So angry with my employer...

[DaisyLynn]

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.

There is another person that does do my job - I don't feel threatened by it because I worry about me, not what others are doing. None of us are in danger of losing our jobs - we have more work coming into our office than we are able to to handle as a whole sometimes (we're very lucky), which just puzzles me more.

 

[goofyernmost]

OK, I guess I'm pretty stupid. You have been doing extra and now they have said stop. The only reason they would have said that is because someone, (do you have a union), decided that you doing things not on your job description was preventing someone else from having a job.

You said that they have asked you to do less for the same money and yet you are unhappy with that? WTH? There are people losing their jobs everyday and you are unhappy because they said you are working too hard and want you to do less? No threat of layoff? No threat of firing? No threat of less wages?

My guess is that someone above your boss figured out what was happening, either by someone informing them or discovering for themselves and told your boss to stop taking advantage of you and stay within the confines of the companies policy.

Everyone should have such problems!

 

[lovemygoofy]

I'm confused I think. Let me type out the way I understand and then correct me whatever is wrong.

You hired on for a position you were over qualified for and from the get go took on more work than in your description. You did your work and the extra work and all loved you and you enjoyed it. Now you are back to just your job and not the extra work. Am I right?

I'm thinking it could be a couple things. One is that a co worker in the same job description could feel challenged that you are trying to make good and get up the next rung ahead of this person.

My other thought is that whomever you have been helping was told to stop taking your help because it is out of your job description and you doing so much extra can make issues.

I read that you took this job knowing that it was in the field you are in but alot different because of the office size. I get the feeling that you really know your field but maybe making yourself the big person in a little office and that isn't your place honesty. Keeping to your position in a small office can be difficult because work can overlap but in the end you have to remember your position especially knowing you took the position knowing you were over qualified.

I would think long and hard before leaving this position. Not simply because you have a job but because you chose to take that position for a reason instead of the mangerial positions you have previously held. I understand that you know feel undervalued now maybe but there was a reasn for this position and give it a few weeks things could change back. You never know.

 

[DaisyLynn]

OK, I guess I'm pretty stupid. You have been doing extra and now they have said stop. The only reason they would have said that is because someone, (do you have a union), decided that you doing things not on your job description was preventing someone else from having a job. No union

You said that they have asked you to do less for the same money and yet you are unhappy with that? WTH? There are people losing their jobs everyday and you are unhappy because they said you are working too hard and want you to do less? No threat of layoff? No threat of firing? No threat of less wages? I know, I probably sound like a royal idiot, but when I'm at work I want to work to my full ability...I'm finding myself unhappy to do less work, regardless of money.

My guess is that someone above your boss figured out what was happening, either by someone informing them or discovering for themselves and told your boss to stop taking advantage of you and stay within the confines of the companies policy. It's funny you should mention this, my supervisor's boss has been one of my biggest cheerleaders all along.

Everyone should have such problems! I know it must sound petty to you, or to most, and I'm lucky that I don't have a more "serious" problem. Maybe I'm asking or expecting too much. I just want to feel good at the end of my day.

Responses above in red.

I would think long and hard before leaving this position. Not simply because you have a job but because you chose to take that position for a reason instead of the mangerial positions you have previously held. I understand that you know feel undervalued now maybe but there was a reasn for this position and give it a few weeks things could change back. You never know.

I did take this job for a reason, so thanks for reminding me of that.

This thread has helped a lot - opinions from both sides, even. Thanks DIS friends!

 

[klacey1]

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.

I completely agree. People (including myself) are very protective of their jobs. If you were doing something that was within someone's else's job description, I can imagine they would be angry-- I would be. Especially if they feared that since you were already doing the job, there's a chance they could get fired since they would be useless with you doing the job for little pay.
I don't know if it has so much to do with favoritism as doing things that you really shouldn't be doing. By you doing someone else's job, you're giving them less to do-- the exact problem that's making you so angry. Why is it not okay for them to be upset about having less work but it is okay for you? EXCEPT-- they have a legitimate reason to be angry. They deserve to have a certain amount of work to do because it falls under their job description. You don't deserve to be upset because what you've been doing isn't part of your job.
I think you need to move on and just let your employer know that you have no problem taking on extra slack if it's needed. If not, do what's under your job description and carry on.

 

[disykat]

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.

This is a very good point.

This reminds me of some of the volunteer work I do. We always are trying to get people to record what they do, what they spend, etc. because donations on the sly, although generous, make it difficult to keep our job descriptions and budgets accurate. The same thing could be happening when you "donate" your services for jobs that aren't in your job description.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

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...

If you see the company you work for as soft a very strong approach might close the door for you.
You need to proceed with the culture of the company in mind & not what you've done to advocate for yoruself in the past.

 

[anniet]

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...

It sounds more like your ego than your gut to me. You were going above and beyond and now you are being asked not to. If you were the one who felt like you were being taken advantage of and you had made the decision not to go above and beyond any longer it wouldn't be all that upsetting to you - you are only upset because this was not your decision so you are feeling out of control.

You have two choices - do the job they are asking you to do or if that is totally unacceptable find another one. If you are working for a smaller organization than you are used to it sounds like you should probably look for a larger one to work for.

Forget about the economy - you only need one job and while you have one is a good time to look.

As for getting through the day just tell yourself, it's a paycheck.

 

[RNMOM]

I am in complete agreement with you about office politics. They drive me nuts.

