Don't seem to have much luck with jobs at the moment
Discussion
After nearly two horrendous years at a job where I was treated like a piece of dirt, I managed to get out and find myself another job. Great, I thought.
I had assurances of being part of a team, being actively involved in the installation of a new ERP system, training on tap and I was told that what I had left behind wouldn't happen again.
Well, it has. Not so much to the extent of the bullying by a manager, but being cast to one side and pretty much used as a gopher. My current manager isn't a bad person, but he simply will not involve me in anything to do with what I was supposed to be working on.
I've basically been left covering a helpdesk for the current system which is due to expire in three weeks. I haven't had a lot of training on this, so I muddle along with what I can. Also, despite a lot of work going on on our new system over the last three months, I've been included in only three 1 hour orientation meetings.
I finished my probation a month ago and was finally given a list of objectives for the next six months. These are based on the new system really. I documented what I needed in terms of training etc. to achieve each objective and gave this back to my manager in early October. I haven't had anything back since. I haven't even had a letter saying I have completed my probation. I have tried to have a catchup with him, but he keeps saying he is too busy.
Despite the new system looming in three weeks time, I have had no training, haven't been involved in anything to do with it (my colleague has though), and I'm expected to support it when it goes live.
My manager finally called a one to one meeting last week. I thought it was to dicuss my probation, my new system concerns and other things. However, he wanted to meet with me to address some concerns he had about me being a bit more involved with the IT side of things. Apparently, he told me something in confidence (even though he didn't explain that), accused me of blabbing about it (which I didnt'), and wanted to meet to clear things. We sorted things out, he made himself look like a fool, then when I produced my printed probation stuff for a chat I thought we would have, he made his excuses and said he had to get back to his desk.
I have had an ongoing dialogue with the director of HR for a while now (she agrees that my situation is silly). She has been supporting me and giving me advice on how to handle this. She has been very helpful and I'm due a catchup with her this week at some time. However, I still feel like I am simply being used to keep the helpdesk ticking over for the old system, and for some reason am being kept away from the new one.
My days are currently a mix of boredom, then big amounts of work as that is the way jobs come into the helpdesk. I've been trying to learn the new system myself with user guides. But, this is difficult to do as I'm not immersed with the teams that will be using it and don't know their processes. Also, I still haven't even had some time around the business getting to know people and the different departments, despite asking for this for nearly four months!
On one positive note, I am coping with this better mentally than I have done in similar situations in the past. I'm just dumbfounded that I have ended up in a silly job situation again. It must be me, or it must be my terrible career choices.
Anyhow, three weeks time will be fun. Expected to support a new system when I have spent only a few hours with it.
Anyone else think that sometimes, you just seem to have a lot of bad luck?
I had assurances of being part of a team, being actively involved in the installation of a new ERP system, training on tap and I was told that what I had left behind wouldn't happen again.
Well, it has. Not so much to the extent of the bullying by a manager, but being cast to one side and pretty much used as a gopher. My current manager isn't a bad person, but he simply will not involve me in anything to do with what I was supposed to be working on.
I've basically been left covering a helpdesk for the current system which is due to expire in three weeks. I haven't had a lot of training on this, so I muddle along with what I can. Also, despite a lot of work going on on our new system over the last three months, I've been included in only three 1 hour orientation meetings.
I finished my probation a month ago and was finally given a list of objectives for the next six months. These are based on the new system really. I documented what I needed in terms of training etc. to achieve each objective and gave this back to my manager in early October. I haven't had anything back since. I haven't even had a letter saying I have completed my probation. I have tried to have a catchup with him, but he keeps saying he is too busy.
Despite the new system looming in three weeks time, I have had no training, haven't been involved in anything to do with it (my colleague has though), and I'm expected to support it when it goes live.
