So angry with my employer...

[DaisyLynn]

I wasn't going to post anything about this...but I had a very bad Thursday and Friday at work, and it's all I've been able to think about all weekend and now it's Sunday evening, and I have to go in there tomorrow and really don't want to. I would just give my notice tomorrow if it wasn't going to disappoint my DH - but it would.

Long story short, they want me to do less work for the same amount of money. I know - crazy! I was hired for a position that I was way overqualified for...all parties involved knew this, but from day one I was encouraged to do more - "you're doing a great job", "you're a breath of fresh air", "I wish others were more like you" are all statements that I've heard from my superiors. Two years later, I've found my groove, doing very well, and then I get a bomb dropped on me. I asked if I have done something wrong (nope), if I've messed something up (nope), and they've assured me of this several times. They've only been able to state that it was a "mistake" that I've been doing other duties...keep in mind, just 6 days earlier I was being praised for going above and beyond what's expected. Very little is expected of someone in my position, but I enjoy learning and hard work. I get paid no more for doing this - but I love it and didn't get into this field for the money, because it's just not there. In speaking with another manager on Friday, I have come to the realization it has something to do with another employee, favoritism, all that jazz. It could be a LONG STORY here, but I'm going to spare anyone who is reading this.

Any advice on how to handle my day tomorrow is sooo kindly appreciated. I have spruced up my resume this weekend and have already sent it out to a couple of postings I found online this weekend - unfortunately, this is a horrible time to seek employment, especially in my field.

I didn't proofread any of this, so I apologize for grammatical errors/run-on sentences/overall not sense-making

 

[ChrisFL]

So you're getting less hours? Am I reading into it that way?

Because you posted you're doing less work for the same amount of money...which I would love if I had the same hours...

 

[robinb]

Let me see if I understand this. You have been doing "extra duties" not in your job description for free. You employer enjoyed having you do the extra work while paying you a regular salary. Last week you were told that your services in doing those extra duties were no longer needed. Right? And it appears that another employee will be picking up those extra duties instead and that employee is someone's favorite. Is that employee also getting a raise by doing these duties?

If that's what happened, I don't think there is anything you can do. I guess if you have a good working relationship with your manager you can express your disappointment over losing the extra duties that you enjoyed so much. You could tell them if you had known that the duties would be split out and filled by an employee you would have been sure to apply for the job. Only you know if that will "rock the boat" too much. I would try to hang in there for a while and do the your regular job duties and work your tail off to get a new job commensurate with your skills learned doing the extra duties. I guess if your family doesn't really need your salary you can come clean with your manager and see if s/he can find you another job within the company which would be more interesting. Good luck.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Seems like your just getting a taste of what's been going on in the business world for years.

Be glad you have a job to go to tomorrow.

Good Luck~

 

[Foxhound3857]

Are you in danger of losing those extra hours if another employee is favored more for them? If so, I wouldn't worry about it since you said yourself that you weren't getting paid for those extra duties. Not a big loss in my opinion.

If you're in danger of taking a paycut or losing your job because of this employee, two things. First, put out job applications for a new job in your department. Then, if the hammer does end up falling, at least you're prepared for it and can gain an edge over the job market and find something before money becomes an issue. Second, find out who this favored employee is, why he or she is being favored for these extra duties or services, and try to gain an edge over him or her to shift the momentum of favoritism in your direction. Then maybe things will turn around for you.

Otherwise, just be thankful you have a job to go to tomorrow. Some people are desperate to find work and just can't get any, so you're very fortunate any way you slice it.

Good luck though.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I'm not sure why you are angry with your employer ..I would say this though, go into work tomorrow and be as pleasant as you say you usually are, let it go, if you catch an attitude you will be unemployed..do what is in your job description, offer to help others as you've been doing and don't waste time & energy wandering why?

 

[Luvchefmic]

Second, find out who this favored employee is, why he or she is being favored for these extra duties or services, and try to gain an edge over him or her to shift the momentum of favoritism in your direction. Then maybe things will turn around for you.

