Work Dilemma

[RachelEllen]

Ok, way long work dilemma, but I'm curious about people's thoughts. I think I'm a bit sensative about stuff here because I'm working way too many hours, and my one person office has just been turned into a three person office. So part of this way be me wanting to whine

Anyhow, I'm involved in an academic medical fellowship. There are 8 of us at one time in the fellowship. We don't have many cool perks, but one of the best is the yearly academic conference in Aspen. Each year, one person is nominated to go and gets to apply. You have a 50% chance of being chosen. If you are chosen, you get a plane ticket, awesome hotel room, lectures by nationally known speakers, the chance to meet and hang out with colleagues from accross the country. It's supposed to be just spectacular. To put it in perspective, attending physicians who went 15 years ago still rave about the experience.

Anyhow, last year, I was chosen to apply. I was accepted, and I was really, really thrilled. However, a month before the conference, our coverage schedule here at the hospital fell apart. Several people had pregnancy related issues (either themselves or their spouses), one person had planned a personal vacation; bascially it got really tight; it got very tense for a while, and I had to cancel my attendance at the conference. This is the first time anyone from our program ever had to cancel.

So, it's come around to the time of year when they pick who to nominate. This is my last chance to go. I really feel like they should allow me to apply again, since, bascialy, last year I had to take one for the team. However, for some reason, the director of our program has sent out a general email asking who is interested and saying that he will select from amongst who is interested the one person who can apply.

Should I remind him of what happened last year? I'm not sure how to handle this. The application deadline is in two weeks, so I'm sure he will pick someone soon (you have to prepare a fair amount of material). I'm afraid if makes a decision, he won't change his mind. I don't want to be obnoxious about it, but honestly, if someone who I had to cover for last year now gets to go this year, I'm going to be fairly upset.

 

[lewdyan1]

I don't have any profound words of wisdom, I just want to offer some pixie dust! Good Luck!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

if you really want it you will probably need to speak up
good luck

 

[HonestAbe]

Heck yeah you should remind him. This will NEVER sit well with you unless you say something and the sooner you make your statement the better off you will be. It's only fair that this is brought to light and keep in mind that anyone who was there last year will also remember how you got the shaft.

You need to speak up for yourself because nobody else is going to do it for you. I also think if you have a good group of coworkers they will understand and agree with you. That could have the unintended effect of having other people plead your case as well.

 

[RachelEllen]

Wow, I appreciate the feedback. I was really afraid I was going to come accoss as 'whiny' or 'entitled,' but I think I will approach the director in person and Monday and just let him know that I would appreciate another chance.

 

[HonestAbe]

Wow, I appreciate the feedback. I was really afraid I was going to come accoss as 'whiny' or 'entitled,' but I think I will approach the director in person and Monday and just let him know that I would appreciate another chance.

And if you can sow the seeds with sympathetic coworkers without sounding whiny from their perspective (that's the real challenge) that cannot hurt either.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

I definitely think you should bring this up--you do not sound whiny or entitled at all. People have probably forgotten what a great thing you did for the team last year , and it's up to you to remind them.

 

[alliecats]

I agree with Honest Abe and I also would do this in person, not via email. Coworkers have an amazing facility for forgetting stuff like this, so I would not expect much help in that area. Stand up for yourself, be unemotional and professional. Go get 'em and let us know how it goes!!!

 

[Stacerita]

Wow, I appreciate the feedback. I was really afraid I was going to come accoss as 'whiny' or 'entitled,' but I think I will approach the director in person and Monday and just let him know that I would appreciate another chance.

I definately think you need to speak to the director about another chance. It would seem only fair especially since you "took one for the team" last time. Im surprised they didnt say something to you about it before knowing the situation last time. Speak up and be professional about it. But be firm on your stance and why you deserve another chance.

 

[Keli]

I definitely would bring it up. Of course your attitude and the way you present yourself while you bring it up will count for a lot so I would give that a lot of consideration. No "it's not fair" type of thing, just a honest, unbiases reminder of last year's events.