My manager finally called a one to one meeting last week. I thought it was to dicuss my probation, my new system concerns and other things. However, he wanted to meet with me to address some concerns he had about me being a bit more involved with the IT side of things. Apparently, he told me something in confidence (even though he didn't explain that), accused me of blabbing about it (which I didnt'), and wanted to meet to clear things. We sorted things out, he made himself look like a fool, then when I produced my printed probation stuff for a chat I thought we would have, he made his excuses and said he had to get back to his desk.
I have had an ongoing dialogue with the director of HR for a while now (she agrees that my situation is silly). She has been supporting me and giving me advice on how to handle this. She has been very helpful and I'm due a catchup with her this week at some time. However, I still feel like I am simply being used to keep the helpdesk ticking over for the old system, and for some reason am being kept away from the new one.
My days are currently a mix of boredom, then big amounts of work as that is the way jobs come into the helpdesk. I've been trying to learn the new system myself with user guides. But, this is difficult to do as I'm not immersed with the teams that will be using it and don't know their processes. Also, I still haven't even had some time around the business getting to know people and the different departments, despite asking for this for nearly four months!
On one positive note, I am coping with this better mentally than I have done in similar situations in the past. I'm just dumbfounded that I have ended up in a silly job situation again. It must be me, or it must be my terrible career choices.
Anyhow, three weeks time will be fun. Expected to support a new system when I have spent only a few hours with it.
Anyone else think that sometimes, you just seem to have a lot of bad luck?
The only comfort I can offer you is this. Bad experiences can help you learn as much as good ones. For example while you are not getting the technical exposure you were promised at least you should recognise/anticipate such a risk in the future. Equally you'll learn how not to treat people. My third job was in a quite a hostile and confrontational company culture. During this time I had some really difficult moments. But looking back it really toughened me up and now I'm grateful for the experience.
You are quite correct. My last job taught me a hell of a lot.
This job, while not as bad in terms of abuse, is quite bizarre. I really have been literally dumped in a corner, answering calls on the helpdesk while others spend time and have been involved in the new system.
Oh well, I see it like this. When the new system goes live, the company need to understand that I will need time to get up to speed.
This job, while not as bad in terms of abuse, is quite bizarre. I really have been literally dumped in a corner, answering calls on the helpdesk while others spend time and have been involved in the new system.
Oh well, I see it like this. When the new system goes live, the company need to understand that I will need time to get up to speed.
If it was me, I'd go into writing when new system goes live and keep copy to my boss on the lack of training received and the requirements needed to provide an adequate service. I wouldn't want my boss coming back to me in 2 months saying I wasn't up to the job or they have had complaints from customers about me not knowing what to do.
funkyrobot said:
You are quite correct. My last job taught me a hell of a lot.
This job, while not as bad in terms of abuse, is quite bizarre. I really have been literally dumped in a corner, answering calls on the helpdesk while others spend time and have been involved in the new system.
Oh well, I see it like this. When the new system goes live, the company need to understand that I will need time to get up to speed.
Are you the newest member of the team? If so, it is likely other members are being involved to keep them happy in their roles.This job, while not as bad in terms of abuse, is quite bizarre. I really have been literally dumped in a corner, answering calls on the helpdesk while others spend time and have been involved in the new system.
Oh well, I see it like this. When the new system goes live, the company need to understand that I will need time to get up to speed.
I suspect that what is happening is the pressure is on to deliver this system live as per the agreed timescales thus everything else is sidelined. Happens with almost every IT installation I have known as they are always struggling to meet the agreed timescales.
There are negatives you have highlighted regarding agreed development however the fact they are happy to leave you on your own to support the current system is a positive and shows they are happy with what you can do.
I suspect your training of the new system will be on the job training with escalation paths to people who currently have better knowledge i.e. your colleague
It will definitely do you no harm to wait and learn this new system, whether you see the role as long term, only you know.
I feel for you OP.
I was endlessly flamed and told its all my fault when voicing similar in this thread
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
but the reality is, bosses are scum that never keep their word.
All you can do is keep your contract close to hand and refuse to do anything that's not a part of it.
I was endlessly flamed and told its all my fault when voicing similar in this thread
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
but the reality is, bosses are scum that never keep their word.