Otherwise, just be thankful you have a job to go to tomorrow. Some people are desperate to find work and just can't get any, so you're very fortunate any way you slice it.

Good luck though.

Sorry Foxhound I respectfully disagree with the advice about finding out about the other employee...OP will just get caught up in office gossip & nothing good ever comes out of that...especially in todays job picture...as far as the rest of your post....AMEN to that I have been out of work since LAST Aug......count your blessings OP

 

[disykat]

I would try your best to let go of it while you are at work, and then in your free time you can make your new challenge being finding a new position where you can utilize your skills.

I know how frustrating it can be not to be challenged or able to do what you know you're good at, and it seems like an odd decision by your employers, but you still have your current job description and pay so you don't have what would probably be considered a "legitimate gripe" by your employer.

 

[Foxhound3857]

Sorry Foxhound I respectfully disagree with the advice about finding out about the other employee...OP will just get caught up in office gossip & nothing good ever comes out of that...especially in todays job picture...as far as the rest of your post....AMEN to that I have been out of work since LAST Aug......count your blessings OP

Fair enough, but I have to disagree about simply letting this go. You never get anywhere in this world unless you chase after what you desire. It doesn't just come to you; you have to go out and get it. And it has been my experience that in order to get anything, you inevitably have to take it from somebody else. And the OP should not back down and simply "take it" when someone challenges her position without just cause, or her position or job are threatened for reasons beyond her control.

The OP should challenge them, not lay down and accept defeat.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I had this happen prior to maternity leave 10 years ago.

The position title had set duties, but depending on where you were at dictated what you actually did and favored heavily in determining merit raises. I was moved to a similarly titled duty in another area and I coudln't fill my day at all...and I had reduced to half day. In my case....it woudl have ben a possible labor dispute, but was resolved on my maternity leave.

Had it happened outside of pregnancy and a poor training situation (me training an idiot who coudln't do the job)--it would have been devestating.

It would have meant they did have a problem with me and it would have discouraged me.


I'll I can say is hang in there, stuff will resolve eventually.

Being able to do extra things is often how people move up in a company. And not being able to do those extra things--can restrict those opportunities.

I'd lay low, keep an eye out and see what happens for now. I wouldn't quit just yet if this is a field that interests you.

 

[manning]

Do your job and gladly accept extra assignments when offered. Ask the boss if there is anything else he wants done, don't just jump in and do it. If he/she says no, then don't do it.

Sounds like you may be stepping on someone's toes and they don't like it. Having worked in the corporate world that can become ugly fast. Just don't rock the boat.

There are only two things you can do about it....accept it or go looking for another job..

 

[DaisyLynn]

Thanks for the responses...

And I do realize that I should be (and I am) thankful that I have a job when there are so many out there that don't. That is for sure!

I was specifically asked to NOT leave the company, that they want me there, etc. etc. I haven't lost hours, my job is not in jeopardy. It's all office politics - which I've never been a part of, I have always kept myself away from them (having been a manager for many years, I've just always been able to keep a neutral ground on these things) - this whole situation is just plain wrong, IMO. I have lost nothing from this deal other than my pride, which is just a small price to pay to others (this is an office of 5 people, btw)...but to me, it's very personal and it hurts.

The best way I can describe the situation without giving away too much information, etc. etc. is this:

Me: I am really good at coloring on a blank sheet of paper.
Supervisor: Yes you are, would you like to try to color within the lines on this sheet of paper?
Me: Absolutely!
Supervisor: Great job - I appreciate that you are enthusiastic and accurate when you color inside the lines.
Coworker (who is of equal rank): I always color inside the lines, and I don't want DaisyLynn to be able to do that anymore.
Supervisor to me: Sorry, my mistake. You are only allowed to color on a blank sheet from now on.


I know that's silly and probably stupid, but hopefully it accurately describes the situation...and I actually feel better after looking at it in that way, because really the whole situation is very juvenile. Anyway, I'm just going to do what is within my control. Go to work every day, do what I do, apply for jobs and stay positive. Besides, I'll be in Disney in less than two weeks - there are way worse things in the world!

