On secondment but constantly asked to go back and "help"

[masteryoda]

Hi guys,

I was a management accountant with quite a bit of experience in my organisation. I took a secondment to a project where we're implementing a new finacnial package.

I spent 3 months handing over my knowledge to a team of 3 + a new replacement for me. Unfortuntely the way my place works is they don't get new people in until you're about to leave, so I only had about 2 weeks to train the new guy. He left after 6 weeks into the job.

Bearing in mind i have spent 3 months training, now 2 more months down the line I am constantly being asked to go back and help out and I mean for days, as they still haven't found a replacement for the guy that left. I have a full time job to do on project, but unfortunely our project manager left the day before I fomrally started and we've been without a leader for the last couple of months.

We are currently being managed by the person that manages business as usual so I'm having to do as I am told, but am conscious that my project work will slip if I continue not to be there!

I signed a contract for the secondment, how can I stop this happening - I like to be helpful but this is beyond helpful and annoying as I can see the whole situation with finding replacements is mis managed.

Thanks,
Matt

[rog007]

I would of course suggest speaking to the respective heads of each bit and talk it through; it would be hard to imagine not coming up with some options if that discussion was to be had. I suspect each option may be a compromise from the ideal, but unless you return to you initial role and leave the secondment behind, I suspect you are where you are, clearly a (too?) valuable employee! Good luck !