Taking an opportunity and leaping out of comfort zone

[funkyrobot]

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.

[funkyrobot]

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.

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.

[funkyrobot]

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.

[funkyrobot]

Panic stations now with under three weeks to go. I've been asked to sit in some meetings and document everything I know.

I thought my senior colleague knew everything.

I've also been informed that there are still no suitable candidates for my job.

[funkyrobot]

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.

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.

[funkyrobot]

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.

[funkyrobot]

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.

[funkyrobot]

If my new job goes well, there may be an opportunity to do that.

I'm the only person being employed at the new company for the moment. Shame really.

[funkyrobot]

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.

[funkyrobot]

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?

Love the phone idea.

[funkyrobot]

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.

[funkyrobot]

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 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.

[funkyrobot]

illmonkey said:

You're not me are you, apart from the lanky part!

I'd love to rip into the people I work with, but there is no point. I've made my feelings very clear to HR and one of the directors, whom don't disagree with me. It started off so well here, and my bosses ego has taken over.

I've enjoyed my job here and I actually care for the business, I've offered to have a longer notice period as my job is quite specific, and I keep telling other managers to ensure they soak up as much from me as possible. I just can't stand the people in my department, either ego-maniacs or wet blankets!

The problem is, no one (even the higher ups) will do anything about it. Multiple complaints about my manager from 3 different employees over the last few years to HR, nothing. Well, I'm off, I'm better than this.

Wow. Your situation sounds just like mine, but you are a shorter person.

I've been through HR and the directors. Nothing has changed. If anything, my manager (who now thinks he is the most important person in the whole company) has become even more arrogant over the years.

Above me in the dept are one manager and two assistant (sub) managers. All of them are the same and think the company owes them something. All of them had the jobs created for them without any internal or external advertising or recruiting. They simply came to work one morning and were promoted to positions that had never existed before.

I've had no end of problems with them over the years. I've been verbally abused and treated like dirt, constantly been told that I need to work harder (even though I have been carrying the dept) and seen the senior staff get glory, pay rises and crazy benefits even though they do nothing. They break things, have terrible social skills, get constantly told by the department head that they are amazing and I've had enough. I had originally had enough a year and a half ago, but no opportunity arose until now.

As someone who has independent thought processes and will question things that are silly, I don't really fit in here.

I did enjoy the job and I enjoyed working with others in the company who care. However, people like this are rare and are becoming even more thinned out.

I still don't know how the company exists. They have no proper H&S, they have no proper HR, they don't seem to have inspections like other companies, the audits done here don't seem thorough and the culture of harassment and bullying is bizarre.

Although I am incredibly nervous about the new job, the leap had to be taken.

You are better than them and I'm better than the people I work with here. That's why I'm going because they simply wouldn't function anywhere else.

Interestingly, I still haven't heard a thing about my latest review paperwork. I was badgered and badgered to get it signed. Before I did, I changed things to reflect the truth. All of a sudden the badgering has stopped.

[funkyrobot]

illmonkey said:

Wow, you sounds jus.... Ok, we could do this for days

I'm glad it's not just me, clearly there are a lot of crappy business out there, and that's what scares me about going for an other job, rather than self employed.

Oh well, I'm looking forward to walking out, having a few weeks rest before getting stuck back in!

Oh yes.

I'm out of here tomorrow and in the new place on Monday. Only have a long weekend in-between.

[funkyrobot]

Pferdestarke said:

An interesting read and I really hope the new job is a success. I'm sure it will be as you'll work just as hard as you have done over the last six years but this time for people who appreciate it.

One little bit of advice before you start: try to relax a little. The new role that was a on the horizon is now just around the corner, and your treatment within such a culture will have had an effect on how you interact with colleagues and the way in which you fulfil your remit.

Think of it as being in a bad relationship for six years and carrying that baggage in to a fresh one and letting it affect how things progress.