 

[robinb]

Was "coloring between the lines" in your co-worker's job description? If that is the case then you were stepping on his/her toes by doing their job in addition to your own.

 

[agnes!]

Put out feelers for every possible job within a reasonable commute for reasonable hours at a reasonable salary AND while you're at your present job absolutely do no more than what is exactly in your job description. Someone comes along and asks/says to do something more? Oops sorry, no can do. Tell the person that Little Miss Golden Child is *so* much more qualified and you just don't feel comfortable doing more than what is in your job descrption. After all...doing more didn't get you more (at least in your present situation). I would go in tomorrow morning and be as sweet as pie, don't let them see how upset you are, be a team player up to the line of where your job description *ends* and nicely shove what they did down their throats.

agnes!

 

[anniemae]

I would just go in and do your job. If you were asked to stop doing extra work, stop doing extra work. Office politics are everywhere, as is office gossip, difficult co-workers and impossible bosses. If you like the people, the pay, the company etc. I would count your blessings and stay put and be happy they recognize you are a good employee.

It will blow over eventually and it sounds like the people that matter i.e. your superiors, know the real deal and know full well who is being difficult.

 

[DaisyLynn]

Fair enough, but I have to disagree about simply letting this go. You never get anywhere in this world unless you chase after what you desire. It doesn't just come to you; you have to go out and get it. And it has been my experience that in order to get anything, you inevitably have to take it from somebody else. And the OP should not back down and simply "take it" when someone challenges her position without just cause, or her position or job are threatened for reasons beyond her control.

Honestly, this is exactly what my gut is telling me to do. I have fought for every position I've ever gotten - I have always been very driven and I have always done it honestly. But I'm persistent, and I've never been tossed aside for being that way. I actually feel respected when I stand up for myself, my job, my qualifications, my ideas, you get the picture.

I am actually working for a much smaller organization than I'm used to, where everyone is a little "soft" if you know what I mean. Lots of stuff to think about...

 

[manning]

Could it be the other person isn't that good and you are picking up the slack. If so and they are trying to build a case that that person s/b let go you could be making it difficult.

 

[Foxhound3857]

Honestly, this is exactly what my gut is telling me to do. I have fought for every position I've ever gotten - I have always been very driven and I have always done it honestly. But I'm persistent, and I've never been tossed aside for being that way. I actually feel respected when I stand up for myself, my job, my qualifications, my ideas, you get the picture.

I am actually working for a much smaller organization than I'm used to, where everyone is a little "soft" if you know what I mean. Lots of stuff to think about...

I'm sorry, I may have spoke a little too soon.

I agree with the others that you should lay low for a while and see where things go for the time being. It's not wise to press the matter immediately because it could very well be nothing but a simple misunderstanding, and it would be bad to make a big deal over it if it does indeed turn out to be nothing.

But if it does become a threat to your position, if it does put your job in jeopardy, then I would take action.

 

[DaisyLynn]

Just to make it clear, I've done nothing that my supervisor was not encouraging me to do. From what I gather, this coworker decided that she didn't like it (after two years), and instead of my boss saying to her "worry about doing your job and let me worry about the other employees" she decided to take sides...that's a big "no-no" IMO.

 

[robinb]

Just to make it clear, I've done nothing that my supervisor was not encouraging me to do. From what I gather, this coworker decided that she didn't like it (after two years), and instead of my boss saying to her "worry about doing your job and let me worry about the other employees" she decided to take sides...that's a big "no-no" IMO.

Let me say it again. Your co-worker was probably threatened by you doing her job. Put yourself in HER position. What would you do if someone was doing your job? Even at the suggestion of your supervisor? Would you lay down and take it or would you fight for your job? Maybe it was NEVER OK with her that you were doing more and more of her job and she finally put her foot down. I really can't fault her for that and I don't see it as "favoritism" ... I see it as her reclaiming her own position.