Just need some advice- job related

[LilyWDW]

Need some advice and since this site is somewhat "anonymous" and helpful I figured I could post here.

I work for a retail company in a management position. Lately I have come to feel unappreciated and it seems (to me) that when something goes wrong it gets pinned to me. It's as if I can't do anything right, even if I do exactly what my superiors are telling me. I know my superiors are also stressed as sales are down by a decent amount, but they let things pile up and then unleash it all. What's strange is that I often have the best numbers in many of the categories that we track and get positive feedback from managers in other stores as well as my managers superiors... just nothing from her. As an example, if they ask if I could change my schedule for whatever reason, I have done it 95% of the time. The only times I have said no were because I was out of town (and had requested that day off over a month in advance) or had an appointment I could not change.

I am very VERY stressed out and just don't know what to do. I would say that at least half my shifts end with me driving home in tears. I have NEVER had a job do that to me and it's affecting my whole life negatively. Any other time I would just look for a new job, but there is nothing really available at the moment. I have also been messing around with the idea of going back to school full time and getting a degree in Business of some sort to back up my other degree.

Anyone have any suggestions? On how to handle to constant negative feedback? On how to not let the stress get to me? Should I keep job hunting or even go back to school? It's just to the point where it's a lot of emotion involved so I would like some insight from others NOT involved.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

How about doing a pre-emptive strike and either go to you manager's boss or to HR and talk to someone there. Bring along a list of your accomplishemtns and what specific others have said about you. Also bring a long a list of your concerns about comments from your direct manager. Explain that you realize everyone is under a lot of prtessure, but with this one particular manager you feel it is making your job difficult. Also, stress that you do not want to leave the company and give reasons that will benefit the company to keep you (happy).

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

My advice would be to talk to her to let her know how you're feeling. Maybe she has no clue that her actions/comments are making you feel the way they do, especially if the negative feedback isn't warranted. If you don't feel comfortable speaking to her personally, go to HR - let them know what is going on and ask if they can set up a meeting between the two of you and someone from HR. When you do speak to her, don't generalize but have examples of what she said and how it made you feel. Ask for specific examples of how your performance is lacking. Listen objectively and determine if there any truth to what is being said. If there is, ask for feedback on how you can improve.

 

[pezheadmeg]

from a fellow retail drone.

My boss decided after 23 years that two weeks ago he had and decided that was it and he quit. It's been a totally insane 2 weeks with me being the only visual person running through a 5 floor store. My advice stay extremely upbeat. I'm bordering on delirious but I'm a lot less stressed getting by day to day.

Yeah it sucks to be in retail now, but we all do it because we love it.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I'd address the negative comments when they are stated. I'd say something like, "This was the way I was told by you to do it. Remember the day we ordered subs and right after we ate you went over the procedure?". Pause. Say no more. Let her address it. Document the conversation. Just jot it down for future reference. I'd also go to HR and ask to review your file. Mention what has been happening. So if and when the shoe drops, HR has a heads up and can call a meeting to get it straight (instead of putting something negative in your file).

Speak up every time you have performed as instructed and have later been told otherwise. You have to stand up for yourself. You can do it in such a way that it isn't "confrontational" but still meaningful.

I'm sorry you are going through this. I hope things let up for you soon.