It'd be a shame to allow their poor treatment of you to continue to have an impact in the future. Sometimes when you've had a hard time of it, you become very analytical and almost paranoid. Take a little time. Do some of your favourite things. Celebrate with some friends. Then start afresh.

Well done on landing the new job!

Very good advice, thanks a lot.

It's interesting what you say about carrying baggage across to the new role. The best thing I can do is try to stop the old job affecting the new. I will try my hardest to do this. It's all I can do and is far better than telling certain people to get lost tomorrow.

I shall indeed be relaxing. Have Friday and Saturday away with my fiancee as it's my birthday. Sunday will be nice as we are decorating and preparing a bedroom for our new baby which is due in October.

It's a big fresh start with new people and I need to treat it as that.

Oh yes. I was approached by a senior manager yesterday when away from the office on another part of our site. He walked up to me, said his goodbyes and took my hand a shook it. He thanked me for all of the hard work I have done over the last six years. He told me to get my head down in the new role like I have done here in the past. He then looked at me, winked and said you will be fine.

That look and little moment meant a lot to me as it told me so, so much. Here was a very senior manager who has nothing to do with my current dept showing me he knows how much I have done for this company. Made me feel quite good about myself.

Anyway, I need more thoughts like this as it is quite nice.

Don't worry Pferdestarke, I'll be as cool and calm as I can be come Monday morning.

[funkyrobot]

Another update. Sorry.

Just got summoned to the manager's office. He doesn't agree with most of my review comments, but he will file it as it is. It should be signed by both of us, but he hasn't asked me to do that.

Along with the appraisal, I was asked a barrage of questions about the new job. I was asked what work I'll be doing, who will I be working with, who the suppliers etc are for the company and other things. I spoke only to confirm that I am doing projects. The rest is none of his business, so I didn't respond.

He then kept talking about how I'm going to have to do this and that in the new job. He mentioned that the reason I am going is partly my fault. Eh? He followed that up with lots of rubbish about me coming back here, the door always being opened etc. I think he wanted me to say I was making a mistake and can I change my mind.

This was followed by points about me not paying attention in meetings etc and what people think of me. Interestingly, he noticed that I didn't want to say much to him then and tried to say that if I kept doing that, people at the new job wouldn't respect my opinion etc. All a load of twaddle really.

During the chat, I had a really invigorating moment where I realised that he cannot tell me anything. I have nothing to learn from him and there is simply nothing he can say that will help me in any way. I just looked at him and he soon understood that the conversation was a complete waste of time.

His final question was do I have anything at all to say to him? Anything to get off my chest? Any comments about leaving etc? Anything at all?

I sat for a second, said 'yes' and his face lit up. It soon returned to a look of puzzlement and a fake smile when I followed up with 'how long do I have to be here tomorrow?'



Oh yes, he was seen hanging around HR a few hours ago. That will be interesting as the person who I had my exit interview with shouldn't tell him anything directly. It is supposed to go through her senior HR colleague first (who will decide what is fed back). She is away on holiday for another week.

[funkyrobot]

Thanks Tyre, will do.

I love that parting comment.

[funkyrobot]

Last day today.

In the office now. Really hoping I can be let out early.

Nervous.

[funkyrobot]

Tyre Tread said:

No reason for you to be nervous. They're the ones with the mountain to climb ahead and you hold all the cards bar one - a reference.
Stay calm, smile A LOT (it will unnerve them), and say good morning in a bright and breezy way to everyone.

Have a great day and don't look back as you walk out the door.

Thanks. I'm already smiling.

I'm hoping to get away at lunchtime. That will be really nice as my fiancee is off work today.

Edited to add - references were done weeks ago.

Edited by funkyrobot on Thursday 17th July 08:45

[funkyrobot]

Tyre Tread said:

Whistle a lot. It will really mess with their heads

It's like someone is looking down on me. The main work site connection has killed itself today. The people who usually look smug are very, very quiet.