I feel very unhappy at work at the moment and really need to let it out! Sorry for the long post.
I feel trapped and totally out of control. There are several things that are going on ‘above’ me, changes in the way we currently run our business etc, and many of these changes will affect me. However, because of my level in the business (2 down from the CEO) I’m not being included in the decision making process. I’m concerned that they are going to make decisions without knowing all the facts and the impact it will have.
Part of this is down to the fact that my line manager (who is on the board and, kind of, involved in some of these discussions) isn’t a proper manager to me in that he doesn’t have a full understanding of what my role entails or the extent of work that I am involved in throughout the organisation. In short – I feel he can’t represent my views or the views of my team at this level.
I don’t really have any faith in him (or the chief executive to be honest). The reason that he’s my line manager is because when they promoted me 2 years ago, I was inexperienced as a manager at this level and I think they wanted a ‘safety net’ of someone more experienced (ie older) above me.
I feel very undervalued, but at the same time I feel like I have too much responsibility at this level. It’s like I’m given the responsibility, but not the tools (i.e facts or involvement) to be able to deal with it.
The business doesn’t have a strategy. Yet I am expected to produce a marketing strategy for the business, at the level I am at. I just don’t know where to begin and I don’t feel there is anyone who can help me!
To add to this, my colleague (at my level) has had a change in his role in that he’s been freed him up for business development projects. I think it’s the right thing for the business, however my work load was too heavy before but now all the development work he’s doing is further impacting on me. He comes up with the ideas and does the initial research but then the actual ‘work’ or implementation is up to me. I feel he seems to get the cool stuff and I just get the donkey work afterwards.
I told my boss last week that I’m feeling very low, although I didn't explain all the reasons. But he’s now gone away for a week and he hasn’t done anything about it. I also have to deputise for him whilst he’s away so I’ve got 8 members of staff to look after too, which isn’t helping.
Coupled with this I’m doing my college course and, whilst I’m enjoying it, it’s impacting on my work because I can’t do so many extra hours here because I need to concentrate on my studying.
I don’t know what to do. My gut is to just say sod them all and just leave, but I don’t want to leg it as soon as the going gets tough. But I’ve been here for 5 years and it’s probably time to move on anyway. But I’ve got my college course to deal with. That won’t finish until January 2009 and I’m not sure I’d be able to cope with a brand new job as well as do that.
I feel like I’ve nowhere to turn and I’m not sleeping properly.
If you've made it to here and if anyone has any advice I’d be really grateful. Thanks.
I'd book in a meet with your boss when he gets back to explain how the situation is costing the business money.
In the meantime, it's worth doing a casual search of a few job sites to see what else is out there. You shouldn't need to jump ship, but it's worth having a look so you've got other options. Are there any recruitment consultants in your sector you could talk to?
Sorry to hear things aren't all good at work at the moment. It is a tough one to deal with without coming across as if you are having a moan at your line manager. Have you thought of how best to sort out the issues? Are more staff required or a change of roles and responsibilites?
The reason I ask is that often the best way to deal with this is to go to your manager or the board with solutions to the issues as you see them no matter how wild they may be as you may then get some of your recommendations approved.
Hope it all works out and gets better sooner rather than later
I think quitting now would have a detrimental effect on your college course. Job hunting is a time-consuming pain in the arse, remember ? so unless you have something else lined up or can last unemployed until the end of your course, I wouldn't walk.
Can you by-pass your line-manager seeing as he's off this week? I know that's usually bad form but it seems urgent to me that you let those above know your thoughts. I don't know these people obviously, but it seems to me you have the interests of the company at heart here and I can't see how they would be offended if you skipped a little bit of protocol this once.
You are no different to anyone else who feels that change is taking place without them being involved. It should involve everyone in a small business or department, but in reality not every decison can be made 'by committee'. That is what managers do, and that is what they get paid for. It is the same in any organisation, but it often creates feelings of mistrust and unease among those who are not being consulted.
Your choice for the future is to accept that changes will take place around you, and that you should make the best of them - although change is not always for the best.
Alternatively, you can create changes for yourself. You have seen what you can do with your health and fitness - there is no reason on earth why you can't do the same with your professional life too.
Sorry to hear that work is getting you down. All the advice above is good. I agree with Will that you should sit down with your manager as soon as he gets back.
I know what you mean about not wanting to quit when the going gets tough. I've been in that situation before and I've usually hung on for a few more months before quitting anyway. I found that once that feeling takes hold, it never really goes away. However this is just my experience and we are very different personalities as you know, so it may not be true for you!
Don't forget, though, that moving jobs is one of the easiest ways to get a grade bump. Maybe you deserve to move to the next level with a different organisation.
I wouldn't let your college course hold you back either. In fact, it could be easier in a new job because you'll have the excitement and energy of the new position to drive you, rather than struggling along with all your current stress.
This might sound like a stupid question but do you have regular 1:1s with your line manager and do either of you keep record of the content of the meetings?
I would have to say that if you are unhappy with the line management you are being given that you are within your rights to go to their line manager to express your concerns.
You stated that when you started the job you were younger and inexperienced and needed the safety net, obviously that has changed and unless the 'management' are being made aware of the caseload / work that you do they will still feel that you need supervision. Your line manager should be meeting with them and saying you no longer need that supervision and be regraded. Maybe he likes you working for him and him reaping the benefits of your hard work.
Your contract should have clear guidance of your role, and it may be time to renegotiate.
Before you call the meeting with your manager prepare some solutions for them, that suit you, they are more likely to agree to changes if they know you are prepared, and serious, and it stops them having the hard work of actually engaging their limited management brains. It also stops it looking like you are just moaning about being overworked.
It does seem a little unfair that whilst your manager is away you are deputising for him with regards managing staff and that responsibility should bring with it more respect.
Just remember we work to live, not the other way around. They wouldn't want you to be off sick with stress, it's in their best interest to keep you working.
Good luck
*wonders if asking for a cup of tea would be out of order*
So sorry about your problems at work PGE :o( you have had some great advice here already but on the whole I agree with what Guber is saying. Call me cynical but I have encountered line managers in the past who were expert at covering their own backsides and it has transpired that the higher management weren't aware of certain situations. It may seem underhand in some respects but I would consider using the opportunity of your line manager's absence to raise concerns with those higher up. However, as Guber says once you get that gut feeling of wanting to throw in the towel it never quite leaves you regardless of improvements in the status quo. Even so, improvement is all you need at least until you have finished your course.