Here's what I would do. Go to work and do exactly what is asked and expected of you. Do it with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. It will make everything much easier for your superiors and....most importantly....will drive this other person crazy. They will wonder what is up that you are so happy. It is much easier to be happy than to find reasons to be upset and sad. Give yourself a break and be proud that you are the kind of person who willingly goes the extra mile. Just don't go there right now until things get resolved. It isn't your issue, I have a feeling, it is completely generated by that other person.

If another job comes along that is much better consider it but I would hold off looking for a couple weeks. I have a feeling there is more to this story than you know.

 

[Planogirl]

All you really can do is go to work and do your job. And do so pleasantly. Acting angry won't help at all.

 

[JoShan1719]

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.

I second this. Neither your pay nor your hours were cut so you really have nothing to be upset about. I think as long as your actions show that you are still willing to do extra work then eventualy it'll head your way again.

 

[Frantasmic]

The lack of information in the OP's original post has led to some speculation that, IMO, doesn't allow posters to give totally good advice due to the inferences that were made about the situation.

It sounds to me like OP is doing something above and beyond the job expectations and this above and beyond duty does not threaten other people's work, nor does it infringe on other people's duties. It was an "added touch" that for years was condoned by the boss. Now, someone else has noticed the above and beyond duties and for some reason felt it wasn't warranted. (This is where the information is fuzzy).

It sounds to me that the OP got some sort of personal recognition from the extra duties, perhaps it was all just a good sense of self-worth, but the acknowledgement of the supervisor was also beneficial.

So, with the situation as it stands, the OP seems to me to be trying to state that it is professional pride that is causing the consternation and the consideration of changing jobs. But, the real reason is probably the change in status of the supervisor and the belief that more things might change in the future?

It also sounds like the OP never really got a good reason from the superviser other than XX employee didn't like what you were doing. So, the situation is really the OP losing faith in the supervisor, losing status in her own and the supervisor's eyes, and the chance that this might just be the start of other changes in status?

 

[Acklander]

The op says it's a small office, maybe the company wants to make sure others can color inside the lines as well? The old, not putting all your eggs in one basket type thing??? Maybe theirs different extra duties you could help with in the meantime?
Anyway, from the sounds of it, OP was doing extra duties, someone else whined about it so now that whiner gets to do the extra duties instead of the OP.
Don't worry OP, the supervisors are well aware of who was helping and who was complaining in this situation, so if it were me, I'd be the bigger person and lay back for a bit and see how it all unfolds. I bet you a cup of coffee that the person now taking over the duties tires of it after a bit and things go back to normal.

 

[LaurenLC]

Can I work where you work? Where I work we are being asked to do MORE work for the same or less pay. I'd like to be in your situation right now.

 

[DaisyLynn]

The lack of information in the OP's original post has led to some speculation that, IMO, doesn't allow posters to give totally good advice due to the inferences that were made about the situation.

It sounds to me like OP is doing something above and beyond the job expectations and this above and beyond duty does not threaten other people's work, nor does it infringe on other people's duties. It was an "added touch" that for years was condoned by the boss. Now, someone else has noticed the above and beyond duties and for some reason felt it wasn't warranted. (This is where the information is fuzzyIt's fuzzy for me, too. I don't completely understand, as it has not been explained to me well.).

It sounds to me that the OP got some sort of personal recognition from the extra duties, perhaps it was all just a good sense of self-worth, but the acknowledgement of the supervisor was also beneficial.

So, with the situation as it stands, the OP seems to me to be trying to state that it is professional pride that is causing the consternation and the consideration of changing jobs. But, the real reason is probably the change in status of the supervisor and the belief that more things might change in the future?

It also sounds like the OP never really got a good reason from the superviser other than XX employee didn't like what you were doing. So, the situation is really the OP losing faith in the supervisor, losing status in her own and the supervisor's eyes, and the chance that this might just be the start of other changes in status?

Thank you - you really pretty much nailed it, where when I was posting I was just unable to even form the right words to express the situation.

And it's also one of those things where I would hate for someone from my work to stumble upon my post. Though I'm nearly positive that none of them come here, you just never know.

 

[KristaTX]

Sounds very frustrating. I guess now you'll just have to DIS at work with all your "spare" time .

When I first started my current nursing job, I was always working as diligently as I could (and I still do). I had a coworker tell me, "Don't go do that. Let someone else do it. You don't have to work so hard." I was like huh ?? If I'm working, I might as well be busy and make most efficient use of the boss's and my time . I guess that's part of the problem with people these days. They don't want to be diligent with their work. They want to get away with as little as possible - at least until someone else comes along who may accidentally highlight the mediocre job the person is doing.

 

[Disney Doll]

I am in complete agreement with you about office politics. They drive me nuts.

Here's what I would do. Go to work and do exactly what is asked and expected of you. Do it with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. It will make everything much easier for your superiors and....most importantly....will drive this other person crazy. They will wonder what is up that you are so happy. It is much easier to be happy than to find reasons to be upset and sad. Give yourself a break and be proud that you are the kind of person who willingly goes the extra mile. Just don't go there right now until things get resolved. It isn't your issue, I have a feeling, it is completely generated by that other person.

If another job comes along that is much better consider it but I would hold off looking for a couple weeks. I have a feeling there is more to this story than you know.

I agree with every word of this post.
Don't make a rash decision about leaving or whatever...there may be something going on behind the scenes that you don't know about yet.

 

[ccgirl]

I have not read all the posts but I do have one question. Is this a union position? If so, and your job description is clearly stated, you are not allowed to do more (or less) as that would then mean you are taking away from another position or increasing your job code. Neither of which is allowed with a union position.