All you can do is keep your contract close to hand and refuse to do anything that's not a part of it.
Ashfordian said:
Are you the newest member of the team? If so, it is likely other members are being involved to keep them happy in their roles.
I suspect that what is happening is the pressure is on to deliver this system live as per the agreed timescales thus everything else is sidelined. Happens with almost every IT installation I have known as they are always struggling to meet the agreed timescales.
There are negatives you have highlighted regarding agreed development however the fact they are happy to leave you on your own to support the current system is a positive and shows they are happy with what you can do.
I suspect your training of the new system will be on the job training with escalation paths to people who currently have better knowledge i.e. your colleague
It will definitely do you no harm to wait and learn this new system, whether you see the role as long term, only you know.
I am indeed the newest member. I suspect that what is happening is the pressure is on to deliver this system live as per the agreed timescales thus everything else is sidelined. Happens with almost every IT installation I have known as they are always struggling to meet the agreed timescales.
There are negatives you have highlighted regarding agreed development however the fact they are happy to leave you on your own to support the current system is a positive and shows they are happy with what you can do.
I suspect your training of the new system will be on the job training with escalation paths to people who currently have better knowledge i.e. your colleague
It will definitely do you no harm to wait and learn this new system, whether you see the role as long term, only you know.
I don't intend in going anywhere, just a bit cheesed off that I have been literally dumped in a corner. I thought I was being hired to aid the installation.
Oh well, will see what happens when the new system goes live.
Thanks for the explanation.
SystemParanoia said:
I feel for you OP.
I was endlessly flamed and told its all my fault when voicing similar in this thread
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
but the reality is, bosses are scum that never keep their word.
All you can do is keep your contract close to hand and refuse to do anything that's not a part of it.
I am noticing that it is very, very hard to find a boss who isn't an ass, really. I don't think it's me, as the companies I have worked for think I do a really good job. My current boss also said in my probabtion review that I have done really well.I was endlessly flamed and told its all my fault when voicing similar in this thread
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
but the reality is, bosses are scum that never keep their word.
All you can do is keep your contract close to hand and refuse to do anything that's not a part of it.
I just hate it when support and things are promised, yet when you get stuck into a role you end up left on the sidelines.
As posted above, I am the latest team member and things are up in the air. However, I have been asking for things like a proper business orientation for months, and nothing happens. All I get told is my boss doesn't have time to arrange things.
funkyrobot said:
I am noticing that it is very, very hard to find a boss who isn't an ass, really. I don't think it's me, as the companies I have worked for think I do a really good job. My current boss also said in my probabtion review that I have done really well.
I just hate it when support and things are promised, yet when you get stuck into a role you end up left on the sidelines.
As posted above, I am the latest team member and things are up in the air. However, I have been asking for things like a proper business orientation for months, and nothing happens. All I get told is my boss doesn't have time to arrange things.
Or we cant just give you training because :I just hate it when support and things are promised, yet when you get stuck into a role you end up left on the sidelines.
As posted above, I am the latest team member and things are up in the air. However, I have been asking for things like a proper business orientation for months, and nothing happens. All I get told is my boss doesn't have time to arrange things.
you haven't been here long enough
You arnt performing well enough to justify it ( WTF!!)
Its not in the budget
I cant afford for you to have the time off
Nobody else has training and their doing ok ( errm look at all the data quality issues you have morons )
and so on and so on
SystemParanoia said:
Or we cant just give you training because :
you haven't been here long enough
You arnt performing well enough to justify it ( WTF!!)
Its not in the budget
I cant afford for you to have the time off
Nobody else has training and their doing ok ( errm look at all the data quality issues you have morons )
and so on and so on
you haven't been here long enough
You arnt performing well enough to justify it ( WTF!!)
Its not in the budget
I cant afford for you to have the time off
Nobody else has training and their doing ok ( errm look at all the data quality issues you have morons )
and so on and so on
I asked my manager about the business orientation last week. He said the business simply hasn't got time to facilitate me spending time in other departments.
