Taking an opportunity and leaping out of comfort zone
Discussion
gottans said:
Hmmm, really shows you what the company you are leaving is really like.
Taking a job out of your comfort zone is something I think everyone should do, I left a solid job to go into a hi-tech start up. The company could have been dead in 6 months but has provided 13 years of employment with a few bumps in the road but I am far better at my role than I ever imagined. It has been really hard work but we have done things that people just say wow when they hear it.
Now we are part of a much bigger company it feels like everything is in slow motion and we are just passengers and something special has been lost.
What a journey! Sorry to hear that the special spark has gone.Taking a job out of your comfort zone is something I think everyone should do, I left a solid job to go into a hi-tech start up. The company could have been dead in 6 months but has provided 13 years of employment with a few bumps in the road but I am far better at my role than I ever imagined. It has been really hard work but we have done things that people just say wow when they hear it.
Now we are part of a much bigger company it feels like everything is in slow motion and we are just passengers and something special has been lost.
I am going to do the usual in my new job; throw myself at it and learn as much as I can.
It will be nice to be somewhere where I can do this without being pegged by people who keep their job because they are friends with the manager.Just over three weeks to go now and even though I'm very nervous, I'm looking forward to it.
It was interesting here last week. As I've taken a step back, my senior colleague has caused no end of problems and has been asking me how to do things. As usual though, he is told it doesn't matter and when asked to fix things, it's done with a smile and a grovel. Absolutely crazy.
Oh well, I'm out of here soon.
Interestingly, I have been going over old emails from the first few years I was here. I've had problems with senior colleagues since I started. There are lots of old notes about complaints I raised which were just laughed off. Looks like nothing has changed over six years, so I doubt it ever will.
Worth pointing out where ever you go you will find d
heads but you just have to work round them to get the job done.
I think for me anyway going into a startup has been good experience as you get exposure to all aspects of a business even the financial ups and downs. I was quite lucky being the only person doing my job with a unique skill set but if I was a cat I have definitely lost a few lives in the process.
One thing that is important to me is the quality of other people around you, where I am everyone is an expert in their field, the downside is you feel a bit stupid in such intelligent company and doubt your own abilities. Still I wouldn't be there if I wasn't good at what I do.
Anyway best of luck with your new job.
heads but you just have to work round them to get the job done.I think for me anyway going into a startup has been good experience as you get exposure to all aspects of a business even the financial ups and downs. I was quite lucky being the only person doing my job with a unique skill set but if I was a cat I have definitely lost a few lives in the process.
One thing that is important to me is the quality of other people around you, where I am everyone is an expert in their field, the downside is you feel a bit stupid in such intelligent company and doubt your own abilities. Still I wouldn't be there if I wasn't good at what I do.
Anyway best of luck with your new job.
funkyrobot said:
Thanks.
I've decided that I'm going to see HR about this today. I don't see why I should offer them the phone cover for free. Will see what they say.
If they refuse to pay me, I don't think there is a lot I can do. I just need to know so I am aware of how much attention I need to pay to the phone for that time period.
I would consider raising the way that they are treating you and the example this sets to their existing employees. Then again they may not particularly care. I think the whole phone thing is inappropriate - I would be asking them exactly what the issue is regarding them "needing you" for such a long time period given they have not even closed a job role off before you are due to leave. At the end of the day state the day you are leaving and they will have to work towards that date. There is nothing they can do about it.I've decided that I'm going to see HR about this today. I don't see why I should offer them the phone cover for free. Will see what they say.
If they refuse to pay me, I don't think there is a lot I can do. I just need to know so I am aware of how much attention I need to pay to the phone for that time period.
0a said:
I would consider raising the way that they are treating you and the example this sets to their existing employees. Then again they may not particularly care. I think the whole phone thing is inappropriate - I would be asking them exactly what the issue is regarding them "needing you" for such a long time period given they have not even closed a job role off before you are due to leave. At the end of the day state the day you are leaving and they will have to work towards that date. There is nothing they can do about it.
Thanks for your advice.Unfortunately, I don't think that speaking to anyone about the way I'm being treated will make any difference. I have been treated badly for a few years now and despite conversations with very senior people, nothing has been actioned or changed.
I've been verbally abused by my manager and a colleague in the last few years here. Both times were taken to HR, but no action was taken against any of the abusers. Funnily enough, I found out recently that it isn't just me. Another chap left a few weeks ago and he told me that he had been abused and bullied too. It's quite interesting to talk to people when you are leaving. A lot of truths come out.
I will be questioning the phone thing before I go. However, I think I may just take it with me and not do a lot. I was threatened with legal action when initially discussing my notice period. Due to the fact that I needed to get it halved, I sort of played along. Getting the notice down was my main priority as the other company couldn't wait. Now this is done though, I may stop playing so nicely.
