BringItOn I feel for you. I was in the same boat during my first try (heck, even the second and third). A co-worker of mine, saw me studying over lunch, and asked, so I told her I was studying for the PE exam. She had the balls to go to complain to my manager saying that she was worried that me studying for my PE exam would affect my performance and timelines. Arrghhhh !!!! I know this is true because she said this in front of a friend of mine (who later told me) and I heard her repeat it to my manager (again!) on another occasion when she thought no one was hearing. I was in one of the empty office cubicles studying (during lunch of course); she thought she was having a private conversation since all the cubicles (about 9), surrounding the one is was in, were empty.
So, the next day (after cooling off). I confronted her, with all the patience and self-control I had. Told her that if she had an issue with my performance or timelines (same phrases she used), to feel free to come and talk to me directly, to not be intimidated. I wasn't trying to put her down (well, deep down inside, yes I was). I was mainly trying to let her know that I knew. Of course, she said "I didn't mean it that way". ???
I've said in a previous post that me taking (and re-taking) the exam has shown me my co-workers true colors; that I've seen true support from them. But, it's also shown me who my true friends are.