Job issues- Budget related.

[drinkme]

I have a dilemma. This is long winded so I apologize in advance.

I am young (26) and was hired in to a small company about three months ago. The original position was simply an employee of this small company. (We sell foreign language materials to libraries and schools). The office is very unique, there are people of all ages backgrounds and races however I am by far the youngest by at least six to eight years. Anyway, because I have been doing so well and really stood out as a go getter and have been able to make a lot of big sales, I have been offered the title of assistant manager. This is a huge deal and includes a pay raise. Not much, but enough to help our budget at home out. Here's the problem. As a beginning step into the position I have been given extra duties some that involve assigning people work, and asking them (politely) why certain projects aren't finished. Already I have been met with a lot of apprehension and hostility and today had someone come up to me and tell me in an honest way that others were upset about this promotion and were talking poorly of me. This is my first foray into upper management and at my age is really going to be a great thing for my family and myself. But is it worth it? Is the few more dollars an hour worth people hating me? Am I being overly sensitive?

ETA: I forgot to say, I am a young woman and the first female manager here at the company.

Is this worth the raise or not?

I haven't read any replies yet, but I'm sure I'm going to repeat what others have said (or maybe not...lol).

Anyway, it doesn't matter what age, sex, race, religion, etc. you are, people are going to be angry they didn't get the promotion. Also, it's hard to manage people so no matter what you do, you are going to have people who are against you.

I wouldn't let others prevent you from a pay raise and a promotion. You are helping your family by bringing in more money.

Try to read up on management styles & tips There are lots of books out there, and you can find many at your library. It's hard to manage people, motivate them to work harder, and come across polite and respectful. A manager can make or break a department, so try to be one of those managers that keep their people positive.

Another tip I can give you is that your department will reflect what type of worker you are. If you are a slacker, then the people you manage will be that. If you show you don't really care about the company, your people will be like that. However, keep up your good work ethics and be a good role model to the people you are managing. Yes, even though you're younger you can still be a good role model.

Congrats on your promotion, and I hope you accept it. BTW, there is a book written by someone who worked for Disney that you might like to read. It talks about how he managed people who worked for him. I can't remember the name, but ask your librarian to find it for you.

Oh, and you ask in your post if taking the position is worth it? Yes it is.

Good luck!

 

[HFred]

First of all, congrats! That is an awesome accomplishment and one that you should be proud of. While your co-workers may be upset or disgruntled, if they are "smart" they will soon follow your lead. I would thank the employee who was honest with you, make it clear that you are there to help and facilitate not dictate but that, like them, you have a job to do. They will learn by example. Try to leave work frustration at work, enjoy your time and the benefits of the added income with your family. Keep a smile on your face and do what you are doing and being acknowledged for by your employer!

 

[KennedyMcKenna]

You have all been so kind and helpful I cannot begin to express how grateful I am to hear from others who have been in this position. I have accepted this job and after reading all this great advice and talking with my husband and family have a better understanding of where I need to do more research and preparing. I know that my toughest area will be the fact that I am a genuinely nice and kind person who always tries to think of the needs of others over myself- however I know that I can keep that aspect of my personality but not let it be used against me by coworkers. I intend to look into many of the resources that you have all provided here in the form of blogs and books. I want to be the kind of manager who people respect for their fair and equitable treatment. Ultimately no matter what arises it's my boss who I must please, not the need to make everybody like me. I couldn't have asked for a better resource. With my new found understanding of how I need to act in this position, I finish out this week and then I'm off to Disney for a week, what a great way to prep for a management role! Thank you honestly, from the bottom of my heart.