In other news, I've had to go to HR today because my manager hasn't sorted out my holiday entitlement properly. I'm due nearly a week's holiday, which I'm not taking as I could do with the money. The holiday quoted on my HR documentation is incorrect, so I questioned this with my manager. He said it was sorted. However, as I don't trust him I went to HR this morning to sort it. Their response was that he hasn't said anything about it to them at all! Nice.
Along with the holiday stuff, I'm also being bombarded with work now. There are two of us in my dept and work is usually allocated out equally. However, the staff on the other side of the office (who allocate the work) have now closed ranks on me and every request and problem went to me yesterday. It's been happening today too. So, my senior colleague is sat there twiddling his thumbs whilst everything comes to me.
Speaking of my senior colleague, I left him to his own devices last week. He caused a lot of problems. They simply have no idea here.
Anyway, I'll have a chat to HR about the phone thing soon. I do have written confirmation of me having a phone though, so I don't know what I can do.
Thanks again. This notice period is proving to be quite bizarre.
gottans said:
Worth pointing out where ever you go you will find dheads but you just have to work round them to get the job done.
I think for me anyway going into a startup has been good experience as you get exposure to all aspects of a business even the financial ups and downs. I was quite lucky being the only person doing my job with a unique skill set but if I was a cat I have definitely lost a few lives in the process.
One thing that is important to me is the quality of other people around you, where I am everyone is an expert in their field, the downside is you feel a bit stupid in such intelligent company and doubt your own abilities. Still I wouldn't be there if I wasn't good at what I do.
Anyway best of luck with your new job.
Thanks. Yes, there are idiots everywhere. My fiancee has told me lots of times about this.heads but you just have to work round them to get the job done.I think for me anyway going into a startup has been good experience as you get exposure to all aspects of a business even the financial ups and downs. I was quite lucky being the only person doing my job with a unique skill set but if I was a cat I have definitely lost a few lives in the process.
One thing that is important to me is the quality of other people around you, where I am everyone is an expert in their field, the downside is you feel a bit stupid in such intelligent company and doubt your own abilities. Still I wouldn't be there if I wasn't good at what I do.
Anyway best of luck with your new job.
However, the idiots are only an addition to the real reason I'm leaving. That is the complete and utter lack of any hope for me to progress here.
I have had jobs in the past where I have dealt with idiots. This is something that doesn't bother me. However, when you are completely surrounded by them and you can see no light on the horizon, this is when it is very difficult to cope. I needed to get out and I am doing so.
It's been hard because I'm a person who wears my heart on my sleeve, hates conflict and gets nervous/thinks about things a lot. However, I'm pleased that I'm making the leap now as I need to do something or I will go mad. I can't imagine how I'd feel if I had turned down the other opportunity.
My manager approached me this morning and told me that they are really struggling to find a replacement. Apparently, most of the applicants for my job do not fit the criteria at all and one that did was terrible in the interview. This is despite him telling me a few weeks ago that he could replace me 'tomorrow'.
He also mentioned the fact that I need to do a handover with my senior colleague. Apparently, there may be parts of the job I know that he doesn't, so I must get him up to speed before I go. Again, this is despite me constantly being told that my job knowledge isn't as comprehensive as my colleague's.
I wonder if it's finally dawning on the people I work with that things aren't as they think.
He also mentioned the fact that I need to do a handover with my senior colleague. Apparently, there may be parts of the job I know that he doesn't, so I must get him up to speed before I go. Again, this is despite me constantly being told that my job knowledge isn't as comprehensive as my colleague's.
I wonder if it's finally dawning on the people I work with that things aren't as they think.
To be honest I think you have consistently gone above and beyond for them and they have basically thrown it in your face. Now they are panicking as you are leaving and although you're right to not burn your bridges, I certainly don't think you should go out of your way to make their lives easier.
They have been quite nasty and immature with their behaviour. And they are now finiding out that you reap what you sow. All the best with it anyway, it does sounds unpleasant. I reckon now would be a good time to throw in a few tactical sickies.
They have been quite nasty and immature with their behaviour. And they are now finiding out that you reap what you sow. All the best with it anyway, it does sounds unpleasant. I reckon now would be a good time to throw in a few tactical sickies.
Moominho said:
To be honest I think you have consistently gone above and beyond for them and they have basically thrown it in your face. Now they are panicking as you are leaving and although you're right to not burn your bridges, I certainly don't think you should go out of your way to make their lives easier.
They have been quite nasty and immature with their behaviour. And they are now finiding out that you reap what you sow. All the best with it anyway, it does sounds unpleasant. I reckon now would be a good time to throw in a few tactical sickies.
I agree and although you shouldn't burn the bridges, I have six year's worth of emotional battering fueling this fire. I doubt I will ever want anything to do with this company after I leave, so I'm not too bothered. They have been quite nasty and immature with their behaviour. And they are now finiding out that you reap what you sow. All the best with it anyway, it does sounds unpleasant. I reckon now would be a good time to throw in a few tactical sickies.
As you say, it's been constantly thrown back in my face and the last few weeks have shown me exactly how terrible this company is. It's not just me either. Others who have gone recently have complained about the culture of bullying, but nothing has been done.
It's time to be very, very assertive and provide as little as I can. I'm not a cocky, arrogant person, but I have made this department look good for six years. I've worked my bum off, been in early nearly every day I've worked here (and still be told off about attendance in appraisals), have been verbally abused, have carried a colleague who is paid much more money than me, have been told how much better he is, have been told I need to do better every year and much more. Enough is enough. I've had it with this place.
I'm a big boy so I'm laughing the treatment off. However, I'm not stupid and I know that they are now realising what is happening.
Will see how the last three weeks go. I won't be here for all of them.
They are behaving badly but that doesn't really matter, best course of action is for you to behave professionally and do what is requested until your last day. That doesn't mean running round like a headless chicken wearing yourself out but complete the tasks as best you can, maybe not as quickly as you could. You are the one leaving and you should be professional to the end which will wind them up even more.
As for the telephone support, leave your phone to take messages and respond at one or two fixed times when it is convenient to you during the working day. If they can't do contingency planning it isn't your problem. After your final leaving date block their numbers on your phone and ignore them.
Anyway best of luck with your new job.
As for the telephone support, leave your phone to take messages and respond at one or two fixed times when it is convenient to you during the working day. If they can't do contingency planning it isn't your problem. After your final leaving date block their numbers on your phone and ignore them.
Anyway best of luck with your new job.
Thanks gottans.
I have mentioned a lot of stuff on here, but I won't really do most of it. I'm planning to be as professional as I can. However, knowing this place, it won't make any difference how I am. It is a real struggle to be professional when everyone around you is being a plonker.
I'm back in the office today after a few days off. I've had a great time being ill and building my own PC. I have exactly two weeks to go in this hell hole and I can't wait.
Re the phone. I'll turn it on in the evening to see if there are any messages etc. It won't be turned on in the daytime as this isn't the agreement we have put in place.
I'm still isolated here and don't know what I am doing back in the office. I am trying though, believe me.
Edited to add - I called in to the new company the other day to say hello and pass on some paperwork. They were really pleased that I had taken the time to do so (even though I had just been to the dentist). I asked them if there is anything I can get stuck into before I start there. There are a few bits I can read up on in the evenings before I start.
I have mentioned a lot of stuff on here, but I won't really do most of it. I'm planning to be as professional as I can. However, knowing this place, it won't make any difference how I am. It is a real struggle to be professional when everyone around you is being a plonker.
I'm back in the office today after a few days off. I've had a great time being ill and building my own PC. I have exactly two weeks to go in this hell hole and I can't wait.
Re the phone. I'll turn it on in the evening to see if there are any messages etc. It won't be turned on in the daytime as this isn't the agreement we have put in place.
I'm still isolated here and don't know what I am doing back in the office. I am trying though, believe me.
Edited to add - I called in to the new company the other day to say hello and pass on some paperwork. They were really pleased that I had taken the time to do so (even though I had just been to the dentist). I asked them if there is anything I can get stuck into before I start there. There are a few bits I can read up on in the evenings before I start.
Wow. I didn't think things could get any worse, but they have.
A colleague of mine is now in the firing line. Apparently, her face doesn't fit either.
They can do what they like to me as I'm leaving and I don't really care. But to start this process of trying to remove someone else too for no reason? Sickening. This has made me quite angry.
No doubt people will say this sort of stuff happens all of the time. However, along with myself, she keeps this dept running. She doesn't want to go, but had lots of work taken off her yesterday for no reason at all.
We've both been through the grinder together here and it saddens me to see this happening.
A colleague of mine is now in the firing line. Apparently, her face doesn't fit either.
They can do what they like to me as I'm leaving and I don't really care. But to start this process of trying to remove someone else too for no reason? Sickening. This has made me quite angry.
No doubt people will say this sort of stuff happens all of the time. However, along with myself, she keeps this dept running. She doesn't want to go, but had lots of work taken off her yesterday for no reason at all.
We've both been through the grinder together here and it saddens me to see this happening.
Interesting development.
Just found a monitoring device in the office that shouldn't be there.
There has been banter over the last six months between colleagues and I. Silly little things like moving drawers around, changing monitor settings etc. However, a new phone apparently disappeared yesterday.
Now, I'm the only one in the office in the morning for an hour or so. So why has this recording device appeared overnight and why has it been concealed (badly) on someone's desk?
The mind boggles.
Just found a monitoring device in the office that shouldn't be there.
There has been banter over the last six months between colleagues and I. Silly little things like moving drawers around, changing monitor settings etc. However, a new phone apparently disappeared yesterday.
Now, I'm the only one in the office in the morning for an hour or so. So why has this recording device appeared overnight and why has it been concealed (badly) on someone's desk?
The mind boggles.
Nice fruity curry and some bhajis along with a nice dark ale tonight and when you are in, on your own early tomorrow I'm sure you can leave some nice melodious recordings for them to listen to!
Oh and the phone thing - I'd leave it in a drawer at work turned off when you leave - what are they going to do?
Oh and the phone thing - I'd leave it in a drawer at work turned off when you leave - what are they going to do?
elanfan said:
Nice fruity curry and some bhajis along with a nice dark ale tonight and when you are in, on your own early tomorrow I'm sure you can leave some nice melodious recordings for them to listen to!
Oh and the phone thing - I'd leave it in a drawer at work turned off when you leave - what are they going to do?
Oh and the phone thing - I'd leave it in a drawer at work turned off when you leave - what are they going to do?
Love the phone idea.
Exit interview was yesterday.
Wasn't going to say much, but had a really interesting chat with the HR lady. She pretty much admitted that there is a terrible culture of bullying and aggression in this company. Everything that I have complained about is known as others have mentioned it too.
We both agreed that there are some major problems here, but nothing can and will be done until people are replaced. I also mentioned that everything I have noted is pretty pointless as it won't change anything. It's all logged though for a time when someone may be interested.
Last two days of this hellhole to go.
Wasn't going to say much, but had a really interesting chat with the HR lady. She pretty much admitted that there is a terrible culture of bullying and aggression in this company. Everything that I have complained about is known as others have mentioned it too.
We both agreed that there are some major problems here, but nothing can and will be done until people are replaced. I also mentioned that everything I have noted is pretty pointless as it won't change anything. It's all logged though for a time when someone may be interested.
Last two days of this hellhole to go.
FR, I'm in a very similar position. Dead end job, boss making it like that due to falling out.
I've just thrown my notice in without anything to go to, I'm that fed up. I've got some money aside if I don't get anything, I'm going for interviews etc, but I feel I want to go self employed.
I'm ecstatic that I'm leaving but fearful of the future. I still know I made the right decision, daily I am reminded, due to the negligence of the management I work for.
Good luck in the future!
I've just thrown my notice in without anything to go to, I'm that fed up. I've got some money aside if I don't get anything, I'm going for interviews etc, but I feel I want to go self employed.
I'm ecstatic that I'm leaving but fearful of the future. I still know I made the right decision, daily I am reminded, due to the negligence of the management I work for.
Good luck in the future!
illmonkey said:
FR, I'm in a very similar position. Dead end job, boss making it like that due to falling out.
I've just thrown my notice in without anything to go to, I'm that fed up. I've got some money aside if I don't get anything, I'm going for interviews etc, but I feel I want to go self employed.
I'm ecstatic that I'm leaving but fearful of the future. I still know I made the right decision, daily I am reminded, due to the negligence of the management I work for.
Good luck in the future!
I hope it goes well for you too, whatever you decide to do. I've just thrown my notice in without anything to go to, I'm that fed up. I've got some money aside if I don't get anything, I'm going for interviews etc, but I feel I want to go self employed.
I'm ecstatic that I'm leaving but fearful of the future. I still know I made the right decision, daily I am reminded, due to the negligence of the management I work for.
Good luck in the future!
I must admit that I have been waking up late at night and worrying about the new job lately. It's so close to leaving time that it is all dawning on me now. However, I am extremely pleased that I made the decision to go. Nothing has improved here and if I had let my nerves and lack of confidence take over and said no to the other company, I would be very, very depressed right now.
The chat with HR yesterday was interesting, but ultimately quite saddening. It's a shame that companies can still operate this way in the modern world. It makes a mockery of the 'anti-harassment and quality of life at work' policy that I found when clearing my desk the other day.
Apparently, a big office move is planned for the day after I leave. I guess my lanky figure means my heightened desk takes up too much room here.
Apart from that, I'm being ignored by most people in my department as usual. I really, really want to tell some people in here how I feel about them tomorrow. However, due to me trying to be professional, I doubt that will happen. I think enough was said in the interview yesterday.
Good luck with everything ill.
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