This has usually been the first thing I have done in new roles before.
Also, I asked him about my probation form. Again, he said he hasn't had time to look at it. Erm, he spends all day sat at his desk distributing pointless spreadsheets detailing who is using which room for system training.
This place is odd. The only thing I don't want to happen is the new system go live, and everyone starts relying on me for support issues. I shall firmly stand my ground though. Glad I have had a dialogue going with the HR director.
funkyrobot said:
SystemParanoia said:
Or we cant just give you training because :
you haven't been here long enough
You arnt performing well enough to justify it ( WTF!!)
Its not in the budget
I cant afford for you to have the time off
Nobody else has training and their doing ok ( errm look at all the data quality issues you have morons )
and so on and so on
you haven't been here long enough
You arnt performing well enough to justify it ( WTF!!)
Its not in the budget
I cant afford for you to have the time off
Nobody else has training and their doing ok ( errm look at all the data quality issues you have morons )
and so on and so on
I asked my manager about the business orientation last week. He said the business simply hasn't got time to facilitate me spending time in other departments.
This has usually been the first thing I have done in new roles before.
Also, I asked him about my probation form. Again, he said he hasn't had time to look at it. Erm, he spends all day sat at his desk distributing pointless spreadsheets detailing who is using which room for system training.
This place is odd. The only thing I don't want to happen is the new system go live, and everyone starts relying on me for support issues. I shall firmly stand my ground though. Glad I have had a dialogue going with the HR director.
SystemParanoia said:
ah-ha .. number 4 on the list it is then sir
I've just found out that I'm only being included on some training tomorrow as a 'secondary' option. My manager was talking to my colleague (who sits next to him) and said 'I've included funkyrobot as a secondary option.'
So, the training wasn't even really for me, but he's chucked me on it to cover his ass. He then went rambling on about how him and her (my colleague) will have to cover helpdesk while I am away.
Right, so he never does anything on it anyway, and she doesn't either as she is always in 'training' on the new system. Hilarious.
elanfan said:
Is he banging her?
Don't know.He blatantly loves her. He is well into his fifties though with children spread around the country, and he has a rock band. She is a quiet, 30 odd year old with a mechanic boyfriend. He definitely talks to her a lot. She doesn't seem too interested.
Orientation training always has to fit around the actual job. If you can get your work done and do this at the same time and your manager is agreeable just arrange it yourself. Book 30 mins slots with specific people and make it happen yourself.
When I started my current job my line manager is +8 hrs time difference. The stakeholders and people I wanted to meet are dotted around the world. Network, make connections and get it done.
Your objective is not for your manager to arrange meetings but for you to learn the business and make the right connections.
When I started my current job my line manager is +8 hrs time difference. The stakeholders and people I wanted to meet are dotted around the world. Network, make connections and get it done.
Your objective is not for your manager to arrange meetings but for you to learn the business and make the right connections.
edc said:
Orientation training always has to fit around the actual job. If you can get your work done and do this at the same time and your manager is agreeable just arrange it yourself. Book 30 mins slots with specific people and make it happen yourself.
When I started my current job my line manager is +8 hrs time difference. The stakeholders and people I wanted to meet are dotted around the world. Network, make connections and get it done.
Your objective is not for your manager to arrange meetings but for you to learn the business and make the right connections.
Tried that months ago. When I started my current job my line manager is +8 hrs time difference. The stakeholders and people I wanted to meet are dotted around the world. Network, make connections and get it done.
Your objective is not for your manager to arrange meetings but for you to learn the business and make the right connections.
He wants to arrange all of my department visits, despite me saying I would do it myself.
I even knocked up a timetable and approached managers of the relevant areas. When my manager got wind of it, he told me he needed to arrange my time.
funkyrobot said:
I am noticing that it is very, very hard to find a boss who isn't an ass, really. I don't think it's me, as the companies I have worked for think I do a really good job.
If I had a penny for every time I hear this!Many of these 'bosses' are what some would call 'accidental managers', resulting in claims such as yours.
