but for practical reasons, such as financial reasons or the children's school registration, they have to remarry. After the remarriage, they are still awkward, still unable to be cordial, still exhausted from dealing with the day-to-day relationship, and still feeling that the marriage is a waste of time. Every day, they have the urge to divorce again, but they have to suppress this urge. It is truly torturous!
You need to break out of this situation.
First, we need to figure out what kind of workplace we really want to work in. You didn't say why you resigned a year ago, but you must be clear in your mind.
You said you didn't idle during your year of unemployment. You continued studying and taking exams, which shows you're self-motivated and want to improve. That's excellent.
But at the same time, we also need to think clearly about our direction. Do you want to go to a bigger platform with more opportunities? Or do you want to go to a stable company with a guaranteed income?
Or would you rather work in a relatively democratic and free workplace where you have your own time and space? Or would you rather work in a workplace where you are valued, recognized, and able to give full play to your strengths?
Know what you want and match your abilities accordingly. Be prepared to work hard if you want to support yourself. Work to support your family while improving your abilities to match the employer's recruitment needs.
You will interact with others in any workplace. Even if you work independently, you will still have to deal with people. Therefore, you must have interpersonal skills. You don't need to go deep, but you should have basic etiquette for getting along with others.
Start learning and practicing at your current workplace now.
Open your mouth, run your legs, move around, be a little cheeky, be a little stubborn, and start by greeting people every day. Use the safe approach I mentioned above. After you get used to it, you can change the name.
If you can't chat, then start with daily work contact. Do your own work well, ask if you don't understand, don't delay normal work, say what you need to say at work, and don't say more than necessary about other things.
Do your job well, don't make mistakes, be conscientious and dedicated, and occasionally help people out without affecting your own work. You'll make a good impression. People will think you're reliable, especially the finance staff. Being reliable is very important.
You understand all of the above. The fundamental driving force that prompts you to act this way is how you re-examine your relationship with the company.
The company is asking you to go back to work. This shows that you are a trustworthy person and that the company still values you. Whether you are willing or not, the company's leaders still have confidence in you. The company can also help you solve your financial problems. Gratitude and living up to the trust of others can ease your confusion and conflicts.
You are not only helping the company weather the storm, but the company is also helping you weather the economic downturn. In the current environment of poor economic conditions, employers are cutting employment costs and taking measures to reduce staff and salaries. It is estimated that you are also temporarily unable to find a satisfactory job before you agree to return to your previous unit.
I want to know if you've noticed any progress or changes in your unit compared to a year ago. Tell me what changes you've seen on the business side and in the leadership's understanding of the business.
I want to know what the response is from top to bottom in a state of corporate crisis.
And what about you? Have you changed since last year?
I want to know if you have improved. In terms of work ability, work efficiency, depth of work, breadth and depth of understanding of the business, efficiency and effectiveness of communication with others at work, etc., I want to know if there have been any improvements.
If you can't do it willingly and go in the same direction, at least you'll both have grown up together.
In that case, even if you separate again, you will both be heading in the right direction.
You're here, so just be yourself!
Comments
I can totally relate to the confusion you're feeling about how to address your colleagues. It's really tough when the dynamics of a workplace change, especially with management.
It sounds like you're going through a lot, and it's completely understandable to feel out of place after being away for so long. Maybe starting with formal titles until you feel more comfortable could be a way to go.
The uncertainty and financial pressure must make everything even harder. I think it's okay to call him by his position until you get used to each other; that's what I would do in your shoes.
I feel for you, it's not easy returning to a changed environment. Perhaps gradually getting to know the new finance manager better will help you decide on a more personal form of address over time.
Your feelings are valid. It might help to observe how others interact and slowly adapt. Calling people by their title seems safest if you're unsure about the level of formality expected.