The good news is, they're not in the majority (although I know some who would disagree with me when you look at their experiences!).
One option, as another poster has mentioned, is to learn as much as you can from the bad ones as you do from the good ones and make sure you don't repeat the bad behaviours when you become privelaged to lead others.
Good luck!
rog007 said:
If I had a penny for every time I hear this!
Many of these 'bosses' are what some would call 'accidental managers', resulting in claims such as yours.
The good news is, they're not in the majority (although I know some who would disagree with me when you look at their experiences!).
One option, as another poster has mentioned, is to learn as much as you can from the bad ones as you do from the good ones and make sure you don't repeat the bad behaviours when you become privelaged to lead others.
Good luck!
Thanks. If I were to ever manage people (not that I plan to or even consider myself qualified to do so), I would definitely reflect back on my previous experiences.Many of these 'bosses' are what some would call 'accidental managers', resulting in claims such as yours.
The good news is, they're not in the majority (although I know some who would disagree with me when you look at their experiences!).
One option, as another poster has mentioned, is to learn as much as you can from the bad ones as you do from the good ones and make sure you don't repeat the bad behaviours when you become privelaged to lead others.
Good luck!
Just a quick update to my situation. HR want a meeting with me and my manager on Monday. Apparently, he has form for not managing people properly and they want to nip this in the bud now. The HR director whom I have a dialogue with has got fed up with the way I am being treated and wants to sort it out.
I know full well that this means my manager could become even more of a bugger with me. However, I have been feeling quite down at work the last few weeks, so I want something sorting out. I'm fully prepared to do anything requested of me, as long as I have the right support and am given the right opportunities.
We are a week away from the new system launch and my involvement so far is still four one hour sessions. I have started report writing on the system, but due to my lack of time with it, it's proving to be quite difficult.
Oh yes, finally got my probation stuff sorted this week. HR lady gave my manager a kick up the bum as he had sat on my paperwork for over a month. He then got quite funny with me and tried to force me to sign it, even though I didn't agree with some of the stuff he included in it (basically saying I would be a full support champion of the new system by 27th November). Apparently, he shouldn't have done this and shouldn't have backdated my paperwork to over a month ago either.
Nervous about Monday, but I want things sorting so I can finally get stuck into this role.
Quick update. Had the meeting a few Monday's ago. HR director said we need to implement a weekly one to one (me and my manager). Been trying to set that up.
As expected, he bull pooped the whole way through the meeting. I came out of it wondering why I even bothered.
Fast forward to today. I have come back into work from some annual leave to a big pile of stuff left from yesterday, and the day before. As I walked in a colleague said to me 'you may need to be off sick today'.
Unbeknown to me, my manager gave my colleague (the other person who now supports the systems) some leave yesterday. He then failed to pick up or address any of the calls that came in himself. So, I walked in this morning to a big old poop storm.
Needless to say, nothing has changed here, and with a recent department shake up, things seem to have become worse. I'm evaluating what to do after Christmas as I can't see myself lasting much longer than the new year here.
Fortunately, I have savings, so can walk and have a bit of a cushion before finding something else. Thing is, this time, I don't really want to walk without them pushing. Will see how the next few weeks pan out.
As expected, he bull pooped the whole way through the meeting. I came out of it wondering why I even bothered.
Fast forward to today. I have come back into work from some annual leave to a big pile of stuff left from yesterday, and the day before. As I walked in a colleague said to me 'you may need to be off sick today'.
Unbeknown to me, my manager gave my colleague (the other person who now supports the systems) some leave yesterday. He then failed to pick up or address any of the calls that came in himself. So, I walked in this morning to a big old poop storm.
Needless to say, nothing has changed here, and with a recent department shake up, things seem to have become worse. I'm evaluating what to do after Christmas as I can't see myself lasting much longer than the new year here.
Fortunately, I have savings, so can walk and have a bit of a cushion before finding something else. Thing is, this time, I don't really want to walk without them pushing. Will see how the next few weeks pan out.
Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff